The Houston Texans got the short end of the stick when it comes to the beginning of their schedule. Not only did they have to start their season against the Buffalo Bills, but now they have to face the Cincinnati Bengals in their second game of the season.
Cincinnati started the season scoring 33 points against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home. Quarterback Joe Burrow throwing for 254 yards and a touchdown, while tight end Mike Gesicki was their leading receiver with five receptions for 78 and a touchdown.
Ja’Marr Chase had a quiet day with only 12 receiving yards, but Chase can only be contained for so long.
“The Bengals are really exceptional offense,” Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Everything starts and goes through the quarterback. Talk
about a guy has exceptional talent, Joe Burrow, he's one of the best quarterbacks I've watched and studied. From the standpoint of his accuracy, ball placement, their horizontal spacing as an offense and how he's able to really throw the ball around wherever he wants to. He can place the ball, on the sideline, on the numbers, wherever he wants to put it, he'll put it there. Then you add in the receiving threats that he has. Tee Higgins, Ja’Marr Chase, ultra-talented guys. They're both explosive guys. They can beat you down the field. They can beat you on any routes. You have to be tight on the coverage. You have to challenge the throws when it's there. It doesn't matter if you are playing tight coverage, Joe can still fit the ball in there. We’ll have our hands full this week, just as every week. But this is a fun offense to watch. These guys are very detailed in what they do. Zac Taylor's done a phenomenal job with these guys and their team looks great from the first week.”
This will only be the second time in his career Burrow will be facing the Texans. In the first matchup back in November of 2023, Houston won 30-27 but allowed Burrow to complete 67.5 percent of his passes for 347 yards and two touchdowns. He was also sacked four times and threw back-to-back interceptions in the fourth quarter, one in the end zone, to kill the Bengals' chances to complete the comeback.
Houston needs this win to avoid starting the season 0-2 for the second straight season.
The Texans are also looking to keep pace with the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC South, as the reigning champions were the only team in the division to win their season opener over the Cleveland Browns at home.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans HC DeMeco Ryans calls Bengals offense "exceptional" ahead of Week 2
