HOUSTON -- The San Francisco 49ers lost to the Houston Texans, 16-13, in the second week of the preseason from NRG Stadium. Texans third-string quarterback Joe Webb hit Vyncint Smith for a game-winning, 41-yard touchdown in the final minute of the game. Here's everything you need to know from Saturday night's contest.
1. Jimmy Garoppolo and the starting offense were the highlight of Saturday's contest for the 49ers. The starters played two series and should have scored points on both. An interception off of a tipped pass was the only blemish for Garoppolo and Co. The quarterback completed 10-of-12 passes for 136 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Garoppolo's best throw was a dime down the left sideline to Marquise Goodwin for a 40-yard gain. His touchdown was a 2-yard strike to Trent Taylor in the middle of the end zone. Goodwin finished with three receptions for 61 yards.
2. San Francisco's first-team defense was slow out of the gates for a second straight week. Deshaun Watson and the Texans starting offense carved up the 49ers to answer with an opening drive touchdown of their own. Former 49ers wide receiver Bruce Ellington did most of the damage, catching four passes for 50 yards and a touchdown.
The starting defense remained on the field for one more series against Houston's second stringers. The 49ers were able to get a stop on that drive. Robert Saleh will surely have plenty for his group to work on next week.
3. Speaking of things that could use improvement, San Francisco's run blocking and pass rush were two subpar areas for a second straight week. The 49ers averaged just 3.1 yards per carry. Jeremy McNichols led all 49ers ball carriers with 28 yards on 10 carries. San Francisco's defense mustered just three quarterback hits and zero sacks.
4. The best news from the 49ers standpoint, even more so than the starting offense, was that there weren't many notable injuries. Erik Magnuson left the game with a hamstring injury but that was it. That's a stark contrast from what took place last week against the Dallas Cowboys.
5. C.J. Beathard wasn't particularly sharp. The second-year quarterback completed 10-of-17 passes for 82 yards. He'll look to find a rhythm next weekend against the Indianapolis Colts.
6. Dante Pettis had his share of ups and downs Saturday night. He had a Garoppolo pass bounce off his hands that resulted in an interception. The ball was thrown a little high, but Pettis got both hands on it and could have made the catch. However, we also saw what makes Pettis such an enticing talent.
The rookie took a quick slant for a 20-yard catch-and-run. Pettis also burned his man deep down the right sideline for what would have been an easy 63-yard touchdown, but he was overthrown by Beathard. Finally, Pettis showed a little of his "wiggle" on an 11-yard punt return that looked like it had no business going for more than just a few yards.
7. Joshua Garnett and Jonathan Cooper both made their preseason debuts. Mike Person started at right guard, but Garnett played with the ones during the second drive of the game. Garnett played for most of the first half while Cooper entered the game in the third quarter. It looks as if the 49ers are finally at full strength at the position and the competition should heat up from here on out.
8. Tarvarius Moore and D.J. Reed each showed well against the Texans. Moore made a tackle on kickoff coverage and followed it quickly with a run stop. Later in the second half, Moore dove to break up a pass that led to an Emmanuel Moseley diving interception. Reed's top moment was a 45-yard kick return that gave the 49ers offense great field position.
9. The 49ers defense got a second takeaway, courtesy of D.J. Jones and Fred Warner. Jones forced a fumble of Texans running back Lavon Coleman and Warner recovered the loose ball. Both players showed well. Jones was a menace in the trenches and finished with three tackles. Warner played most of the second and third quarters and racked up five tackles.
10. Nick Mullens found the same magic that propelled the 49ers to a win against the Cowboys. He completed 6-of-7 passes for 87 yards. Four of his six completions came on a go-ahead drive that culminated in a 41-yard field goal from Robbie Gould. The kick would have been a game-winner had it not been for Houston's last-minute touchdown. Mullens' longest completion was a 16-yarder to Aaron Burbridge.
