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49ers 2009 opponent breakdown: Houston Texans (Week 7)
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Andre Johnson might be the best receiver in the NFL.
(AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
After a Week 6 bye, the 49ers head down to Texas to face the Houston Texans. The Texans have finished 8-8 in the past two seasons in a very tough AFC South division.
Some predictions say that the Texans could end up winning their division with the potential talent they have on the roster. But let's take a look at what the Texans will bring to the game.
2008 Record: 8-8 (3rd AFC South)
Last meeting: 1/1/06 @ San Francisco (49ers win 20-17)
2009 schedule: Week 7 @ Houston
Top 3 best players: WR Andre Johnson, DE Mario Williams, LB Demeco Ryans
Notable draft picks: LB Brian Cushing, DE Connor Barwin
Notable new acquisitions: QB Dan Orlovsky, LB Cato June, QB Rex Grossman, DT Shaun Cody, DE Antonio Smith
Notable losses: TE Courtney Anderson, S Will Demps, QB Sage Rosenfels, RB Ahman Green
In this Week 7 battle, the Texans will display a very high-octane offense. Their rising star is wide receiver Andre Johnson. His 2008 season featured 115 catches (nearly double of Kevin Walter's 60 catches) and eight touchdowns.
His threat on offense (especially with his size and speed), the 49ers will have a lot on their plate on defense. And if that's not enough, tight end Owen Daniels has been a solid target for quarterback Matt Shaub. Daniels had 63 catches in 2007 and 70 catches last year.
That works perfectly for Shaub who is entering his third season with the Texans. The offense's passing game is very versatile and their running attack looks to be getting stronger. With the departure of Ahman Green, running back Steve Slaton can embrace his role as the team's star back. And backup running back Chris Brown looks to resurrect his role as a running back after missing all of last season. The second-string running back spot will be a battle between Brown and Ryan Moats.
The Texans defense is filled with tackling machines. They drafted a stud linebacker in Brian Cushing who figures to end up on the strongside at linebacker. Right next to him is Demeco Ryans. Ryans has become one of the game's best linebackers. He has a great nose for the ball and anything that crosses his path usually doesn't get very far.
That pressure from the middle of the defense will be a lot to handle. But the biggest threat on defense is former #1 pick Mario Williams. After a subpar rookie year, Williams has collected 26 sacks over the past two seasons. His strength and speed to break the opposition's pocket has been his best skill since coming into the league. And for the 49ers offensive line that gave up over 59 sacks last year, Williams will most definitely be a handful for the 49ers. And newly signed defensive end Antonio Smith will also be someone the 49ers must keep an eye out for.
The 49ers offense must be able to avoid a clutter at the line of scrimmage with the aforementioned players. Their best chance is to establish a great passing game early to open up the field for the rushing attack. But the Texans are battle tested after two very promising seasons in the AFC South.
The biggest matchup may just be Andre Johnson and 49ers cornerback Nate Clements. Clements was signed by the 49ers to be that stopper to the best wide receivers in the league. The 49ers hope that if they can at least contain Johnson, which would force the Texans to rely on some short passes down the middle.
Running back Steve Slaton might just be the x-factor in this game. Entering his second year in the league, he still provides a lot of potential for the Texans. The 49ers might have enough to keep up with the Texans, but the experience of battling through the AFC South has made the Texans one of the biggest teams to watch out for this year. The experienced Texans should be able to take this game.
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