The Cincinnati Bengals' redone defense finally wiped out an unwanted streak in Sunday's 20-6 win over the Houston Texans.
The Associated Press noted that Cincinnati held an opponent without a touchdown for the first time since Week 3 of the 2022 season against the New York Jets. The Bengals had allowed at least one touchdown in 65 consecutive games, the NFL's longest active streak.
The Buffalo Bills now own the league's longest such run at 47 games and counting.
Cincinnati forced Houston to settle for two field goals despite the Texans reaching the red zone four times. The Bengals also generated four sacks and 27 pressures across 62 dropbacks while blitzing on 13.3% of those plays, the lowest rate by any defense Sunday.
That production supported
defensive coordinator Al Golden's belief that his unit is establishing a clear identity. Five Bengals registered at least four pressures, and Boye Mafe's seven tied his career high.
The Bengals' postgame notes showed Houston managed only 60 rushing yards and converted five of 17 third downs. Cincinnati also stopped all four fourth-down attempts, including Dexter Lawrence's tackle for loss at the Bengals' 18-yard line.
The Bengals are 2-0 and head to Pittsburgh in Week 3 with a defense that has supplied more than early-season optimism.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals erase unwanted NFL-long 65-game streak vs. Texans
