Biggest worry? Slowing Andre Johnson

For all the talk about the 49ers new guy, the most significant receiver on the field Sunday will be in a Houston Texans uniform.

Andre Johnson ranks second in the NFL with 572 receiving yards. He's built like a bear (6-foot-3, 225-pounds) but moves like a hummingbird.

"He can fly," cornerback Nate Clements said.

Clements will be the primary coverage man against Johnson on Sunday. He'll be trying to bounce back from the Atlanta loss in which another speedy receiver, Roddy White, racked up a Falcons franchise record 210 receiving yards.

Clements and the secondary did a much better job against Larry Fitzgerald in the opener, when the Cardinals star totaled 71 yards.

Fitzgerald, like Johnson, is a load (6-3, 217). Can the 49ers use the same game plan Sunday?

"No," Clements said. "If you look at it just based on size and weight, their similar. But they're completely different.

"They both have strength. Larry Fitz has those excellent hands and he likes to jump up. Andre Johnson can flat-out run. He has good hands, as well, but he's on vertical routes."

Since 2006, Johnson averages 101.8 yards per home game. That's by far the highest mark in the NFL during that span. (Fitzgerald is second at 85.5).

Johnson registered his 500th career catch in Week 2, making him the second-fastest receiver ever to reach that milestone. Johnson did in his 88th game; Anquan Boldin needed only 80 games.

(mercurynews.com)