REPORT CARD

OVERALL GRADE

C A terrific performance by the defense and special teams enabled the Texans to overcome the offense’s awful performance and win the AFC South, thanks to a missed FG on the final play.

QUARTERBACK

C Tom Savage was sacked three times on the first two series and was 2-of-7 passing for 13 yards in the first half. He was a different quarterback in the second half and finished 18-of-29 for 176 yards and no turnovers.

RUNNING BACKS

C- Playing without the injured Lamar Miller, the running game never got anything going behind an offensive line that was dominated in the first half. The blocking improved in the second, and Alfred Blue ran for a 24-yard touchdown.

RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS

C- Will Fuller and C.J. Fiedorowicz each caught a pass in the first half. Going with a no-huddle offense in the second half helped six players to catch passes and contribute to the victory.

OFFENSIVE LINE

D+ The linemen got obliterated in the first half. Tom Savage was sacked three times and four for the game. The running game was just about useless in the first half. The blocking improved in the second half, helping the Texans produce three scoring drives.

DEFENSIVE LINE

A They did a terrific job against the run and put some pressure on quarterback Andy Dalton. Jadeveon Clowney registered his sixth sack.

LINEBACKERS

A Whitney Mercilus returned after missing a game and sacked Andy Dalton twice. The linebackers stuffed the run and got after Dalton, disrupting his timing with his receivers. Brian Cushing had a crucial tackle for loss with two minutes left.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

A- The defensive backs didn’t have to cover A.J. Green or Tyler Eifert. They allowed an 86-yard touchdown pass to Brandon LaFell on a slant route for the Bengals’ only touchdown. Quintin Demps had an interception.

SPECIAL TEAMS

B+ Shane Lechler had another outstanding performance, making sure to back up the Bengals for bad field position. Nick Novak kicked two field goals but had an extrapoint try blocked. Coverage was exceptional.

COACHING

B It was an ugly game, but it was good enough to win the AFC South. Bill O’Brien’s defense and special teams saved the day.