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POSTGAME QUOTES
OCTOBER 18, 2009
Initial comments:
“To sum up the day, we didn’t get any points and we lost the field position battle, particularly in the second half. We put our offense in a bad position. Just about every possession, we started out somewhere between the 20 and the 30, at best. Defensively, the two scores in the second half by Houston put us behind. We hadn’t gotten back in the game at the end of the first half, but we didn’t get enough going offensively and the fumbles (hurt) us.”
Q: Do you have an update on 
“He has an Achilles injury — probably pretty severe — but we won’t know that exactly until they (look at it) further.”
Q: Without defensive linemen Odom and
“It affected the team some, but all you can do is move on.”
Q: Is the emotional tank running a little low this week with what has been going on?
“No, I don’t think so. I think it’s good to get this out of the system. We got caught up in whether we were going to challenge or not challenge and a lot of other things that didn’t really matter, instead of just playing football. Not focusing got us out of the game, particularly in the second half. We had guys running onto the field looking over their shoulder at me instead of playing football.”
Q: On the Bengals pass defense:
“We didn’t do a very good job of responding and keeping the ball from down over the top. We’ll have to look at the tape so see where our errors were, but we were obviously making some errors. We weren’t as productive as we would have liked today.”
Q: What were your thoughts on your new long snapper?
“I think, as we go along, Clark (Harris) will begin to relax and continue to do better. It was a good start for him, but you just have to get over some of the emotion. I’m sure it was a very emotional day for him — he was here replacing someone else for a reason and he was playing against his old team. There was probably just a lot going on in his mind.”
Q: Do you think there was a turning point the first few minutes of the second half?
“I can’t remember exactly how the play unfolded in the second half, but what happened today was we got beat. We’ll be back and ready to go, and that’s part of this. We’re making no excuses about it. We got beat today, and you can’t point any fingers. We’ll just learn from it and move forward.”
Q: What did Houston do defensively in the second half to make things difficult?
“They did a good job in a number of areas. They played well and redeemed themselves after a tough loss last week. Obviously turnovers hurt us. Anytime you turn the ball over three times as a team, you’re not going to give yourselves a good chance to win. We had a number of things go wrong, whether it was a turnover or a missed block. It was just poor execution across the board. It’s a tough game to lose and a tough pill to swallow, especially after the way we felt the last few weeks. We need to stay focused. We have a really good team coming in here next week before a bye, so we need to get ourselves to 5-2 heading into the bye week.”
Q: How much of a factor was the emotion surrounding this team over the last few weeks?
“We’re a resilient group. I think we showed up. We were playing a team coming off a tough loss, but we were expected to win. We just didn’t play well enough and execute the way we needed to from top to bottom. They played really well on offense. We didn’t match their play and never really consistently moved the chains.”
Q: There has been a period of time in every game this year where the offense has struggled to move the ball. Does that start to wear on everyone’s mind each week?
“No, I don’t think it’s a mental thing. We need to look at the film and figure out exactly what happened. It’s tough to say right now without having a chance to watch the tape. We’ll look at it, and we need to find an answer. When you play an offense like that, you have to figure out what you can do to keep your defense off the field.”
Q: How much of a factor was the Texans slowing down the running game today?
“They did a really good job. It’s a group that struggled in that area early on, but they did a really good job today. We need to find a way to find bigger creases. I think our offense is most potent when we run the ball effectively.”
Q: Did the defensive pressure bother you much today?
“For the most part, we did a really good job. They have some great pass rushers, and we did a good job with the pocket.”
Q: How frustrating is it as a quarterback to see guys drop very catchable passes?
“It’s frustrating, but it’s a part of the game. It’s just something you have to keep your focus on. I need to put the ball in a good place to be caught. For the most part, we just need to work at it.”
Q: Do you start to lose confidence in guys?
“No, I don’t. No one is trying to drop a ball. A lot of times, it’s just a lack of concentration. We have guys with good hands. It’s something that can be fixed and will be fixed. There’s been too many, but we’ll get better.”
