The Houston Texans’ defensive line has a new nickname, and it comes from one play. On the Bengals’ second drive at Reliant Stadium, All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr. and Logan Hall met in the backfield to sack Joe Burrow. The play forced Houston’s first sack of the game.
The Sack That Started It
The play came on Cincinnati’s second drive, and the Texans defense had forced the Bengals into a third-and-long. Anderson and Hall joined forces to get Houston’s first sack of the game. The Houston Texans posted the moment on their social media account.
That sack forced Cincinnati to punt for the second time. The play set the pattern for the rest of the first half: the Texans defense would stop the Bengals, and the offense would not do enough to capitalize.
A Punt and a Short Field
Houston’s 47-yard punt gave the Bengals decent field position for the start of their third drive. The Texans defense held, but the result was the same as the first two drives. They punted again.
The defenders had done their job. The offense had not.
Here is the shape of the first half:
- The Texans forced a punt on the Bengals’ first drive
- Anderson and Hall sacked Burrow on the second drive, forcing a second punt
- The Texans punted on their two drives, both ending in three plays
- The defense held the Bengals to 15 yards on the third drive
A Defensive First Half
The Texans’ defense has been the story of the game so far. The defense has not allowed a touchdown or a field goal. Neither team has yet to score.
Houston will begin the second half on defense.
The Terminator Nickname
The headline of the source article calls the Texans’ defensive line the Terminator. The name appears to be a reference to the two players in the backfield, Anderson and Hall.
The moment was a highlight in the first half. The defense had the ball in the backfield, and the offense did not.
What Comes Next
The game is still in the first half. The Texans face a decision: change the offense or ride the defense. The defense has been the stronger unit so far.
The second half will be the test. The key question now is whether the offense can finally convert when the defense gives them a chance.
Key Facts
- Will Anderson Jr. is an All-Pro defensive end for the Texans
- Logan Hall joined Anderson in the backfield for the sack
- The sack came on the Bengals’ second drive
- The Texans punted on their two drives, both ending in three plays
- The defense held the Bengals to 15 yards on the third drive
- Neither team has scored
- Houston will begin the second half on defense
The pattern of the first half was consistent. The defense would stop the Bengals, and the Texans would punt. The offense had not done enough to capitalize.
The defense has been the stronger unit so far. The game is still in the first half, and the score is still zero. The Texans will begin the second half on defense.
See the a run of 16 images at Yahoo Sports.
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