Texans 1st drive (3 plays, 5 yards, 2:18) — Houston goes with a run to RB Rex Burkhead that loses four yards. What a great way to produce a three-and-out, and a great way to start the game.
49ers 1st drive (3 plays, 6 yards, 1:52) — The Texans defense does a good job of corralling QB Trey Lance on a third-and-9 to ensure he doesn’t pick up any substantial yardage on third-and-10 from the San Francisco 22-yard line. DE Jacob Martin was pressuring him from the backside to encourage the scramble.
Texans 2nd drive (3 plays, 8 yards, 2:06) — Houston goes with a run to Burkhead again, but this time it picks up six yards on first down. It still goes nowhere as the Texans run a weird option for QB Davis Mills on third-and-1 from the 49ers’ 44-yard line that loses a yard as Burkhead is met in the backfield.
49ers 2nd drive (8 plays, 30 yards, 4:22) — The 49ers find ways to get the ball in their playmakers’ hands, whether by hook or by crook. TE George Kittle actually had a carry for six yards to move the sticks. However, S Justin Reid made some key tackles, including on a fourth-and-1 taking down RB Elijah Mitchell at the Texans’ 48-yard line. Turnover on downs.
Texans 3rd drive (5 plays, 9 yards, 2:04) — The Texans pick up their initial first down of the game after two consecutive runs, one to Burkhead, the second to RB Royce Freeman. The Texans find themselves in a third-and-12 from the 49ers’ 43-yard line but aren’t able to convert. Houston punts again.
49ers 3rd drive () — San Francisco picks up three first downs to get them out of the shadow of their own goal post. Will have first-and-10 at their own 42 to start the second quarter.