Texans vs Bengals: 5 Things We Learned from Houston's 20-19 Win

I've been writing about the Houston Texans for a long, long time now. But one thing I've never been able to write is that your Houston Texans are now the AFC South Division champs.

With the stunning comeback performance against the Bengals in Cincinnati paired with the Titans falling to the Saints, Houston clinched not only their first division title, but also punched their first ticket to the NFL postseason.

It wasn't easy, but this team just refuses to lose, and we learned a whole lot more about their composure and resolve in this victory among many other things.

Let's take a look at them next. 

T.J. Yates Is the Quarterback of the Future

If there were any questions of how T.J. Yates would handle a huge pressure situation, I think he provided a few answers today.

To be down six, on your own 20-yard line with two-and-a-half minutes left and no timeouts on the road against a team fighting for their playoff lives is not the ideal situation for a guy starting only his second NFL game. But this is what faced the Texans rookie today, and he proved that he has the chops to get it done.

The biggest play of the day was during this final drive, facing a 3rd-and-15, he shook loose from what looked to be a sure sack and then scrambled 17 yards to pick up the first down. But what was so veteran-like about it was that most quarterbacks would have slid early or run out of bounds, but he showed the smarts about what was going on to stay on his feet and get those extra yards to pick up the first.

It was on that run that I just knew that the Texans were winning this game. Regardless of where the team goes from here with Yates at the helm, it's clear that they've found their quarterback of the future.

Wade Phillips Makes Defensive Adjustments on the Fly

In the first half of the game, Cedric Benson gashed the Texans defense for 92 yards on the ground and looked well on his way to a huge afternoon. But this was before Wade Phillips was able to make some adjustments at halftime. In the second half, Cedric Benson totaled negative one yard rushing.

In the first half, the Texans defense got pushed around more than I remember seeing it all season since the Saints game in Week 3. Allowing 199 yards and 16 points to head into the locker room with a 13-point deficit didn't look hopeful moving forward, and the Bengals having possession to start the second half.

Whatever it is Wade Phillips did to change the defensive game plan worked wonders as the Texans defense held the Bengals to just 106 yards and a field goal in the second half including a forced turnover.

Once again, the biggest offseason addition to this team—Wade Phillips.

Gary Kubiak for Coach of the Year

Before today, I was saying that I thought that Gary Kubiak should get a vote or two for coach of the year. After today, I think he may have pulled into the lead for the acclaim.

No one out there would have been shocked or even disappointed if the Texans went on the road against a tough team and couldn't get the job done today. But to not only win, but win in such a fashion that no one can question this team's grit and determination speaks volumes.

Everyone wants to talk about Jim Harbaugh and what he's done with the 49ers, and I'm not taking anything away from that. But with all due respect, he hasn't done that missing his three best players like Gary Kubiak has.

Matt Schaub, Mario Williams and Andre Johnson have all missed significant time, and the former two are done for the season. What Harbaugh has accomplished with Alex Smith is impressive, no doubt. But he isn't a fifth-round rookie.

Also, to the people who want to give all the credit to Wade Phillips, you need to realize that a coach of the year award is in recognition of the entire coaching staff. If you're adding Wade into the conversation and consideration, then it's a slam dunk. 

If the Texans win out, I think this is Gary's award to lose.

If One Don't Get You, the Other One Will

It isn't clear if Arian Foster was still fighting off the effects of the flu from earlier this week, but it was clear that he wasn't himself today. But something that the Texans have what most other teams don't which is a backup running back who could start for about two-thirds of the league tomorrow.

Regardless of the fumble that Ben Tate had at the goal line today, he was the better running back this afternoon. He was seeing holes and running lanes better and getting the tough yards when needed. 

It's a formula that I see the team using the rest of the way out. If one guy isn't getting it done, the other one will get a crack at the job. They're always going to split carries, but the hot hand is going get two to one over the other. It's a good problem to have.

Playoffs, Baby

It's been 4,449 days since the City of Houston was rewarded with their second football franchise. To be honest, it feels like much longer.

With the Texans' win and the Titans' loss today, Houston has guaranteed itself a home playoff game this year. That in itself is great and is a long time coming. But I want to challenge the people who don't watch this team day in and day out and proclaim that the only reason the Texans are winning this year is because Peyton Manning isn't playing. That has to be the most thick-headed comment I have ever heard.

Does Peyton Manning play defense? Because I'm looking at that Colts team, and I have a hard time believing they would be that much better with Manning. And I'm one of those who think Peyton is in the discussion for the greatest quarterback of all time. But to lose one guy and you just might be the most historically bad football team of all time? It just doesn't add up.

This Texans team is special. For the first time since the franchise has existed, they look like a cohesive unit that I just expect to win every week. They've bought in to what this coaching staff told them at the beginning of the year, and there are no "Me" guys on the team.

They all genuinely like one another and would run through a wall for the next guy. Their chemistry is off the charts, and I'm ecstatic to see them stay together for the next few years. It could be quite a ride.

I'll take another 4,449 days until Houston doesn't make the playoffs in return now. Why not? We've paid our dues.

Photo courtesy of Connor Barwin's Twitter