5 bold predictions; Bengals at Texans

Nov 16, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Texans beat the Browns 23-7. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Here is the Torotimes 5 bold predictions for the upcoming Bengals vs. Texans match up. These predictions are carefully vetted and approved by my Pomeranian, Knoxville. So please place any bet’s with that knowledge in mind.

1. J.J. Watt will repeat his Dalton INT for a touch down.

During the 2011 playoffs, the Texans had finally broke through and hosted the Bengals in Houston. It was there that the world got it’s first glimpse of the legend to come when J.J. Watt intercepted a pass from Andy Dalton and returned it some 28 yards. At the time, no one could foresee that this wasn’t a fluke play by Watt. Sure he played some tight end in college and it was a bad pass or lucky knock down. Three years later we know Watt’s skills are the real deal and what better way to reinforce that point then by snagging another Dalton pass?

2. Jadeveon Clowney will be unleashed.

For all the drama leading into the 2014 draft, Jadeveon Clowney’s lack of play due to injuries has been underwhelming. Many fans watch Khalil Mack currently toiling away in Oakland and the amazing things that young man is doing and wonder if the Texans screwed up. Prior to the Mallett Experience debut against the Browns far too many fans looked at Ryan Fitzpatrick and yearned for the now irrelevant Johnny Football in place of Clowney. Sunday, with the home crowd watching Jadeveon Clowney will begin to silence those whispered doubts and make believers of fans, friends and teammates.

More from Houston Texans News

• Houston Texans: Can Sean Payton really be the next head coach?
• Houston Texans Draft: Michael Mayer should be a no doubter at pick 12
• Houston Texans already telling fans the Davis Mills era is over
• Houston Texans have hand forced, waste no time in firing Lovie Smith
• Houston Texans: Pros and Cons of keeping Head Coach Lovie Smith

3. Brian Cushing, is back.

After a lack luster start, and a few games where he looked slow and worn down Brian Cushing played with his former glory in Cleveland. That wasn’t a fluke and those hits on Bryan Hoyer were merely exclamation points on the return of Cushing to his former self. While his knee will never be the same, by shear willpower and grit Cushing will persevere.

4. The Mallett Experience will roll on.

Ryan Mallett answered many a question with his first out. Who is he? A high tempo gunslinger that is fully in command of this offense. What questions remain will begin being answered against a tough Bengals defense. More speed, more quick passes and a few bombs down the field. He was unfortunate last week with that end zone interception and a blown pass to Andre Johnson. He’s had a week to get in rhythm with his receivers and it will shine though.

5. Alfred Blue will make Arian Fosters injury a moot point for another week.

While we’d all rather have Foster out there, Blue went from serviceable stand in to a true threat for the Texans. While he’s got a lot of room to grow before he can fill #23’s cleats, he went a long way to proving he’s got the ability. He’ll continue to be a joy for Texans fans to watch and a nightmare to defend against.

Keep your browsers here to the Torotimes for all your Texans news and insight! Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook or Twitter!