The Cincinnati Bengals are set to play their first road game of the season, as they’ll head to the Lone Star State for a battle with a Houston Texans team coming off three straight playoff berths.
Here is a look at the Bengals’ three keys to getting a victory.
Exposing the Texans’ linebackers in coverage
The Houston Texans have one of the best defenses in the NFL. One area of weakness on it is at the linebacker position, specifically taking advantage of the linebackers in coverage. With Henry To’o To’o going on short-term IR, there will be an even
bigger opportunity for the Bengals to take advantage of some of these matchups.
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid was able to go for 130 receiving yards against the Texans this past week. Meanwhile, Mike Gesicki was the Bengals’ leading receiver, with 78 yards against the Buccaneers. I would expect the Bengals to be looking Gesicki’s way once again this week.
Cincinnati should also be looking to get Chase Brown and Samaje Perine the football in the passing game. The two players combined for 8 receptions for 52 yards in the Bengals ‘ Week 1 victory. Taking advantage of Jake Hansen, who is filling in for the injured To’o To’o, is one key to the Bengals starting the season 2-0 this year.
Win the turnover battle
While this is key to victory any week, it is even more crucial this coming Sunday. The Bengals forced and recovered four fumbles in their Week 1 victory. Meanwhile, the Texans had to sack fumbles of their own. If the Bengals can force a couple more turnovers than the Texans in this one, they will have a great chance to come out with the victory on the road.
While quarterback CJ Stroud did not throw an interception against Buffalo, he threw 4 interceptions last year in the playoff loss to the New England Patriots. Meanwhile, Joe Burrow had a pick-six this past week against Tampa Bay that cut a two-possession lead down to just 7 points in the second half. Whichever team can limit the mistakes should be able to walk out with the win between two really talented football teams.
Interior pressure from the defensive line
Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen were force multipliers during the Bengals ‘ Week 1 victory, with Allen recording a key third-down sack that led to a Buccaneers field goal. Kris Jenkins added a sack on the day, and TJ Slaton had a tackle for loss, along with a fumble recovery later on.
Meanwhile, center Evan Brown had his hands full with a massive defensive tackle in Deone Walker during the Texans’ Week 1 loss to Buffalo. Rookie Keylan Rutledge played well at one guard spot for the Texans, but Ed Ingram had an inconsistent game on the other side. There will be opportunities for the Bengals’ interior defensive line to create havoc and get plenty of pressure on CJ Stroud. If they can do that, they will be what helps the Bengals to win the aforementioned turnover battle.
