Postgame Observations: Bengals' Rally Falls Short in 30-27 Loss to Texans

Cincinnati is 5-4 on the season following Sunday's loss.

Author:
James Rapien
Publish date:
Nov 12, 2023 4:12 PM EST

In this story:

CINCINNATI — The Bengals rallied from a 10-point fourth quarter deficit, but it wasn’t enough to beat the Texans on Sunday. Houston won 30-27 on a 38-yard field goal from Matt Ammendola to win their second-straight game.

Cincinnati’s win streak ends at four. They fall to 5-4 on the season. Here are our postgame observations:

Huge Interception

The game appeared to be over before Cam ˇTaylor-Britt intercepted CJ Stroud in the fourth quarter. The Bengals' defense forced three turnovers on Sunday, none bigger than the interception.

The defense gave up plenty of big plays, but they found a way to force a turnover and a three-and-out with the game on the line in the final four minutes of the fourth quarter.

Defensive Struggles

The Bengals' defense struggled to stop Stroud and the Texans' offense for most of the game. Houston scored on four of five possessions from the second quarter to the fourth quarter.

Stroud threw for 356 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Noah Brown led Houston in receiving with seven receptions for 172 yards. Devin Singletary ran for 150 yards.

The Texans had multiple explosive plays and moved the ball up and down the field with ease for most of the day.

Cincinnati's defense also allowed Houston to drive downfield on the final possession of the game to set up for the game winning field goal.

Big Drop

Tyler Boyd appeared to catch the potential game winning touchdown on third-and-goal from the 13-yard line with 1:37 remaining. Unfortunately for the home team, Boyd dropped it and they had to settle for a field goal that tied the game 27-27.

The Texans marched downfield and made the game winning field goal as time expired.

Big Play

The Bengals trailed the Texans 20-10 late in the third quarter. Burrow rolled to his left to give himself extra time and found Ja'Marr Chase for a 64-yard touchdown.

It was their longest play of the game and put Cincinnati within striking distance late in the third quarter. Watch the play here.

Fast Start

The Bengals went on a 10-play, 75 yard drive on the opening that ended with Joe Burrow finding Trenton Irwin for a 32-yard touchdown.

Burrow went 7-of-8 for 60 yards on the drive.

The Bengals' struggled after their opening possession, generating just 34 more yards of net offense in the first half. They punted on four-straight possessions after the touchdown.

Up Next

The Bengals play the Ravens in Baltimore on Thursday, Nov. 16 at 8:15 p.m. ET.

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