Houston Texans’ defense wasted another strong defensive effort after losing 20-6 to the Cincinnati Bengals. The Texans actually outgained the Bengals 374-267, but that advantage never translated into touchdowns. They went 0-for-4 in the red zone and has now gone 16 straight possessions without a touchdown. The running game was especially poor, producing only 18 yards.
Edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. stood out against Cincinnati and was one of the few Texan who consistently made an impact for his team. Anderson was one of the few Texans who consistently made an impact. PFF gave him a 91.7 overall grade for Week 2, which led all edge defenders for the week, alongside a 90.2 run-defense grade.
Against Cincinnati, Anderson finished with eight tackles, including three solo stops, one sack and a pass deflection. He also helped Houston’s front create pressure on Burrow throughout the afternoon.
Anderson was not alone. Danielle Hunter and the rest of Houston’s defensive line helped keep the Bengal offense from taking over. The defensive front was the clearest positive from a game in which the offense could not finish drives.
Texans’ Offensive Problems Are Becoming Impossible to Ignore
You cannot ask C.J. Stroud to throw 55 passes every week. The Texans managed only 18 rushing yards on 14 carries against Cincinnati. That put the offense in obvious passing situations and made the Bengals’ job easier. Houston needs better blocking and more consistency from its backs before the problem grows.
The Texans moved the ball but repeatedly stalled when the field became shorter. Going 0-for-4 in the red zone is the clearest example. Houston had enough yardage to stay competitive but settled for two Ka’imi Fairbairn field goals. The offense needs to turn long drives into seven points instead of three or nothing.
Stroud needs more help around him; while his 353 passing yards demonstrate his aggressiveness, the absence of receiver Nico Collins was noticeable. The quarterback cannot consistently overcome poor rushing production, offensive-line penalties, and pressure without greater offensive balance.
