Quarterback Davis Mills threw a touchdown and the Houston Texans prevailed 17-0 over the San Francisco 49ers Thursday night in the preseason finale at NRG Stadium.
The Texans close out the exhibition phase with a perfect 3-0 mark.
Mills completed 6-of-10 passing for 58 yards, a touchdown, an interception, took two sacks, and posted a 70.0 passer rating. The second-year quarterback’s lone score of the night was a 16-yard touchdown pass to receiver Chris Moore with 11:31 to go in the third quarter.
After Mills threw a touchdown to Moore, his night, and effectively his preseason, was over.
The Texans offense also showcased fourth-round running back Dameon Pierce on the team’s opening drive. The former Florida rusher scored a 1-yard touchdown to cap off an 11-play, 85-yard drive. Pierce generated 37 yards on six carries.
Houston’s offense posted 17 first downs and 238 yards total offense. The 49ers had 16 first downs with 308 yards total offense. Mills’ interception was the lone turnover for Houston on the evening.
The Texans also lived up to coach Lovie Smith’s mantra of takeaways as cornerback Desmond King intercepted quarterback Nate Sudfeld in the second quarter. Linebacker Jake Hansen picked off Brock Purdy in the fourth quarter.
The Texans’ defensive line generated three sacks against San Francisco. Kurt Hinish, Michael Dwunfour, and Adedayo Odeleye each had a sack against 49ers quarterbacks. Hinish led the team with three tackles for loss while Dwumfour had two.
Second-round safety Jalen Pitre had a fourth-down stop with 11:02 to go in the second quarter. On a fourth-and-2 from the Houston 35, Pitre and defensive end Jonathan Greenard dropped running back Trey Sermon for a 3-yard loss and a turnover on downs.
The Texans open the regular season Sept. 11 against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Houston is 2-0 all-time against their AFC South rivals on Opening Day.
San Francisco opens the season Sept. 11 at the Chicago Bears.
