The Houston Texans are coming off another disappointing goal-line loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Their Week 16 opponents, the Cincinnati Bengals, are flying high after vanquishing the 11-2 Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football at Paul Brown Stadium.
Texans interim coach Romeo Crennel knows the energy the Bengals are bringing into NRG Stadium Sunday at 12:00 p.m. CT will be a challenge.
“The biggest challenge initially is that the energy and the way they played against the Steelers,” Crennel said. “They were extremely fired up for the game Monday night and they played really good.”
The Bengals held forth beat the Steelers 27-17, even leading as much as 24-10 over Pittsburgh with 6:00 to go in the fourth quarter.
“They played good defense,” said Crennel. “Offensively, they moved the ball. They were able to run it. They were able to throw it. The quarterback was able to make plays with his feet as well as with his arm. They’ve got a couple receivers with speed and size. Offensive line held them out a little bit. The defense was aggressive. They had a good game plan.”
Second-year quarterback Ryan Finley went 7-of-13 for 89 yards and a touchdown while also rushing 10 times for 47 yards and a touchdown. Running back Giovani Bernard provided 25 carries for 83 yards and a touchdown.
Said Crennel: “They took away the things that Pittsburgh liked to do in the passing game. Overall, it was a really good game for them. I think that coming out of that game, they will be on a high and they will be excited about coming in here to play.”
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