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The Texans vs. Bengals matchup exposed several familiar problems for Houston. Cincinnati earned a 20-6 victory Sunday at Reliant Stadium as the Texans struggled to run, protect C.J. Stroud and finish drives.
Houston fell to 0-2 for the second consecutive season. The offense failed to score a touchdown despite reaching Bengals territory several times.
Texans vs. Bengals Run Game Disappears
Houston finished with only 60 rushing yards. Its running backs combined for just 18 yards, while Stroud produced much of the total on scrambles.
The Bengals regularly controlled the line of scrimmage. David Montgomery found little space one week after scoring three touchdowns against Buffalo.
The clearest example came during the second quarter. Houston faced fourth-and-inches from Cincinnati’s 18-yard line with the game scoreless.
Offensive coordinator Nick Caley called an inside run for Montgomery. Bengals defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II broke through almost untouched and made the stop for a one-yard loss.
“We got outplayed up front,” coach DeMeco Ryans said. “We couldn’t run the ball well, and that forced us into a lot of passing situations.”
Offensive Line and Play Calling Fall Short
Stroud completed 30 of 55 passes for 353 yards. Those numbers did not produce points because Houston went 0-for-4 inside the red zone.
Protection collapsed late. Cincinnati recorded four sacks during the fourth quarter as Houston attempted to erase a two-score deficit.
On one third down, the Bengals rushed only four defenders. Three reached the backfield quickly, leaving Stroud with little chance to complete the play.
Houston finished 5-for-17 on third downs. The Texans also failed on multiple fourth-down attempts, including another fourth-and-1 late in the game.
Montgomery did not receive a carry during the second half. The growing deficit partly explains that decision, but Houston lost any remaining offensive balance.
The Texans finished five possessions inside Cincinnati’s 40-yard line with only six points. A mishandled field-goal snap and missed 58-yard attempt added to the problems.
Tight Ends Carry Houston’s Passing Game
Houston’s wide receivers provided little production without injured starter Nico Collins. No Texans receiver caught more than three passes or recorded more than 37 yards.
Kayshon Boutte and Xavier Hutchinson each finished with three catches for 37 yards. Jared Wayne added two receptions for 33 yards, while Jaylin Noel caught one pass for 31 yards.
Together, Houston’s wide receivers caught only nine of their 26 targets. They combined for 138 yards and did not score a touchdown.
The tight ends delivered Houston’s most reliable offense. Dalton Schultz caught 12 of 14 targets for a career-high 140 yards.
Foster Moreau added two catches for 34 yards, including a 25-yard reception. Schultz and Moreau combined for 14 catches and 174 yards.
Their production accounted for nearly half of Stroud’s passing total. However, Houston could not turn those completions into touchdowns.
The heavy reliance on tight ends showed how little separation the receivers created. It also allowed Cincinnati to defend Houston’s offense closer to the line of scrimmage.
Defensive Breakdowns Remain Costly
Houston’s defense improved after allowing 36 points against Buffalo. The unit pressured Joe Burrow and limited Cincinnati to 20 points.
However, the defense still surrendered damaging plays at critical moments. Burrow found Ja’Marr Chase for a 32-yard touchdown after Houston’s failed fourth-down attempt.
Chase later scored from 18 yards after Burrow escaped pressure and extended the play. Houston’s coverage lost its structure as Chase crossed the field.
Tee Higgins added 95 receiving yards. His 18-yard and 23-yard third-down catches helped sustain Cincinnati’s first touchdown drive.
Those plays highlighted lingering communication and assignment concerns. Houston’s defenders must maintain coverage responsibilities when opposing quarterbacks leave the pocket.
The Texans also failed to force a turnover for the second straight game. Houston ranked third in the NFL with 29 takeaways last season.
The defense kept the game within reach, but big plays and missed opportunities remained costly. Those lapses become more damaging when the offense cannot score.
Houston visits the Indianapolis Colts on Sept. 27. The Texans must establish the run, protect Stroud and generate more production from their receivers to avoid another 0-3 start.