BENGALs NOTES
Fitzpatrick on a forced fumble streak
Monday, October 27, 2008
HOUSTON — Another week, another sack and forced fumble against Bengals quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.
It's happened in each of his four starts.
Left tackle Levi Jones did an outstanding job in pass protection most of the game, but he got beat by Texans right end Mario Williams at 1:55 of the third quarter.
Williams ripped the ball away for a 7-yard loss and defensive tackle Amobi Okoye recovered the fumble in the Texans' 35-6 win.
"It's just frustrating all around, especially getting embarrassed like that," Fitzpatrick said.
Texans GM thrilled
Houston General Manager Rick Smith, a graduate of Dayton Meadowdale High School and Purdue University, basked in the rays of the Texans' first three-game win streak in franchise history.
"Whenever you can put a ball game together like that, you've got a chance to do special things," he said. "Finishing strong was a point of emphasis for us. To see us come out and sustain that intensity was especially satisfying.
"If we do what we're capable of doing and what we want to do, we'll win a lot more in a row than three."
Poor second half
The Bengals were inept the final 30 minutes, getting outscored 21-0.
"Again, this game, we went into halftime feeling like offensively we were doing some good things," Fitzpatrick said. "They had the big punt return on special teams, but our defense was holding up pretty good.
"We came out at halftime, just like the Steelers game, feeling like we had a good shot, and it all kind of fell apart again."
Walter wonderful
Texans wide receiver Kevin Walter, the former Bengal, was beaming after his performance. He had five catches for 70 yards (14.0) and two touchdowns.
"Just getting the win is special," he said. "I was in Cincinnati for three years (2003-05) and I still have good relationships with all those guys. It was good to see them. But most of all, it was good to get a win."
Wild TD ride
Walter wasn't going to be denied on his second touchdown when Bengals cornerback Johnathan Joseph didn't tackle him.
"Matt threw a good ball and I dove for it a little bit," Walter said. "I knew (Joseph) was behind me so I had to get up. Obviously, he didn't tackle me, so I had to take it the distance."
It ain't over
Texans quarterback Matt Schaub called Walter's second touchdown "kind of crazy. I took my focus off downfield, thinking (Walter) fell and they touched him down. Then all of a sudden I hear everyone go crazy and yelling. I look down and he's getting in the end zone."
Bright spot
Cedric Benson (13 carries, 49 yards) had eight rushes for 41 yards at halftime, but was limited to eight yards on five attempts in the second half.
"Cedric continues to carry the ball well for us," head coach Marvin Lewis said.
Quick hitters
• Defensive end Jonathan Fanene (hamstring), free safety Corey Lynch (knee), wide receiver Glenn Holt (shoulder), defensive tackle Domata Peko (right ankle) and linebacker Rashad Jeanty (foot) were hurt in the game and are questionable against Jacksonville.
• Chad Ocho Cinco (5 receptions, 44 yards) has a catch in 100 straight games.
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