Q: Did the injuries on defense shake up the offense at all?
“Yes, I think so. I think when you lose (defensive end) Antwan Odom, it hurts. That was huge for their offense, because that’s a big-time pass rusher coming off the edge. We also were without other key guys, so it made it difficult. We need to come through for our team and help our defense out. They’ve come through a lot for us this year, and we need to help them.”
Q: Is it tough to lose Antwan Odom to injury?
“It’s tough, especially to lose a guy like that on the edge. It’s a tough loss, but we’ll learn from this and we’ll get better.”
Q: What seemed to be the problem in the second half?
“Field position. We didn’t get off the field on third down, and we didn’t convert on offense. We gave up two scores. You can’t win a game like that. We couldn’t get off the field. They were able to run the ball when they wanted to. They just beat us. Our hat goes off to them. Their coach called a good game and their guys made plays.”
Q: You guys were really short-handed, especially on the defensive line:
“We would be able to service those guys better if we could just get off the field. Anytime you have a limited amount of guys, especially on the defensive line, you have to play a lot of downs. We could have helped them out if we could get off the field and make some plays.”
Q: Not being able to run the ball really hurt you guys today, didn’t it?
“Yes. Plus, in the first quarter, we had some crucial penalties. We had some big plays that were brought back. Obviously, the running game wasn’t very successful, and that hurts us because that leaves the defense out there.”
Q: How was Matt Schaub able to throw for almost 400 yards today?
“They had two explosive plays. They had a (59)-yard play to (Andre Johnson) and a (38)-yard play to Slaton on a screen pass. Most of the time, they threw a lot of checkdowns. That was kind of the summary of the game.”
Q: You had one that you probably would have liked back when you almost intercepted a pass in the fourth quarter:
“That’s one of those plays that you have to make for the team. In that situation, they expect me to make a play and I didn’t.”
Q: When a quarterback like Schaub gets rolling, it’s hard to get off the field, isn’t it?
“You have to keep fighting in a situation like that. You have to keep trying to give the ball to the offense. Every time on defense, we are preaching three-and-outs.”
Q: What was the difference in the game today?
“They scored, we didn’t. We played hard, but we didn’t come out with the win. We are disappointed. We have to come in and watch film and learn from it so we can be ready to go next week. We can’t hang our heads on it. There is a lot of football left, and that’s how we are looking at it right now.”
Q: Marvin Lewis said that this may have been a good thing because it could be used as a wakeup call. Do you agree?
“You know, I’m going to ride with coach on that. We don’t ever need to take a loss. We can always learn from our mistakes. We’re never going to play a perfect game. There is always going to be some mistakes. We lost today, but we definitely fought, and that’s one good thing that we can take from this. The main thing is to look at the film, see what we didn’t do correctly and also what we did correctly. Then, we can learn from that.”
Q: What was the problem on the defensive side of the ball?
“This league is too talented. If you don’t hustle, If you don’t tackle, then anybody can beat you. We didn’t do those things today. We need to come back, focus and do those things.”
Q: What did Odom’s and Peko’s injuries do to the defensive line?
“We were undermanned, big time. But, that’s just the game. Guys are going to go down. Guys are going to get hurt. It’s frustrating when you are undermanned. It’s hard, but life is hard. We have to push through that and make it happen.”
Q: What kind of ripple does that send through the team?
“It’s tough. I know what those guys are dealing with. Being injured is not fun. Anytime they are bringing out a cart for you, it’s never a good thing. When you see guys go down, other guys have to step up and make plays. None of that negates the fact that we have to hustle to the ball and tackle. No matter if everyone goes down, hustling to the ball and tackling is still a fundamental part of this game and we have to do better.”
Q: The defense spent a lot of time on the field:
“That’s our fault. We’ve been saying the same things week-in and week-out. The way we have been winning the past four weeks is not going to work the entire season. At some point we have to put together consistent football, four quarters straight. It’s not going to be perfect, but that’s the way it goes. We have to do better than how we’re doing now.”
