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49ers vs. Texans: The good, bad and ugly from San Francisco in Week 14

By Peter Panacy

HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 10: T.J. Yates #2 of the Houston Texans looks for a receiver as DeForest Buckner #99 of the San Francisco 49ers closes in at NRG Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 10: T.J. Yates #2 of the Houston Texans looks for a receiver as DeForest Buckner #99 of the San Francisco 49ers closes in at NRG Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 10: DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Houston Texans catches a touchdown pass defended by Dontae Johnson #36 of the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter at NRG Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 10: DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Houston Texans catches a touchdown pass defended by Dontae Johnson #36 of the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter at NRG Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

The Ugly

Despite the win in Week 14, we still saw a number of the same issues that have plagued the 49ers almost all season.

There were drops, penalties and some general miscommunication on offense. Some of those false starts and illegal formations are sure frustrating.

Penalties

Once again, the 49ers were in double digits for penalties accepted — 11 for a total of 87 yards.

Among the most frustrating are the illegal shifts, motions and formations we’ve so often seen from head coach Kyle Shanahan’s squad this season. Fortunately, having an effective quarterback under center has somewhat negated the problematic impact. But remember, bad teams can’t afford the plethora of mistakes like these. And if the 49ers lost this game, we could easily point to penalties being a primary reason why.

San Francisco now sits at No. 2 in total penalties against (104), which is still a good deal behind the Seattle Seahawks’ 120.

Cornerback Dontae Johnson

Veteran corner Dontae Johnson might want to forget Week 14.

Johnson was a regular victim of Texans top receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who finished the game with 11 receptions for 149 yards and two touchdowns, mostly against Johnson. At one point, Johnson’s only answer was to interfere with Johnson, which probably led to him being benched in favor of backup corner Greg Mabin in the second half.

More from Niner Noise

Pro Football Focus had more on Johnson’s forgettable performance:

"Dontae Johnson suffered at the hands of Hopkins. In total, he gave up 140 yards on nine catches (ten targets) and a touchdown. Those were only the plays that counted, however. Johnson was flagged three times in coverage, and resorting to fouls was really his only option. It could have been worse for Johnson, but he was benched before it could get too ugly and the 49ers’ defense improved as a result. He’s best off viewing his matchup with Hopkins as a learning experience."

It’s likely Johnson returns to the starting lineup next week, although it’s safe to say the Niners would like an upgrade here this offseason.

Next: 49ers vs. Texans: Grading San Francisco's efforts in Week 14

Fortunately, though, Johnson’s performance didn’t get in the way of San Francisco finding its third win of the season and boasting its first winning streak since 2014.