Texans Handle the 49ers with a Strong Two-Way Performance
The Houston Texans got back into the win column Sunday afternoon, as they secured a 26–15 victory over the 49ers at NRG Stadium. From the opening drive, the Texans from the opening drive, the Texans set the tone on both sides of the ball, controlling the clock, putting together long drives that kept the 49ers defense on the field for most of the first quarter. Ka’imi Fairbairn opened the scoring with a 33-yard field goal, which was the first opening-drive score allowed by the 49ers defense this season. Later in the quarter, Woody Marks broke free for a 50-yard run to help the Texans build early momentum and keep the 49ers on their toes. The first quarter belonged entirely to Houston, as they dominated possession and forced the 49ers to play from behind early.
Houston’s defense continued to show why they are one of the league’s best defensive teams, forcing multiple three-and-outs in the second quarter while limiting San Francisco’s offense to short gains. C.J. Stroud found rookie Jayden Higgins for a short touchdown, giving the Texans their first touchdown of the game, and extending the lead 13–0. Fairbairn remained perfect on the day, adding two additional field goals, making it 16–0 just before the 49ers finally got on the board with a late touchdown from Mac Jones to George Kittle before halftime. Stroud finished the half 21-of-26 for 235 yards with one interception, putting together one of his most efficient halves of the season.
In the second half, C.J. Stroud and the Texans offense picked up where they left off. Stroud threw a deep 30-yard touchdown pass to Xavier Hutchinson in the third quarter to increase the lead, while the defense continued to make life difficult for Jones. San Francisco responded with another touchdown and a two-point conversion to cut the deficit, but the Texans defense quickly responded, keeping the 49ers from gaining any rhythm. The pass rush was active all game, with Derek Barnett sacking Mac Jones. Still, the 49ers didn’t quit as Jones threw a 25 yard pass to Jauan Jennings at the 2 yard line, and ultimately getting a touchdown in an attempt to get closer to the Texans.
The Texans finally sealed the game in the fourth quarter with a strong defensive performance and reliable kicking from Fairbairn. Woody Marks continued his impressive day on the ground with a 23-yard run to set up another field goal, pushing the lead to 26–15. Kamari Lassiter made one of the biggest plays of the game, intercepting a deep pass from Jones with two minutes left to end any hope of a 49ers comeback. Will Anderson added a sack of his own in the final seconds as the Texans secured the win, improving to 3–4 on the season. Houston will travel to Denver next week to face the Broncos.
