Two important keys the Houston Texans can use to beat 49ers

The Houston Texans need to let Davis Mills cook

It’s hard to believe we’re saying this after his 0-7 start to his rookie season and career, but he’s since pulled off two wins and has Houston on a winning streak entering this game. In the last two weeks, Mills is 40/57 for 463 yards and four touchdowns through the air. There would probably be more to that stat line if it wasn’t for Rex Burkhead running wild on the L.A. Chargers.

In order to do that, the offensive line must protect Mills like they’ve been doing the past few weeks. Houston struggled big-time earlier this year by allowing 37 sacks heading into the second matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Since that game, Houston has only allowed two sacks kept Mills upright for most of the day.

A well-performing pass blocking day from Houston will also help the potency of the ground game, and maybe Burkhead can get another 100-yard-plus day on San Francisco. That may be a tough task as the 49ers have only allowed one team to go over the century mark (Seattle) in their last seven games.