Section516
Warrior
QB- Bengals
HB - Texans
WR - Texans
OL - Texans
DL - Bengals
LB - Texans
DB - Texans
ST - Texans
Coach - Texans
Final - 14 Texans Beganls 10
1. Keep the momentum going: T.J. Yates didn't play poorly as the Texans edged Atlanta 17-10 last week in a hard-fought game. The Bengals were abused from the outset in Pittsburgh last week and were dominated in all phases of the game. Cincinnati has been decent on special teams this year, but last week in Pittsburgh, the Bengals were destroyed in that facet. The Bengals also took far too many costly penalties. Houston has been outstanding with turnover differential this year.
2. Get Benson carries: The Bengals were effective running the ball last week, averaging 4.7 yards per attempt, but they were unable to stick with it due to the nature of the game. Cedric Benson is the type of runner who needs a lot of carries to be most effective. Houston is unlikely to score a lot of points, so Benson should have ample opportunity. But Cincinnati's run blockers must be very aware of the Texans' aggressive defense, which features a lot of slanting and blitzing along with pre-snap movement.
3. Get after Dalton: The Texans are one of the best pass-rushing defenses in the league, but Bengals QB Andy Dalton shows great poise in the pocket. Dalton is wise beyond his years in terms of blitz recognition and getting the ball out of his hand in a timely manner, but this will be another steep test for the rookie signal-caller. Antonio Smith and J.J. Watt are really playing well at defensive end in Houston's penetrating 3-4 scheme. Both can rush the passer from the inside, particularly Smith.
4. Exploit Cincinnati's secondary: With Bengals CB Leon Hall out of the lineup, Texans WR Andre Johnson could find matchups very much to his liking. But Johnson, who injured his hamstring last week, might not play. The Bengals have allowed a ton of receiving yards to opposing wideouts and are very light overall at cornerback right now as Nate Clements was inactive last week. This is a great opportunity for a Texans receiver to step up if Johnson is unavailable. Because of the status of the Bengals' secondary, Yates will see more zone coverage from Cincinnati. Still, the Bengals' defense does a good job disguising coverage.
5. Matchup to watch: Texans RB Arian Foster vs. Bengals ILB Rey Maualuga: Maualuga has a ton of ability, but doesn't make as many plays as that skill set would indicate, while Foster is one of the best all-around running backs in the league. It is also safe to say that Ben Tate will have a prominent role as a bal -carrier as well. The Bengals have really struggled to stop the run in the red zone, which could come into play in a matchup such as this. Houston ran for 162 yards while dominating time of possession against a very good Falcons run defense in Week 13.
6. Feed Gresham: Quarterbacks are putting up miniscule numbers against Houston, but the Texans had a very tough time slowing down Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez last week. Bengals TE Jermaine Gresham finally looks comfortable and his role continues to grow in the Bengals' offense. Gresham's talent is unmistakable. The Bengals have been exceptional passing in the red zone, which is a real testament to Dalton's abilities. That could be where Gresham makes his mark in this game.
7. Keep up with Houston's O-line: Led by center Chris Myers and right tackle Eric Winston, the Texans probably have the best offensive line in the NFL, particularly when it comes to run blocking in their zone blocking scheme. Bengals DE Carlos Dunlap, who has battled injuries, was inactive last week and isn't a full-time player, but when he does see the field, he is very impressive -- particularly as a pass-rusher. And Geno Atkins is one of the elite interior pass-rushers in the league. Cincinnati cannot allow Houston to control this game in the trenches with an untested quarterback behind center.
8. Take away Daniels:Owen Daniels and the other Texans' tight ends could find this a difficult matchup, as Cincinnati has been superb in limiting production to opposing tight ends. But if Johnson can't go this week or is severely limited, Daniels becomes Houston's best option in the passing game. Also, look for the Texans to feature a lot of two- and even three-tight end sets.
9. Get Green the ball: Bengals rookie A.J. Green is a difference-maker at receiver, but this week is a very difficult matchup for the star rookie. Green has amazing ball skills and is already among the best in the league a going up and getting the football. Dalton has great confidence in Green's ability to come down with the ball, particularly near the goal line. Green is also a superb deep threat, and while Dalton doesn't have an elite arm, he is accurate downfield. Cincinnati will take a few shots deep every game -- often off play-action -- which Dalton sells well. Former Bengals cornerback Johnathan Joseph will most likely get the task of covering Green, but the Texans might chose to put Joseph, their best cover man, on Jerome Simpson and double Green.
10. Matchup to watch: Bengals offensive tackles vs. Texans outside linebackers: Cincinnati left tackle Andrew Whitworth is one of the best in the business and right tackle Andre Smith is much improved this season. Brooks Reed and Connor Barwin have filled in extremely well for the edge pass rush that was lost with Mario Williams' injury. But Houston was unable to get to Matt Ryan last week. Cincinnati allowed
http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/scouting?gameId=311211004
HB - Texans
WR - Texans
OL - Texans
DL - Bengals
LB - Texans
DB - Texans
ST - Texans
Coach - Texans
Final - 14 Texans Beganls 10
1. Keep the momentum going: T.J. Yates didn't play poorly as the Texans edged Atlanta 17-10 last week in a hard-fought game. The Bengals were abused from the outset in Pittsburgh last week and were dominated in all phases of the game. Cincinnati has been decent on special teams this year, but last week in Pittsburgh, the Bengals were destroyed in that facet. The Bengals also took far too many costly penalties. Houston has been outstanding with turnover differential this year.
