HOUSTON −The Cincinnati Bengals are 2-0 to begin a regular season for just the second time under head coach Zac Taylor, and that's something for fans to celebrate.
Cincinnati defeated the Houston Texans 20-6 on Sept. 20 at Reliant Stadium to win its first two games of the season for the second consecutive time.
Taylor's all-time record during Weeks 1 and 2 improved to 6-12.
During the Taylor era, slow starts had plagued the Bengals, and that was true even in successful seasons. It was a criticism that dogged the team, but it's a narrative that could fall to the wayside after chants of "Who Dey" bounced around Reliant Stadium.
The Bengals have started 2026 with wins against two teams expected to be playoff contenders in the Texans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Against Houston, a stout defensive effort led by Dexter Lawrence II and a circus touchdown catch by Ja’Marr Chase in the second quarter helped the Bengals to prevail.
The Bengals defense didn't have any interceptions or fumble recoveries a week after notching four takeaways against the Buccaneers, but Cincinnati did manage to get off the field on fourth down on four separate instances against the Texans.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: The Bengals are 2-0 for the second straight year under Zac Taylor
