49ers vs. Texans: Full Week 14 preview for San Francisco

Offensive & Defensive X-Factors for San Francisco

Continue the chemistry with Goodwin and Taylor

Easily one of the components of last week’s game against the Bears that stood out the most was the rapport between Garoppolo, Goodwin and Taylor. Goodwin put together one of his most productive games this season, finishing with eight receptions for 99 yards.

The speedy wide receiver represents a deep threat the 49ers rarely have had in the past, and it is starting to show in the scheme opposing defenses present.

Cushioned coverage and a triple-team — that is what the Bears ran in response to Goodwin. This provides opportunities for Garoppolo.

With Taylor in the slot, the rookie represents a first down threat. The shifty pass-catcher can turn a 10-yard gain into a 30-yard gain in an instant. Only one of Taylor’s six receptions in Week 13 did not result in a first down.

The two combined now offer genuine fear to the defenses they face.

Make Tom Savage beat you

There just is not any way around it — the Texans struggle mightily with Savage under center. When teams make Savage beat them, it ends up working in their favor.

In Houston’s lone win with Savage as starter, it was also the only time the team has rushed for 100 yards (Week 11). In every other game, the Texans have failed to top 100 yards rushing and have lost all of those games.

Focus in on running back LaMar Miller. Make him the focal point of the game plan, so then it is on Savage to produce. Load the box up and dare Houston to pass it. Only when the rushing attack was effective have the Texans won with Savage.

Yes, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is one of the best in the league. But it has been shown this season that it is not enough to result in a win.