Cincinnati Bengals: Week Six Report Card

The Cincinnati Bengals took a step backward yesterday, losing 28-17 to the Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium. The defense could not stop the Texans passing attack. The offense was nonexistent in the second half.

This being the sixth week of the season, left tackle Andrew Whitworth said, "It just seemed like we didn't have the fire that we've had for the the first five."

The Bengals began the day in sole possession of first place in the AFC North. Apparently, defending that position was not enough incentive as the team seemed unprepared mentally and physically. Dropped passes and missed tackles were glaring examples of a team that was not ready to play.

Offense

After scoring 10 points in the final 48 seconds of the first half, the offense was nowhere to be found. Carson Palmer completed 23-of-35 passes for 259 yards. There were, by most counts, six dropped balls. Tight ends Daniel Coats and J.P. Foschi both had critical fumbles.

The Bengals got away from the game plan that had been working so well. Cedric Benson had just 44 yards on 16 carries, with only four of those carries coming in the second half.

Grade: D

Defense

The defense has been the strength of this team so far. Not this week. Texans quarterback Matt Schaub carved up the Bengals like a Thanksgiving turkey, completing 28-of-40 passes for 392 yards and four touchdowns.

As a team, the Texans racked up 472 total net yards. Johnathan Joseph dropped a would-be interception in the third quarter when he had nobody between him and the end zone.

Losing Antwan Odom and Domata Peko to injuries didn't exactly help matters either. Odom injured his Achilles tendon and will probably miss the remainder of the season.

Grade: D

Special Teams

After parting ways with Brad St. Louis, all eyes were on the new long snapper, Clark Harris. There is no news to report, meaning he had a good day. Shayne Graham kicked a 50-yard field goal at the end of the first half.

Grade: A