The Cincinnati Bengals have maintained their lead at the top of the AFC North division with a 22-13 win over the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in the NFL this evening.
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There were few chances early on, but Mohamed Sanu gave the visitors the lead late in the first quarter when he hauled in a short pass from quarterback Andy Dalton.
The Bengals added two more points when Alfred Blue was tackled in the endzone while waiting to start a punt return, giving the AFC North side a safety.
Rookie running back Jeremy Hill continued his strong form in recent weeks with a touchdown early in the second half to give the Bengals a 13-point lead.
The Texans were soon back in contention though as Dalton threw an interception, which Johnathan Joseph returned 60 yards for a touchdown, thanks to blocks from JJ Watt and DJ Swearinger.
Randy Bullock kicked a field goal to get Houston to within three points, but Sanu soon got the Bengals back into Houston territory, leaving Mike Nugent to kick a field goal for the visitors.
Giovani Bernard, who had missed the last few games with a leg injury, returned today, and got the Bengals back into field goal range late on as they tried to put the victory beyond doubt.
Nugent had to equal his season-long field goal, kicking from 49 yards out, but the kicker comfortably made the distance to make sure of the win for the Bengals.
The result leaves the Bengals with a 7-3-1 record, while the Texans slip to 5-6, two wins off the top of the AFC South.
Sian Cowper
