Former Denver Broncos assistant coach Gary Kubiak and his Houston Texans have found the momentum they need in the franchise's first playoff game. At halftime, the Texans lead the Cincinnati Bengals, 17-10. Rookie defensive lineman J.J. Watt picked off rookie quarterback Andy Dalton with about a minute left on the clock in the second quarter and returned it for a 29-yard touchdown. Watt got separation from his offensive lineman and jumped in front of Dalton's pass for the score. The Texans had its first lead of the game not even a minute after they had tied the game on a Neil Rackers 39-yard field goal.
The Bengals had scored first with a Cedric Benson touchdown run in the first quarter, but Arian Foster answered two minutes later with his own rushing touchdown. Mike Nugent put the Bengals in the lead midway through the second quarter.
If the Texans wins, the Denver Broncos, should they win, would face the New England Patriots in the next round. If the Bengals come back for the win, Denver would travel to face the Baltimore Ravens.
For more on this game, visit Bengals blog Cincy Jungle and Texans blog Battle Red Blog. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more playoff coverage.