The Houston Texans gave fans at NRG Stadium something to be excited about as the lull between the preseason finale and the Sept. 11 season kickoff begins.
On the Texans’ first drive, running back Dameon Pierce scored a 1-yard rushing touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers Thursday night. The fourth-rounder from Florida had a 6.2 yards per carry on the drive as he rushed six times for 37 yards.
Pierce had rushes of nine, 12, and seven on the drive.
The version of the Texans offense fans can expect to see was on the opening drive. It was driven by a strong running game, and opened up quarterback Davis Mills to find receivers. Mills was able to connect with receiver Chris Conley for a 10-yard gain, and also hit receiver Chris Moore for a 19-yard gain to get inside the 49ers’ red zone at the 6-yard line.
Although a defensive pass interference call setup Houston at the 49ers’ 1-yard line, there was no question as to what to do next: punch it in. There weren’t any rollouts or trying to pitch; it was simply up the middle with Pierce.
After the Texans’ first drive, they went into a shell. On the second drive, Mills started out with a 5-yard pass to tight end Brevin Jordan, but Rex Burkhead was the lead back thereafter. Running back Marlon Mack didn’t even see any touches.
Houston’s second through fifth drives were two three-and-outs, an interception, and six-play drive that ended with a punt.
Even though the Texans were setup inside the 49ers’ red zone with a first-and-10 at the San Francisco 19-yard line, the play-calling was still conservative, aside from Mills looking for Moore on third-and-7 from the 49ers’ 16-yard line.
The Texans showed what they needed to on their opening drive, and they quickly shut it down. However, the secret of Pierce may already be known to the rest of the NFL.
