49ers vs. Texans: 5 biggest challenges facing San Francisco in Week 14
By Peter Panacy
No. 5: 49ers’ Red-Zone Offense
San Francisco’s 15-14 win over Chicago was marked by five field goals. That was it.
Going 0-of-5 in the red zone isn’t usually a formula for success, but a scuffling Bears offense afforded the 49ers the opportunity to get by on the leg of kicker Robbie Gould.
On the positive side of things, the Niners efficiently moved the ball with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo under center, getting his first start with his new team.
Like the Bears, the Texans offense has been something of an issue ever since Deshaun Watson’s season-ending knee injury. And while both Chicago and Houston have relatively good defenses, it’s the red zone we should be concerned with here.
According to TeamRankings.com, the Texans are allowing opponents a touchdown 54.3 percent of red-zone drives — 19th best in the NFL. In contrast, the Bears come in with the fifth-best red-zone defense (42.9 percent).
Perhaps this plays into San Francisco’s hands nicely, as the opportunities to turn field goals into touchdowns could be easier.
But that means extended drives, just as much as what the Niners enjoyed in Week 13, leading to our next topic.