49ers vs. Texans: 5 key matchups to watch in Week 14
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: 49ers’ Marquise Goodwin vs. Texans DBs Kevin Johnson, Andre Hal
Another 49ers beneficiary of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is wide receiver Marquise Goodwin.
Goodwin led all Niners receivers in Week 13 with 99 receiving yards. And it’s clear head coach Kyle Shanahan now trusts him to run more complex routes than the traditional “go” patters and deep-play post routes he was running with former starting QBs Brian Hoyer and C.J. Beathard.
One might guess Shanahan will scheme Goodwin to operate away from the Texans’ top cornerback, Johnathan Joseph, more towards No. 2 corner Kevin Johnson.
Johnson’s coverage grade, per Pro Football Focus, is significantly less than that of Joseph — 35.9 compared to Joseph’s 83.9.
But the way Houston counters this problem is to provide over-the-top help with fourth-year safety Andre Hal, whose 82.9 overall PFF grade is more than enough to suggest he’s having a good season.
Hal is also the best ballhawking defensive back the Texans have, currently leading the team with three interceptions.
Goodwin can still create breakaway separation, but it’s going to involve more than just one-on-one coverage.