The San Francisco 49ers made it back-to-back wins as they defeated the Houston Texans in Week 14, here we look at three takeaways Sunday’s victory.
The San Francisco 49ers recorded back-to-back wins for the first time since 2014 as they defeated the Houston Texans on Sunday.
Jimmy Garoppolo overcame a slow start and the defense produced another strong showing to help the Niners to a 26-16 victory in Week 14.
Here we look at three takeaways as the 49ers made it three wins in four games.
3. Garoppolo delivers the goods again
After his solid performance in the Week 13 win over the Chicago Bears, Garoppolo looked shaky early in his second start and tossed an interception as he rushed a throw under pressure from the excellent Jadeveon Clowney, his overthrown pass intended for Garett Celek landing in the arms of Kareem Jackson.
But he shook off that underwhelming start and from then on produced a largely polished display, consistently delivering the ball accurately with pressure — which largely came from Clowney — in his face. Garoppolo completed 20 of his 33 passes for a career-high 334 yards and a touchdown to go with his interception, spreading the ball effectively around the field.
Though Marquise Goodwin, who had 99 yards against the Bears, was again the favored target as he racked up 106 yards on six catches, the likes of Celek, Kyle Juszczyk, Kendrick Bourne and Aldrick Robinson were all more involved, indicating that Garoppolo is growing more comfortable with both the offense and the weapons around him.
Jimmy G helped the 49ers to their second straight win! pic.twitter.com/jVswIGDrBW
— PFF (@PFF) December 10, 2017
Garoppolo, per Pro Football Focus, averaged 10.12 yards per attempt, had a passer rating when kept clean of 120.9 and a passer rating on play action of 122.2. His adjusted compeltion percentage was 73.3. Those are the numbers of a top-tier starting quarterback and, the more Garoppolo performs like this, the more convinced the 49ers and the NFL will be of his caliber.
2. 49ers need to address receiver and cornerback
San Francisco’s margin of victory could have been greater had the Niners not been forced to settle for field goals on four occasions, continuing to struggle in the red zone. Much of the 49ers’ red zone woes are down to penalties but it is clear they are also lacking a true No. 1 wide receiver who can win down near the goal line. Receiver is a position that will need to be addressed in the offseason, as will cornerback.
More from San Francisco 49ers
- 49ers 7th-round pick turning out to be an absolute NFL Draft steal
- San Francisco 49ers almost did the unthinkable in 2022
- 3 reasons why Trey Lance could be labeled a bust after 2023
- The San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback situation is exhausting
- Sam Darnold could be the diamond in the rough for the 49ers
While Ahkello Witherspoon, who suffered a knee injury in the second half, did a decent job against DeAndre Hopkins, the Texans star wide receiver shredded cornerback Dontae Johnson. Johnson gave up nine catches for 140 yards and a touchdown and was also flagged for penalties three times.
He was eventually benched for rookie Greg Mabin and the 49ers did a better job of keeping Hopkins in check thereafter. However, San Francisco cannot have liabilities in the secondary if they are to build on this strong finish and contend next season. Help in the secondary, be it in free agency or the draft, is an absolute must.
1. Colbert caps off strong defensive day
What was effectively the game-winning play came when rookie safety Adrian Colbert forced a Hopkins fumble on a screen pass and Aaron Lynch recovered. That set up a Gould field goal to give the 49ers a decisive 10-point advantage, and was fitting reward for an impressive defensive showing. Though Hopkins exploded for 149 yards and two touchdowns, the rest of the Texans offense struggled to make an impact.
San Francisco recorded three sacks and was able to get consistent pressure on Tom Savage and his injury replacement T.J. Yates. DeForest Bucker, with seven pressures and a sack according to PFF, was the star for a 49ers’ defensive front that controlled the line of scrimmage in the run game.
Next: NFL Power Rankings: Eagles face tough road ahead
For the third successive week the Niners held their opponents under 100 rushing yards, an impressive streak in a defensive resurgence that is perhaps the most intriguing non-Garoppolo related development for this team.