Official Texans @ Bengals Game Thread, 10/18/2009

[Keith]

http://www.inthebullseye.com/archive/2009/20091018.html

The Bengals may not prove to be a great team, but they were 4-1 and playing at home, brimming with confidence of having come from behind in three of their wins.

I think they may have been caught taking the Texans for granted a little bit, but this was a well-earned road win for sure against what ought to be a team fighting (against the Texans?? please?) for a wild card position.

A terrific win, an important win, but the Texans need to follow it up with a win next week to keep the momentum moving in the right direction.

[Nconroe]

Yes, that was a nice team win on offense and defense, perhaps what we were hoping to see in all the games. If we can play this consistently well, or even improve, we should continue to do well. Cincy was supposed to be a physical team, the kind that has historically given Texans trouble, and we dished it out and played just as physical, very nice to see. OL got out on the blocks on runs and held their own pretty well on pass plays. DL stopped the run and secondary prevented the big passes pretty well. And Cushing, what a bunch of big plays.

[popanot]

Damn... Amazing what utilizing a screen pass to one of your fastest, most elusive players can do. Now if Slaton can just figure out how to hold onto the damn ball! On D', what a game by Cushing. He's becoming one of the best LB's in the league, let alone the best defensive player on this team. I had my doubts at first along with a lot of people, but anyone still questioning that pick should probably tone it down at this point.

[cadams]

this was a great game to watch, but also frustrating. if they had played like this all season we would be getting ready to go watch a 5-1, or 4-2 at worst, team this week against the niners. that said, if they can actually show some consistency, they should be 5-3 going into the indy game in three weeks.

[kravix]

The announcers on the TV broadcast said the HC of the Bengals had been in the Texans playbook all offseason, trying to copy some of the plays etc..

I wonder if the def was getting some of the same looks they were used to getting in training camp and we able to react better to it.

[NBT]

Schaub has had 3 straight 300+ yds passing. The Oline is blocking very well for the pass now, so Schaub is getting the time to find second and 3rd receivers. Amazing how the often vilified screen has come alive for us.

[nunusguy]

Gone over the weekend visiting family out of state and didn't get to watch the game Sunday, but watched my U-Verse recording today after returning home to Houston(U-Verse is so superior to Comcast, not even close !), and yea this was definitely our best game.
My wife (a "Native Texan"), was complaining about the Texans' coverage by the ABC combo of Cross & Criqui until Cross compared AJ to his former teammate with the 49ers who also wore # 80. We get our share of cred.
Cushings interception was truly spectacular and more importantly timely and he played well, but no way he was the best LB on the field Sunday. Just the same, nice that he got a game ball because I know DeMecos the consummate team player and if the Texans win he's happy no matter who gets the most attention.