Defense Shines, Lead Texans to 17-0 Shutout Win Over 49ers
The Houston Texans and San Francisco 49ers faced off on Thursday in part of the 2022 NFL preseason. It was the Texans that came out on top with a 17-0 win to finish preseason play with a 3-0 record.
It was a productive start for the Texans. The defense contained the Niners' offense after five plays on the opening drive, including a pass break up on 3rd & 2 with Steven Nelson containing Trey Lance's deep ball to Deebo Samuel.
Davis Mills led the Texans' opening drive 85 yards down the field for a touchdown. The possession was capped off by Dameon Pierce taking a one-yard run over the goal-line to put the night's first points on the board. Pierce racked up 36 yards on five carries on the drive overall.
The Texans' defense shined for much of the first half — forcing two punts and a turnover on downs during the 49ers' initial three possessions quarterbacked by Lance before his night was over. Lance was held to 49 yards on 7/11 passing.
It didn't take long for the Texans to capitalize when Nate Sudfeld took over as the 49ers quarterback. Desmond King intercepted Sudfeld's third pass attempt and returned it 16 yards to set up Houston's offense in the red-zone. Despite having tremendous field position, the possession was squandered after a pass break up in the end-zone resulted in an interception.
Neither team managed to add more points to the board before the end of the opening half — resulting in the Texans holding a 7-0 lead entering the break.
Mills returned for another series early in the second half. While doing so, he connected with Chris Moore for a 16-yard touchdown to extend the Texans' lead to 14-0. The play required Mills to manipulate the safety on 3rd & Goal from the 49ers' 16 yard-line, which was a strong showcase of talent.
Kyle Allen took over the Texans' offense midway through the third quarter and his first drive finished with a 45-yard field goal — extending Houston's lead to 17-0. After getting sacked for an eight-yard loss on 2nd & 11, he responded with a 12-yard completion on 3rd & 19 for the offense to re-enter field goal range.
Neither team ended up adding more points to the board over the remainder of the game after the Texans' made field goal at the 1:58 mark of the third quarter.
The Texans were led by their impressive defensive execution and work in the running game. Houston finished with 36 carries, 156 rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown, with Marlon Mack and Pierce setting the tone. The defense forced three turnovers by totaling a pair of interceptions and a turnover on downs.
To open the regular season, the Texans will host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Sept. 11, at noon CT at NRG Stadium.
