Texans vs. Bengals: TJ Yates Propels Texans to Win over Bengals in Thriller

T.J. Yates, the third-string quarterback of the Houston Texans, gave the Texans their tenth win on the season, which clinched a Texans division title. The Texans won 20-19 on a Kevin Walter touchdown reception with two seconds left in the game.

Yates was 26-of-44 with 300 yards and two touchdowns. On the Texans' winning drive, Yates was spectacular, as he went 4-of-6, including that six-yard TD pass to Walter. Yates also had a 17-yard scramble on that final drive and a 17-yard pass-interference call in the final minute which went against the Bengals. 

Although Yates struggled early, he looked as comfortable as a seasoned veteran on his final drive. Yates capped off the thrilling victory with a spectacular fourth quarter comeback. Andy Dalton was also rather impressive, as he threw for 189 yards and a touchdown.  Owen Daniels had 100 yards receiving in the comeback victory.  

The Bengals have now dropped to an unhealthy 7-6 record. With the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers on the top of their game, the Bengals seem to be running out of luck. If the playoffs were to begin today, the Texans would have the top spot and be playing every AFC game at home. At this point, 13-3 sounds very believable for Yates' Texans.  

For those unfamiliar with Yates, he is an ex-UNC quarterback who is 24 years old. The Texans drafted him in the fifth round of this year's draft, 152nd overall. Apparently, picking Yates was a fortuitous move. He has been clutch, leading the Texans to victories in each of his two starts since Matt Schaub went down for the season with a Lisfranc injury.