Bengals dominate Texans as defense applies relentless pressure
Cincinnati recorded a 31-0 win over Houston, highlighted by a record-setting defensive performance and strong contributions from key offensive players.
The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Houston Texans 31-0 on Sunday, showcasing a defense that generated a franchise-high 41 quarterback pressures on C.J. Stroud. The pressure total far exceeded the team’s six-year average of 12.6 per game and set a new benchmark for the unit.
Despite being outgained 374 to 266 yards, the Bengals limited the Texans to zero touchdowns, holding running backs David Montgomery and Woody Marks to 18 yards on 14 carries. The defensive effort placed Cincinnati among the league’s top three in passing EPA per play and sixth in run-defense EPA per play through two weeks.
Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase contributed seven catches for 75 yards and two touchdowns, while rookie right tackle Amarius Mims helped keep the Texans’ pass rush at bay, recording zero pressures on more than 70 pass-blocking snaps. The offensive line, however, allowed five sacks and ten additional hits on quarterback Joe Burrow, raising concerns about protection consistency.
Kicker Evan McPherson was perfect on long attempts, converting all four field-goal tries from beyond 50 yards in the first two games, a performance the team described as a return to his 2021 form.
"The defense was relentless today, constantly disrupting the quarterback and forcing mistakes," a Bengals spokesperson said.
The victory marked the Bengals’ second consecutive shutout and underscored a defensive identity built around aggressive pass rush and disciplined play.