Golden Nuggets: Shutdown!

The United States government is officially shut down due to lack of a working budget, but that is NOT the kind of shutdown we're looking forward to. The Houston Texans are coming to town and their last game against the Seahawks provided a good preview of what the 49ers are going to have to do to shut down their versatile offense. Hopefully, Patrick Willis will be ready to go, because he will be needed to contain Arian Foster who is a bigger threat in the 2nd level than any back we faced in St. Louis. Matt Schaub is looking to bounce back (Inman), but I am not as worried about him because with pressure and decent coverage, he can be rattled (Branch).

On the offense, Colin Kaepernick and his legs could prove to be key since the Texans' defense showed they are susceptible to being beaten by a mobile quarterback. I wouldn't be surprised if Roman inserts more designed roll-outs to the right like we saw in the game against the Rams, or perhaps a few more QB runs whether read-option or traditional bootleg plays. Combine that with the improved run blocking (Barrows) and Kap and Frank Gore should lead another rushing-heavy attack. But most of all, the 49ers as a team need to cut down on penalties and mental errors (BASG).

The Niners already have home field advantage but are further boosted by the extra rest/preparation days because of the Thursday night game. Under Jim Harbaugh, the 49ers have an excellent record with extra days off (Kawakami). All-in-all, this bodes well since we have key starters who need to heal up, notably Willis and Vernon Davis.

Going Hollywood

This story looks more like it should be on TMZ than here, but this can't be avoided because the guy is a very eligible bachelor. | 49ers Colin Kaepernick rumored to be dating much-older actress (SJ Mercury News)

Patrick Willis got an unscheduled 'day-off' so he had time to be interviewed in-studio. | 49ers' Willis to Cutler: 'Have faith in yourself and rest will fall into place' (CSN Bay Area)

Who's got it better than us?

The 49ers can do some catching up in the 2nd quarter of their schedule. | San Francisco 49ers still on playoff pace (Williamson)

Matt looks back at how the 49ers performed in the 1st quarter of the season. | 49ers endured a lot in first quarter of season (Maiocco)

Evaluating the rest of the team's opponents. | 49ers appear to have a favorable schedule the rest of the way (Inman)

Team notes

The Niners get a bump up and the Denver Broncos finally get their due. | Shutdown Corner NFL Power Rankings; a changing of the guard at the top after Week 4 (Yahoo)

Is Tramaine Brock going up the depth chart? | Nnamdi Asomugha may have lost No. 3 CB job to Tramaine Brock (BASG)

It's official: Levi's Stadium will have seats! | Levi's Stadium taking shape (Williamson)

High on the Hill, was a helpful G.O.A.T, Lay ee odl lay ee odl lay eight-oh! | Jerry Rice willing to help San Francisco 49ers' receivers (Inman)

Time for some NaVorro Bowman love | Morning Tailgate: Bowman Steps Up (Price)

---

Follow @joelvreyes

NN Social Media

Be sure to follow @NinersNation on Twitter as well as on Facebook.

If you're new here, you can register for a free account to participate in the discussion and create your own fanposts here at Niners Nation and across our entire network of 300+ sports blogs.