Houston Texans running back Arian Foster (23) celebrates his one-yard touchdown run against the Cincinnati Bengals during the third quarter of an NFL wild card playoff football game Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, in Houston. (Credit: AP Photo/Eric Gay)
The Texans did what they needed to do: Beat a surging Bengals team, 19-13, at Reliant Stadium. The win puts them in the division playoff game against the Patriots. NEWS 92 FM sports reporter Jorge Vargas has more in today’s Sports Watch:
Coach Gary Kubiak loved the team win, especially the defense who dominated:
“Just exceptional, and offense helped them by staying on the field,” Kubiak said. “We had the ball for almost 39 minutes in a football game, so that helps your defense.
“They are 0-9 on third downs. We just kept making big plays. JJ’s interception is a huge play, but our defense has been battling all year long.”
Linebacker Connor Barwin says they just got back to playing their brand of football.
“That was kind of the focus this week, to play with confidence and just have fun,” Barwin said. “That’s exactly what we did. Everyone did their job, and when we do that, we’re a really good defense.”
Booing Fans Not a Favorite of Owen Daniels
The only real problem with this team was touchdowns in the red zone. They scored just one touchdown in four attempts inside the twenty. Fans booed when they could not get in the end zone. Owen Daniels was not exactly happy hearing the fans displeasure.
“I am not going to totally agree with that. It’s a playoff game, and they did a great job of being loud for our defense all day,” Daniels said.
“We like the support all game long, even when things aren’t going well. We understand. We aren’t going to get down on ourselves, so, it’s a little easier when there aren’t boos.”
J.J. Watt: Road to the Super Bowl is Not Easy
They will be on the road to face the Patriots, who embarrassed them 42-12 on December 10th on a nationally-televised game. Defensive end J.J. Watt knows what they have to do.
“Obviously, we didn’t play as well as we can play last time we were there. They are a very good football team, their very tough in their own building,” Watt said.
“Nobody said the road to the Super Bowl is easy. You got to go and earn it. We’re going to have to go on the road, in a tough environment against a very good football team, and play our best ball. And we’re excited about that challenge.”
Playoff Schedule
Here is your playoff schedule:
Sunday: Texans at Patriots, 3:30 p.m. In the NFC, the Seahawks are at Atlanta at noon.
Saturday: Ravens are at the Broncos at 3:30 p.m. The Packers at Niners at 7 p.m.
Saban Gives Crimson Tide Thoughtful Advice
The BCS Championship tonight. No. 1 Notre Dame against No. 2 Alabama.
Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban explains the advice he has given to his players:
“Stay focused on the moment. Stay focused on what you can control, the things you can do to affect the outcome of what you are trying to accomplish,” Saban said.
“I think great preparation is certainly the thing that gives you the confidence to do that.”
Related Stories
- Houston Beats Bengals, 19-13, in Wild Card Playoff
- Craig Roberts: A Closer Look at the Texans’ Road to New England
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