The San Francisco 49ers have been a resilient team this season, winning five games despite losing several key players to injuries.
On Sunday, though, San Francisco wasn’t able to overcome some of its issues against the Houston Texans. Houston defeated the 49ers 26-15, controlling the game from start to finish.
The Texans' offense looked the best it has all season, with quarterback C.J. Stroud completing 30 of 39 passes for 318 yards, two touchdowns, and just one interception. The main reason Stroud was able to get in a groove is that the Niners weren’t able to pressure him.
A nonexistent pass rush has been an issue for San Francisco all season, and Sunday’s game was the biggest indicator that the team desperately needs to find pass-rushing help ahead of the trade deadline.
49ers must acquire a pass-rusher ahead of the trade deadline
San Francisco didn’t record a single sack in Sunday’s game, and that was against an offensive line that has struggled this year. While Houston has only allowed 15 sacks on the season, Stroud is usually under heavy pressure. That wasn’t the case against the Niners, and that’s why he was able to pick the San Francisco defense apart.
The lack of pressure has been a trend this season, especially since losing Nick Bosa for the year. Bryce Huff is also currently sidelined, so the 49ers were truly testing their depth on Sunday, and the team failed.
San Francisco needs to make a trade for a pass-rusher if it plans on passing its next test.
With the Nov. 4 trade deadline approaching, time is ticking down on any potential moves, but several veterans throughout the league could still be acquired. From Trey Hendrickson to Jaelan Phillips, there are edge defenders who could make a difference for the 49ers, and it would be a mistake if San Francisco didn’t acquire one of them.