The San Francisco 49ers are gearing up for a critical matchup against the Houston Texans, with head coach Kyle Shanahan offering insights into quarterback Mac Jones’ game plan against one of the NFL’s most formidable defenses.

Shanahan knows the challenge ahead is significant. The Texans’ defensive unit has been impressive this season, allowing just 274.2 yards per game and ranking fourth in the league. Their pass defense is particularly stingy, surrendering only 179 yards per game, positioning them among the top five defensive teams.

The coach emphasized the importance of Jones’ strategic approach. “You have to make sure he’s able to get rid of the ball quickly and be conscious of his depth,” Shanahan explained. With Jones having been sacked 12 times this season, minimizing pressure will be crucial.

The game plan revolves around quick decision-making and ball protection. Shanahan stressed that when the pocket collapses - which is likely against Houston’s aggressive defense - Jones must prioritize avoiding turnovers. “Get an incomplete pass in the worst-case scenario, but protect the ball,” he advised.

Jones is coming off a strong performance against the Atlanta Falcons, which gives the 49ers confidence heading into this challenging encounter. The quarterback will need to leverage the offensive line’s strength and exploit any potential weaknesses in the Texans’ seemingly impenetrable defensive scheme.

The matchup represents more than just another game; it’s a test of strategic adaptability and quarterback resilience. For Jones, successfully navigating Houston’s defensive maze could be a defining moment in his season with the 49ers.

As kickoff approaches, all eyes will be on how Jones and the offensive unit execute Shanahan’s carefully crafted game plan against a defense that has already established itself as a formidable force in the 2025 NFL season.