Texans and Bengals Promise To Be Exciting Until the End

I wanted to write a technical preview of the Houston Texans- Arizona Cardinals game.

I wanted to talk about how this may be the most balanced offensive attack the Texans have faced this year.

I wanted to write about the Texans' explosive passing game up against a Bengal's defense that ranks 23rd in pass yards allowed.

I wanted to write about the Texans' decimated offensive line facing Antwan Odom—he of the eight sacks.

I wanted to write about the Texans' faltering running game trying to break out against a defense that has given up 4.2 yards per rush.

But I couldn't.

All I could think about while trying to preview this match-up is how fragile a victory in the NFL is, and how easily it can be taken away.

The Texans are are 2-3 and the Bengals are a surprising 4-1, change only a couple of plays and both teams could be 4-1.

Or 2-3.

Or 0-5.

Or 3-2.

Not 5-0 though, because the the Texans never had a chance against the Jets.

I know that for most games you can say that by changing a few plays you can change the outcome, but the fourth quarters for these two teams have been tighter than Rex Ryan's pants after Thanksgiving.

The Bengals have been on the short end of the stick in their one loss where Brandon Stokley's miracle touchdown ripped their hearts out. 

The following week, they nearly blew a 10 point lead against the Packers.

They were then on the winning side of last second plays against the Steelers, Browns, and Ravens.

The Texans on the other hand, have only had three of their five games come down to the last second, but they were all memorable.

They survived in Tennessee after Kerry Collins' last second fumble, and then fumbled away their own opportunity the following week against Jacksonville.

Last week, late turnovers again were the late story as Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie returned an interception for a touchdown and the Cardinal defense stopped the Texans three times from the one to seal the win.

As a Texans fan, I don't know that I can handle another week of this.

I've already taken five years off my life this season, and Bengals fans have to be feeling the same way.

For all those things I wanted to write about, though, this should be another close game.

In their first four games, the Texans faced teams that were going to try to run the ball down your throat, but weren't as much of a threat in the passing game, so the Texans fed them a constant diet of eight man fronts.

Conversely, last week they faced a Cardinal team who is a major threat throwing the ball, but only slightly less inept than the Texans in the running game (or even more inept, depending on what stats you look at).

The Bengals, however, are equally successful running and passing.

Cedric Benson is the top rusher in the NFL, and while Carson Palmer doesn't have the most eye popping stats, he is a dangerous passer, and has a great receiving corps.

The Bengals offense is dangerous and balanced, but not one of the most potent in the game. 

They will face off against a Texans defense that has played well for stretches, but has also had moments of absolute disaster.

The Bengals defense is much improved from years past, but will match up against a pass offense that has been explosive, despite the lack of support from the running game.

Yes, my friends, this will be another close game. 

Another year of my life will be sacrificed for three hours of football. 

Hopefully, the Texans will prevail this time, but if you love football I  advise you against turning the TV off early.