The Houston Texans may be without All-Pro defensive end J.J. Watt, but San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan still has to deal with linebacker Jadeveon Clowney when the two teams meet up on Sunday at NRG Stadium. Clowney, who was the first-overall pick in the 2014 draft, stands out to Shanahan when he watches film of the Texans defense, according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.
"He's an issue," Shanahan said via McClain. "He plays violent. He's an athlete. They move him all over. I hadn't seen him on tape for a while, and watching him Monday, to be honest, it wasn't very fun to watch him.
"You get excited hearing that J.J.'s (Watt) not in there, which, thank goodness, he's not, but Clowney is. I think he's really come through, and he's lived up to the expectations that everybody's wanted him to."
Clowney leads the Texans with nine sacks, 18 tackles for loss, and 13 quarterback hits.
Shanahan, who coached the Texans' receivers and quarterbacks from 2006 through 2007 before being promoted to offensive coordinator in 2008, spoke on Wednesday of his time in Houston.
"I loved my time in Houston," Shanahan said. "I went to school in Austin, so I've always loved the state of Texas. Going down to Houston, lots of good people. Very down to earth people. Great food out there. I miss the Tex-Mex the most and the queso ... That was my first time as a position coach, got to be a receiver coach there and then a quarterback coach, and my first two years as a coordinator. Back then I didn't have as many scars. Everything went pretty good.
"In my two years as a coordinator, it went real well. Had a lot of good memories from there. I've left and gone to a bunch of different places. Had to do different things. Houston's a good city, a good football town. It's a good organization."
Poll
How many touchdowns will Jimmy Garoppolo throw against the Texans?
Pro Football Focus (PFF) analyst Trevor Sikkema recently ranked all eight NFL divisions, placing the NFC West in third place, behind only the NFC North and AFC West. The San Francisco 49ers finished last in the NFC West last season, but injuries played a significant role in...
Schefter: Despite favorable schedule, 49ers face major hurdles in 2025
By David Bonilla
May 16
The San Francisco 49ers enter the 2025 season with the easiest schedule in the NFL, based on their opponents' 2024 winning percentages, creating hope for a rebound after last season's disappointing 6-11 finish. However, the team underwent a massive offseason roster overhaul,...
Albert Breer reveals key details about 49ers QB Brock Purdy's new contract
By David Bonilla
May 19
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has secured his financial future, agreeing to a five-year, $265 million contract extension. The deal reportedly includes $181 million in total guarantees, with $100 million fully guaranteed. The former final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft...
Brock Purdy Deal: I Didn't Panic, and Neither Did the 49ers
By Jack Stewart
May 19
The Faithful have experienced considerable contract stress throughout general manager John Lynch's tenure. Yes, deals get done, contracts get signed, holdouts are relatively short, and there has never been bad blood between the players and management.
That said, we have all...