The Houston Texans went into enemy territory and shocked the Cincinnati Bengals, winning 30-27 on a last-second field goal. The win established that Houston’s statement last week was not a flash in the pan and quarterback C.J. Stroud has the ability to out-duel quarterbacks perpetually in the MVP conversation.
It also gave the Texans more reasons for optimism. Running back Devin Singletary had the best game of his career , becoming the team’s first 100-yard rusher of the season and letting the offense flourish both on the ground and through the air for the first time this year. Also, Sunday marked the return of cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., who had missed extensive time with a hamstring injury.
Stingley’s return wasn’t guaranteed, even after practicing this week. Ultimately, it was determined that he would play on a snap count to avoid overdoing it in his first game action since Week 2 when Houston lost to the Indianapolis Colts.
“It was a little weird, but that was the best decision I could have made,” Stingley said, regarding the imposed limitations.
Stingley was in good spirits after the win. He got through four quarters without incident and credited his teammates with making sure he stayed healthy.
“I felt good,” he said. “Everybody was taking care of me. Steve [Nelson] took care of me every time I needed him, he came in. [Jalen] Pitre was taking care of me. Everybody was making sure I was good out there.”
Nelson was also dealing with an injury, but was happy to contribute, especially when it meant covering for the second-year star.
Stingley was the third-overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, but lower-body injuries have stunted his development a bit. There’s little question about his ability, but Houston is happy to have him on the field for an extended period of time. Expect to see the restrictions on his play lessen by the time Week 11 kicks off.
Notably, Stingley was playing against fellow LSU superstars quarterback Joe Burrow and receiver Ja’Marr Chase in Week 10. The win, certainly, gave him some bragging rights over his former teammates.
“I was conversating,” Stingley said. “Joe kind of looked at me. I looked at him. That’s how we always are. Ja’Marr and me, we were laughing.”
Stingley was a part of the coverage on an early score to receiver Trent Irwin but was able to have the last laugh, in no small part due to Stroud’s heroics.
He’ll have a chance to keep the momentum rolling against the Arizona Cardinals next week.
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