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Winners and losers from 49ers preseason loss to Texans

The 49ers resumed their 2018 exhibition season Saturday with their second game against the Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston.

Kyle Shanahan’s offense came out firing behind quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. The 49ers’ new franchise signal caller looked sharp as he completed 10 of 12 passes for 136 yards with a touchdown and interception in his two possessions.

The first-string defense wasn’t as fortunate. It allowed an opening drive touchdown from the Texans’ offensive starters. The 49ers would go on to succumb to Houston, 16-13, after some  late-game heroics from the Texans’ third-string offense and quarterback Joe Webb, who hit reserve wideout Vyncint Smith for a 41-yard touchdown inside the final minute.

Here are our winners and losers from Saturday’s preseason loss…

Winner: WR Trent Taylor

The fifth-round pick in 2017 missed a large chunk of training camp after minor back surgery during the offseason. Taylor was slowly eased back into action the last two weeks and sat out the 49ers’ exhibition opener against the Cowboys. He played with the starters on Saturday and made an instant impact.

NFL: San Francisco 49ers at Houston Texans

(Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports)

Taylor and Garoppolo established a strong connection during the final five games to close out last season. They picked up where they left off Saturday, connecting twice in two drives, including a touchdown on third down to cap the opening series. Taylor gained separation in the back of the end zone and Garoppolo, buying time in the pocket, slung another sidearm pass to his slot receiver. Taylor finished with two receptions for seven yards. Both catches converted third downs.

Loser: WR Dante Pettis

Pettis narrowly avoided gracing the losers in our last installment. After a bad drop against the Cowboys, the rookie redeemed himself with an impressive reception beating double coverage for a 56-yard gain. But his most notable play on Saturday was a play he didn’t make.

NFL: San Francisco 49ers at Houston Texans

(Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports)

Pettis early in the second quarter tipped a pass from Garoppolo that resulted in an interception as the 49ers approached the red zone. The ball was a tad overthrown, but it looked like a pass Pettis should have reeled it in immediately following Weston Richburg’s costly two-penalty sequence that resulted in a first-and-35. Pettis will need to make those catches to earn Garoppolo’s trust. He finished with two catches for 32 yards.

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