49ers vs. Texans: 5 key matchups to watch in Week 14
By Peter Panacy
No. 5: 49ers’ Jimmy Garoppolo vs. Texans Pass Defense
Jimmy Garoppolo’s success against the Bears was certainly a good sign. His 26-of-37 mark made for a 70.3-percent completion percentage, which is vastly superior than what Niners fans have seen previously this season.
But will that trend continue against a Texans pass defense amid a hostile environment?
If there’s good news, it’s the fact Houston is allowing an average of 6.9 yards per pass play through the air. That ranks 28th in the NFL, and it provides a great opportunity for Garoppolo to pick up where he left off.
And then there’s this:
Watching tape on Garoppolo & Goodwin...Lot of cushion on the outside vs. #Bears. Respect that speed. Curl, quick out. Accurate throws, too. And the play-action game. Attack the middle of the field in Shanahan’s offense. #49ers
— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) December 6, 2017
Garoppolo attacking the middle of the field likely explains why slot receiver Trent Taylor had 92 receiving yards and a number of key third-down conversions.
Taylor will line up opposite Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (questionable, ribs) who, according to Pro Football Focus, has a lowly 46.1 pass-coverage grade on the season. Better yet for San Francisco, Jackson is allowing opponents’ QBs a passer rating of 123.1 when he covers the slot, per PFF.
That’s an advantage Garoppolo needs to exploit.