CINCINNATI, Ohio -- It was a beautiful day for football. Unfortunately, the Texans brought down high hopes of Bengals fans everywhere.
The Bengals were out played by the Texans on Sunday afternoon.
Late in the the first, Matt Schaub and Owen Daniels connected for a 12 yard score to put Houston up by a touchdown.
Early in the second, the Bengals tied it up with a 10 yard run from Cedric Benson.
Houston had an answer. Schaub threw the ball well all day. With 7:59 left in the second quarter, he hit Steve Slaton for a 38 yard score.
The Bengals felt the pressure and answered. Carson Palmer hit Laveraneus Coles in the back of the end zone for a touchdown to tie it at 14.
Houston looked to score at the end of the half, Chris Crocker thwarted that effort with an interception and big return.
The Bengals capitalized on Houston’s mistake. Shayne Graham drilled a 50 yard field goal as time expired. Fans rejoiced as the snap was perfect this week, and the Bengals had the lead going into halftime.
In the third quarter Matt Schaub continued to play pitch and catch with his receivers. Early in the quarter, Schaub hit Jacoby Jones for a 23 yard score.
Schaub hit his tight end Owen Daniels for another score with 2:29 left in the third. In the fourth quarter Houston turned to the running game to run down the clock.
The Bengals could not get anything going in the second half. The offense had three and out after three and out.
The defense forced a fumble in the fourth to get the ball back. The Bengals gave it right back when JP Foschi fumbled the ball after a six yard gain.
If fans were unhappy with the play of Brad St.Louis at long snapper, then they must be upset at the play of the tight ends so far this season.
The Bengals looked to score late to cut the lead, but Brian Cushing made an excellent play by intercepting a Carson Palmer pass.
The final score was 28-17 Houston.
Looking into the stats, the Bengals were beaten by the better team. Palmer was 23 of 35 for 259 yards. His counterpart Matt Schaub was better. He threw for 392 yards and four touchdowns.
Cedric Benson was held to just 44 yards rushing. Steve Slaton and Chris Brown combined for 88 yards on the ground.
Chad Ochocinco caught five passes for 103 yards. Andre Johnson grabbed eight balls for 135 yards.
We will see how the team rebounds for their game against the Bears next Sunday.
