Texans vs. Bengals: Cincinnati's Keys to a Must-Win Game

Coming off of a 35-7 shellacking at the hands of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bengals fans are searching for some reason to be optimistic. On Sunday the 9-3 Houston Texans travel to Cincinnati to face the 7-5 Bengals.

It’s show-and-tell time for the young Bengals, and here are the keys to a Bengals victory:

Offensive Play-Calling Must Protect Andy Dalton

The Houston Texans come in touting the second ranked overall defense fueled by an impressive pass rush. Defensive end Connor Barwin leads the way with 8.5 sacks on the season.

Cincinnati offensive coordinator Jay Gruden must keep Dalton comfortable with a heavy dose of the running game and quick passing plays. If Dalton has to wait for a play to develop, he will be under constant pressure all day, which could lead to backbreaking mistakes.

Shut Down Houston’s Running Backs

The Bengals allow 96.3 rushing yards per game this season. The defense surrendered two rushing touchdowns last week in Pittsburgh. Last week must be forgotten quickly because Houston running back Arian Foster is one of the league‘s best. Foster averages 4.1 yards per carry on 224 attempts and has a knack for finding the end zone.

Shutting down Foster will force Houston to throw the ball more than they would like, which brings me to my next point...

Defensive Line Must Fluster Rookie Quarterback T.J. Yates

T.J. Yates is starting in place of Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart. Yates performed admirably last week against Atlanta, throwing for a score and not turning the ball over. Yates could be without star receiver Andre Johnson, who re-injured his hamstring last week.

Cincinnati must consistently disrupt Yates’ timing and force him to make mistakes. If Yates starts to feel the pressure and doesn’t have a huge target like Johnson, the Bengals could see him forcing passes to covered receivers.

Special Teams Must Show Up

Last week wasn’t a great week for the special teams unit. A blocked field goal, delay of game before the blocked field goal, fumble on a kick return that led to a touchdown, Brandon Tate dancing for no gain, running into the punter penalty in the fourth quarter and giving up the first punt return touchdown in three years.

To put it simply, the special teams needs to get it together. Time to regroup, focus on the small things and turn it around.

Minimize Penalties

Last week the Bengals were penalized 10 times for 109 yards. Pittsburgh took advantage of sloppy Bengals' play that resulted in the beat down. If the Bengals hope to beat the Texans, who are arguably as good as the Steelers, the Bengals must learn from the mistakes of the past.

Conclusion

Last week the Bengals played like an inexperienced team against a superior opponent. To salvage playoff hopes, the Bengals have to win three of the last four regular season games. That crucial stretch begins Sunday.

The Texans enter Paul Brown Stadium as the favorites. To shake the "Bungles" stigma, the Bengals have to win games like this. After Sunday, the entire league will know whether the Bengals are a result of feasting on inferior opponents, or a contender that can play with the big-boys of the AFC.