Q: Were penalties costly in the first half?
“Penalties and turnovers. That’s one of (offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski)'s pet peeves. He hates them to death. I’m sure that will be at the top of the discussion tomorrow.”
Q: You didn’t score any points in the second half:
“There’s nothing I can say. For whatever reason — I don’t want to say stalling — we’re not consistent. We’re not gelling the way we should be. The way Ced (Benson) is running the ball, the way the receivers are making plays, it should be a lot easier.”
Q: You beat a good team today:
“Yeah, that’s a big win. We came in here against a heck of a football team. We made our share of mistakes, but were able to come out on top against a good football team.”
Q: Who did you give your game balls to?
“I gave them to (Brian) Cushing — I think he forced two fumbles and had an interception — and Matt (Schaub), who continues to put up exceptional numbers on the road.”
Q: Talk about your defense overall:
“They just keep getting better. We went more athletic with our front the last three weeks, and the players have responded.”
Q: What about Jeff Zgonina being out there early?
“This guy has played the most consistent football for us out of anyone we have. I don’t care if he’s 50. He belongs out there.”
Q: Brian Cushing isn’t acting like a rookie:
“He makes his biggest plays during the toughest times in games. He’s a tough competitor. It probably stems from the types of games he played in week-in and week-out in college.”
Q: What about Andre Johnson?
“We struggled to get him a couple of times out in space. The first play of the game was a great indicator of his mindset today. He’s making big plays. He’s got to be on pace for one of his best years.”
Q: Were you nervous a few times when you felt like you should have put it away?
“We got ourselves in some great situations, but we don’t always capitalize on them. We have to find a way to close those games. Regardless, we overcame it.”
Q: How big is this win?
“It’s huge. We try not to get caught up in the other team’s record, but our team knew it was a big game. The guys played very well.”
Q: You had three or four possessions where you got the ball at or near midfield and didn’t come away with anything, yet you overcame that:
“We had two great possessions. We gave it back to them both times and gave them points right before the half. When you’re not a veteran team, those things can really send you in the wrong direction. What’s encouraging is that we’re starting to overcome those things.”
Q: Could this win turn it around for you?
“I don’t think you turn the corner in one game. I think our guys understand that. They’re learning more and more each week how hard it is to win in this league. The difference is a few plays here and there. This game is about the long haul. We have to come back next week and be just as good.”
Q: You held
“We went smaller this week up front. We’ve had five ends and three inside players, and it scares you, but we’ve been more active. Give Bill Kollar (assistant head coach) a lot of credit, he has done a hell of a job with that rotation.”
Q: How important was it for the Texans offense to get rolling on that first drive?
“We talked all week about starting fast and not waiting until the second half. We were able to establish being able to move the ball, although we had the field goal blocked. We were able to score in the first quarter, and we came out in the second half and showed we could score in the third quarter. It was a big tone setter for us to start the game and the second half (like that).”
Q: Talk about the interception late in the first half:
“I missed that throw in the two-minute drill. They were able to turn that into three points that shouldn’t have been there.”
Q: How important was it for your offense to have Steve Slaton catch the football and be able to do what he did today?
“It was huge for us. ... He caught passes off of some screens and moved the chains. He was a big factor today in our offense.”
Q: The Bengals have been beating teams in the fourth quarter. How did you avoid that today?
“They have had every game go down to the wire. Credit them for finding ways to win those games. It was a matter of putting the game away. We had a two-score lead, and we should have had another field goal to at least make it a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter. Our defense made the interception late in the game and it played well all day.”
Q: Did you feel like the quick pass to Andre Johnson loosened the Bengals defense and gave your offense confidence?
“Yes. A quarterback always loves when you throw it one yard and the receiver takes it 59 yards. You get it to your playmaker and let him make a play.”
Q: Was there anyone vulnerable in the Bengals secondary to attack?