2. Get Benson carries: The Bengals were effective running the ball last week, averaging 4.7 yards per attempt, but they were unable to stick with it due to the nature of the game. Cedric Benson is the type of runner who needs a lot of carries to be most effective. Houston is unlikely to score a lot of points, so Benson should have ample opportunity. But Cincinnati's run blockers must be very aware of the Texans' aggressive defense, which features a lot of slanting and blitzing along with pre-snap movement.
3. Get after Dalton: The Texans are one of the best pass-rushing defenses in the league, but Bengals QB Andy Dalton shows great poise in the pocket. Dalton is wise beyond his years in terms of blitz recognition and getting the ball out of his hand in a timely manner, but this will be another steep test for the rookie signal-caller. Antonio Smith and J.J. Watt are really playing well at defensive end in Houston's penetrating 3-4 scheme. Both can rush the passer from the inside, particularly Smith.
4. Exploit Cincinnati's secondary: With Bengals CB Leon Hall out of the lineup, Texans WR Andre Johnson could find matchups very much to his liking. But Johnson, who injured his hamstring last week, might not play. The Bengals have allowed a ton of receiving yards to opposing wideouts and are very light overall at cornerback right now as Nate Clements was inactive last week. This is a great opportunity for a Texans receiver to step up if Johnson is unavailable. Because of the status of the Bengals' secondary, Yates will see more zone coverage from Cincinnati. Still, the Bengals' defense does a good job disguising coverage.
5. Matchup to watch: Texans RB Arian Foster vs. Bengals ILB Rey Maualuga: Maualuga has a ton of ability, but doesn't make as many plays as that skill set would indicate, while Foster is one of the best all-around running backs in the league. It is also safe to say that Ben Tate will have a prominent role as a bal -carrier as well. The Bengals have really struggled to stop the run in the red zone, which could come into play in a matchup such as this. Houston ran for 162 yards while dominating time of possession against a very good Falcons run defense in Week 13.
6. Feed Gresham: Quarterbacks are putting up miniscule numbers against Houston, but the Texans had a very tough time slowing down Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez last week. Bengals TE Jermaine Gresham finally looks comfortable and his role continues to grow in the Bengals' offense. Gresham's talent is unmistakable. The Bengals have been exceptional passing in the red zone, which is a real testament to Dalton's abilities. That could be where Gresham makes his mark in this game.
7. Keep up with Houston's O-line: Led by center Chris Myers and right tackle Eric Winston, the Texans probably have the best offensive line in the NFL, particularly when it comes to run blocking in their zone blocking scheme. Bengals DE Carlos Dunlap, who has battled injuries, was inactive last week and isn't a full-time player, but when he does see the field, he is very impressive -- particularly as a pass-rusher. And Geno Atkins is one of the elite interior pass-rushers in the league. Cincinnati cannot allow Houston to control this game in the trenches with an untested quarterback behind center.
8. Take away Daniels:Owen Daniels and the other Texans' tight ends could find this a difficult matchup, as Cincinnati has been superb in limiting production to opposing tight ends. But if Johnson can't go this week or is severely limited, Daniels becomes Houston's best option in the passing game. Also, look for the Texans to feature a lot of two- and even three-tight end sets.
9. Get Green the ball: Bengals rookie A.J. Green is a difference-maker at receiver, but this week is a very difficult matchup for the star rookie. Green has amazing ball skills and is already among the best in the league a going up and getting the football. Dalton has great confidence in Green's ability to come down with the ball, particularly near the goal line. Green is also a superb deep threat, and while Dalton doesn't have an elite arm, he is accurate downfield. Cincinnati will take a few shots deep every game -- often off play-action -- which Dalton sells well. Former Bengals cornerback Johnathan Joseph will most likely get the task of covering Green, but the Texans might chose to put Joseph, their best cover man, on Jerome Simpson and double Green.
10. Matchup to watch: Bengals offensive tackles vs. Texans outside linebackers: Cincinnati left tackle Andrew Whitworth is one of the best in the business and right tackle Andre Smith is much improved this season. Brooks Reed and Connor Barwin have filled in extremely well for the edge pass rush that was lost with Mario Williams' injury. But Houston was unable to get to Matt Ryan last week. Cincinnati allowed
http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/scouting?gameId=311211004
yes Jacoby I'm talking about you. Then there is the timeless wonder Mason & the OTHER Johnson who never sees the field. Color me Mr. Doubtful, but Yates options are pretty much limited to handing it off or dumping it down to Foster & using Daniels & Dreessen to pick apart a depleted Bengal secondary? really great scouting report guys 
