Offensive line has uneven night
The Texans’ offensive line was mostly ineffective against the Cincinnati Bengals’ formidable defensive front Saturday.
During a 12-10 win, new starting quarterback Tom Savage was sacked four times and hit 10 times overall.
They allowed three sacks in the first quarter alone, making it virtually impossible for Savage to get into any semblance of a rhythm early in the game.
“It’s not an easy defense to go against,” Pro Bowl alternate left offensive tackle Duane Brown said. “They did a lot of adjustments, a lot of moving around to try to throw him off, throw us off up front. We’ve got to continue to protect better and sit those guys down so he Tom time to operate. When he has time to operate, he can make some big-time throws. We’re all in this together.”
The Texans managed just 34 yards of total offense and two first downs in the first half as they fell behind 3-0 by halftime.
The Texans rushed for only 39 yards on 13 carries, averaging 3 yards per run as Alfred Blue had little room to operate and gained just 28 yards on 11 carries.
The blocking improved in the second half, though.
They finished the game with 95 rushing yards on 24 carries as Blue rushed for 73 yards on 21 carries, including a game-winning 24-yard touchdown run.
The Texans operated in a nohuddle attack in the second half to try to protect Savage better. He finished the game 18 of 29 for 176 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions for a 79.1 passer rating.
Defense, offense get personnel back
The Texans got two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Johnathan Joseph back from cracked ribs and a bruised lung that sidelined him since a road loss to the Green Bay Packers.
The Texans also got both starting outside linebackers back on the field from injuries.
Whitney Mercilus, who leads the Texans with 5½ sacks, returned after missing last Sunday’s game with a back injury that flared up in practice last week.
Meanwhile, outside linebacker John Simon returned from a pectoral injury that kept him out for four games.
Offensively, the Texans got two starters back from injuries.
Tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz and offensive guard Jeff Allen returned from concussions.
Clowney comes up big in winning effort
Texans defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel is making it difficult for blockers to get a bead on Pro Bowl defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.
Clowney was deployed at several different spots Saturday night against the Bengals’ offensive line.
Besides playing defensive end with his hand in the ground, Clowney lined up at outside linebacker in a two-point stance and rushed off of the offensive tackle’s outside shoulder.
At one point, Clowney shifted to inside linebacker as inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney switched places with him outside.
It was an effective strategy as Clowney recorded his career-high and team-high sixth sack by sacking Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton in the second quarter as he rushed from the right defensive end spot.
Miller misses first game of year
Because of a sprained ankle he aggravated against the Jacksonville Jaguars, starting running back Lamar Miller was ruled out for Saturday night.
The Pro Bowl alternate is expected to be ready if needed next week against the Tennessee Titans.
Demps finishes on a strong note
Texans strong safety Quintin Demps is ending the regular season on a strong note. He leads the defense with five interceptions.
Demps had a key interception during a 21-20 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars and intercepted another pass against the Bengal as he picked off Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton.
With three interceptions in the past four games entering Saturday night, Demps is tied with Packers safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix for the most in the NFL since the 12th week of the regular season.
“He’s done a great job,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said. “He’s a really top player. He’s a really good veteran in the fact that he shows up to practice every day. He helps us on the scout team. He works on his craft every day after practice. He’s really good with the younger players. Very good communicator.”