“No. It was a scheme thing. We were seeing what they were doing and reacting to what they were doing and executing our game plan.”
Q: You seem to be putting up big numbers through the air. Are you in a comfort zone throwing the ball?
“Yes. We are executing our plays and doing what we do naturally. We are making plays downfield. I can’t talk enough about our offensive line and how it allows me to step up and have time. There are two young offensive guards in there.”
Q: How did you catch the second touchdown reception?
“I am happy that Matt (Schaub) gave me a chance to make a play on that ball. It’s a play that we like to use in the red zone. I found myself jammed up between two lineman before I squeezed through it. I was able to stick my hand out and luckily, Nike makes a sticky glove and the ball stuck to it.”
Q: Is the identity of this team to set up the run by throwing the football?
“We have so many weapons to utilize by throwing the ball. Even when we are not running the ball well, we find a way to move down the field by using the pass.”
Q: Does this win have added meaning for you since you were a fan of the Bengals as a kid?
“Yes. I liked their helmets when I was a kid. They were a really good team in the ’80s, so it was cool for me to play here (at Paul Brown Stadium).”
Q: How important was it to score early in the second half and set the tone?
“We put the defense in a tough position in the first half. To go down by three points after a late turnover was a difficult situation. We needed to take the game over and we played awesome in the third quarter.”
Q: Talk about starting the 2009 season 2-1 on the road:
“We talked all offseason (about the idea that) if we wanted to be a playoff team, we would need to be able to win on the road. We took a step in the right direction. Now, we need to be better at home.”
Q: After playing at the University of Cincinnati, how many tickets did you have to buy for your first NFL game in Cincinnati?
“I didn’t have to buy them all, but I had about 70 friends and family here today.”
Q: What does it mean to you to register your first NFL sack in Cincinnati?
“It felt great, obviously. Cincinnati is a special place for me. It’s weird that it happened here. It’s a blessing that it did. More importantly, it felt good for me to make a play for my teammates and to help our team win.”
Q: Is the defense getting in to a groove?
“I feel like we are being a lot more consistent on defense. That’s the key for us. We have had spurts of being good. We’re putting together 60 minutes now.”
Q: Was there a point today where you felt the momentum swing in your favor?
“When we got the first turnover and stopped their running game in the second half by not letting Cedric (Benson) get to the edge on us. I felt like we had that consistency in the game where we never allowed them to break the big play on us. We were holding them and getting off the field on third down.”
Q: You held Cedric Benson to less than 50 yards rushing today. What does that tell you about your team?
“We have come a long way. When we can limit the league’s leading rusher the way we did, it was a good effort.”
Q: What is the message your team delivered after allowing a franchise-record six yards in the third quarter?
“We are getting better. That’s what I like about it. We still have a lot of stuff to clean up, so we can be even better.”
Q: How do you feel after winning in the fashion in which you did today?
“We knew we had to come in and perform on the road. We felt we needed a win. We came in at halftime and the guys said we’re not leaving here without a win. There were no speeches. It was the attitude.”
Q: Mario Williams said the team is at a turning point. Do you feel the same way?
“I feel the same way. After the game, I felt like, ‘Let’s go win another game.’ That’s the attitude. A win is a win. You can’t be sad about a win. In order for us to go where we want to go, we can’t be satisfied. I think the biggest thing about today’s game is that we played football for a full 60 minutes for the first time this season.”
Q: Is this game an example of what the Texans can be?
“We moved the ball very well on offense. The defense played very, very well. We played together.”
Q: Talk about Steve Slaton and his play today:
“Steve came into the game and he was really into it. He was talking in the huddle. He was excited.”
Q: Talk about your play today:
“My job is to go out there and make plays. They are a downhill-running team. I had the opportunity to force fumbles and make an interception when they had to fire away at us.”
Q: Talk about the interception:
“I was on backside trips. I knew they like throwing the deep-over route. They had been throwing a lot of checkdowns. They needed a big play. I was able to cheat, read Carson’s eyes and make an interception.”
