SAN FRANCISCO -- Matt Schaub recovered after throwing an interception on the first play of the game, leading the Houston Texans on scoring drives in each of their next three series in a 30-7 preseason rout of the rebuilding 49ers on Saturday night.
Troy Nolan made two interceptions for new Houston defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, returning the first pick 73 yards for a touchdown to give the Texans 24 consecutive first-half points after they fell behind 7-0.
Schaub enhanced an already impressive preseason, going 16-of-24 passing for 180 yards and one touchdown for the unbeaten Texans (3-0). So far, they look very much like AFC contenders.
Niners quarterback Alex Smith wound up 2-of-6 passing for 17 yards, just 4 more in the air than he lost in two sacks.
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
