For over three quarters of the Texans battle with Seattle the game was a one-score affair. And while the outcome was very much in doubt, the Texans had three second-half possessions that reached the 50 or deeper. But in the end, the offense didn't seize momentum and the Texans fell by 20 in a game that was closer than the final score would indicate.

While Houston was shut out in the second half for the third consecutive game of the homestand, the Seahawks put up 17 points, taking control of the afternoon with two TDs in the fourth quarter.

The day began as well as anyone could ask as Davis Mills, getting a start for the first time since Halloween, played a perfect opening drive and hit Brevin Jordan for a five-yard touchdown pass to take the early lead.

After falling behind 10-7, Houston created a first-and-goal in the second quarter inside the one-yard line on a Brandin Cooks catch-and-run. The Texans couldn't get the ball across the goal line and settled for a chip-shot tie.

Later, after a three-and-out inside their ten, the Texans punted, setting up Seattle near midfield where Russell Wilson launched a 55-yard bomb to Tyler Lockett.

The Texans answered with a field goal drive that saw Ka'imi Fairbairn drill a personal and team record 61-yard kick to cut the halftime deficit to three. Houston allowed only a third-quarter field goal before the game slipped away in the fourth.

The plusses were Mills and the passing game, which racked up over 300 yards and looked good early. Brandin Cooks eclipsed the century mark and Jordan caught his third TD of the season. The running game wasn't consistent but the Texans were able to control the clock in the first half with 11 first downs. Christian Kirksey had 10 tackles to lead the defense on a day that saw multiple players leave with injury, including Kamu Grugier-Hill, who has been having a good campaign.

The bottom line is that the Texans went toe-to-toe for most of the afternoon yet came up short as they still have plenty of work to do on second-half execution. There were some things to build on as they head to Jacksonville Sunday in search of a coveted victory.

Watch the Texans take on the Los Angeles Chargers at NRG Stadium on December 26. Kickoff is set for noon CT. Click here for tickets.