Bengals vs. Texans: Holes Cincinnati Must Fill After Being Exposed by Houston

Andy Dalton was under so much heat on Saturday that his hair turned red.

In the second half, the Houston Texans made the Cincinnati Bengals look like they were a team that just sneaked into the playoffs…because that’s exactly what they were. 

Cincinnati has a bright future, but there is still plenty of work to be done before they’re considered legitimate title contenders.

Here are the holes the Texans exposed and how the Bengals can fix them.

Problem: Running Back 

Cedric Benson is a bum and Bernard Scott is a scrub.  The pair combined for 25 yards on 13 carries and Brian Leonard still managed to outgain them on the ground with just three touches. 

No, that doesn’t mean that the Bengals found their new starting halfback in Leonard, but that they must select a replacement in the first two rounds of the 2012 NFL Draft.

Solution: Lamar Miller

Because the Bengals made the playoffs, there’s a good chance that Chris Polk won’t fall to them in the second round.  They can’t afford to risk missing out on Polk and Lamar Miller, so Cincinnati must select the Miami Hurricane with their second pick in the first round.

Problem: Cornerback

Andre Johnson looked rusty and he still had a great game against the Bengals catching five passes for 90 yards and a touchdown that put them up two scores. 

Jonathan Joseph signing with the Texans was a huge loss this season for the Cincinnati defense.  Nate Clements had a solid season, but he’s 32 years old and not getting any better.

Solution: Janoris Jenkins

Jenkins is talented enough to be a top-10 selection in this year’s draft.  His character concerns will cause him to fall, but the Bengals should have no problem rolling the dice with their other first-round pick at the sign of any red flags.

Problem: Guard

As I said in the intro, Dalton was under pressure all day long.  Houston sacked him three times and collapsed his pocket, forcing him into three interceptions.  Cincinnati’s biggest hole on the line is at offensive guard.

Solution: Brandon Washington

Another Cane to the Bengals, as Washington is expected to go off the board in the second round.  At 6’4”, 320 pounds, he’ll be able to protect Dalton and open up running lanes for Miller.

David Daniels is a Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

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