Just maybe, this Texans team is different than all the others in the past after all. The Texans have carved out a history of building large leads, only to find a way to give it all back en route to losing the games in the past.

After squandering a 21 point lead and losing all of its momentum, the Texans proved that they are finally taking the necessary steps to become a different team and staved off a furious rally to defeat the San Francisco 49ers 24-21 Sunday.

The 49ers sparked by a sterling second-half performance former starter Alex Smith, who replaced an ineffective Shaun Hill. Smith tossed three second-half touchdowns and nearly pulled-off one of the more improbable comebacks on the season.

The 49ers had pulled to within three and were driving with 1:38 remaining in the game. But Smith made his lone critical decision of the game and was picked off by Texans safety Eugene Robinson to preserve the win.

The Texans started the game sharply and appeared to be on their way to an easy win as Steve Slaton scored twice to help build a 21-0 halftime lead. But as usual, the team appeared to take its foot off the pedal and allowed the 49ers to claw their way back into the game.

But unlike in the past, the team made all the key plays down the stretch to preserve the win.

"I mean obviously, first half went very much our way, the second half—give them a lot of credit, but when the game is on the line we have to find a way to make plays. You know, it's a big win, I'm proud of our guys, the way they played," said head coach Gary Kubiak.

The win was the fourth on the season for the Texans against three losses and is only the second time ever the team has been above the .500 mark after seven games.

Matt Schaub had another banner day for the Texans completing 20 of 30 of his passes for 264 yards and two touchdowns. Tight end Owen Daniels had one of his biggest days as a pro with seven catches for 123 yards and a touchdown.

The lone downer on the day for the Texans was a chest injury to standout receiver Andre Johnson, who was taken to the hospital for observation. Preliminary indications are that he will be OK but will be examined further later during the week. His status for next week’s game at Buffalo against the Bills is uncertain.