Gut Check Time: Houston Texans vs. San Francisco 49ers

This Sunday, the Houston Texans play host to the San Francisco 49ers. Let me rephrase: The Houston Texans have a chance to show they are for real this Sunday against the 49ers.

The Texans have been up and down this season, to say the least. If there was an award for maddening inconsistency, it's clear that Texans would be one of the clubhouse leaders. This has been discussed and dissected over and over this season.

This Sunday, the Texans have a gut-check game. The 49ers are a tough and physical team. They run the ball. They play strong defense.

Historically, the Texans have struggled against teams like this. I'll point to the opener against the Jets and last year's beat-down against Pittsburgh as examples A and B. You and I know there are more examples, but I don't relish bringing up bad memories.

Last week, the Texans played a team that runs the ball and plays tough defense. It's surprising that we're discussing the Bengals as one of those teams, but Cedric Benson has been one of the toughest runners in the NFL this season.

The Bengals have a strong and sturdy offensive line. The defense, led by Mike Zimmer, has been very good. Ordinarily, this would have been a recipe for disaster for the Texans.

But the Texans went into Cincinnati and beat the Bengals. They showed that they could pass the ball and play enough defense to beat a physical team. Making it two wins in a row against similar teams would show the Texans should be taken seriously this season.

Let's take a look at the 49ers. Coach Mike Singletary, a Hall-of-Fame linebacker and all-world tough guy has turned the 49ers into a tough and physical team. He's crafted this team in his image. The 49ers want to run the ball, win the turnover battle, and play smash-mouth defense.

Running back Frank Gore is expected to return this week. He has been one of the top backs in the NFL over the past few seasons. His backup, Glen Coffee, is a downhill runner from Alabama.

Quarterback Shaun Hill isn't likely to win many Pro Bowl berths, but he has only thrown one interception and managed the 49ers well this season. Let's also not lose sight of Michael Crabtree's debut. I don't expect him to be a game-breaker this season, but his talent is undeniable. Tight end Vernon Davis has bought into Singeltary's message and is harnessing his talent.

The San Francisco offensive line is big and physical. Guards David Baas from Michigan and Chilo Rachal from Southern Cal are both maulers. Left tackle Joe Staley is one of the best at his position in either conference.

On defense, inside linebacker Patrick Willis has been compared to Ray Lewis and his coach, Singletary. Without a doubt, Willis has been one of the best players in the league since he was drafted out of Ole Miss. He leads a defense that gives up only 3.3 yards per carry.

Let's also not forget the 49ers play a 3-4 defense. Without bringing up too many painful memories, the Texans have been terrible against 3-4 teams. One could say this is ironic, considering the franchise's first team is 3-4 guru Dom Capers. Those less optimistic could say this is just the latest way in which Capers screwed the Texans.

The Texans can pull more than a few monkeys off their collective backs this weekend.  Hey, A-Rod shouldn't be the only one exorcising demons these days.

The Texans can show they have the ability to win back-to-back games for the first time this season. They can also show they're able to beat a team that runs the ball and plays tough defense. Further, the Texans can show they're not completely flummoxed by 3-4 teams. 

Finally, it's worth noting that the Texans are favored to win. Winning games you're supposed to win is another step in the right direction for the team. Playing with expectations hasn't been a hallmark of the team. Winning this game answers some questions.

Nobody said becoming a playoff team would be easy. This game offers the Texans a chance to show what they're made of. Gut-check time.