Deshaun Watson got loose.
The rookie quarterback weaved through the Cincinnati defense for a 49-yard touchdown late in the second quarter, and gave the Texans a 10-3 lead with 0:50 remaining. It would prove to be the only touchdown scored in the game, as Houston came out on top with a 13-9 victory.
On the play, he looked to pass, was forced from the pocket, and scrambled through the right side before sprinting into the end zone. It was the first rushing touchdown in a regular season game, after doing so twice in the preseason.
"I just saw everyone back up, and I knew I had to make a play," Watson said. "We were in 2-minute mode, so my feet are always good in the 2-minute mode. I saw a hole, and I tried to make something happen."
The score capped a Texans drive that went nine plays, 94 yards and lasted 3:40.
"It was great," defensive end J.J. Watt said. "When you can come into a situation like that and put a big play on the board for a touchdown right before the half, that was huge. That's what he brings. That's what he's able to do."
Houston picked up a big chunk of yardage when Watson found DeAndre Hopkins for a 25-yard pickup. But on the ensuing play, however, Watson was rocked for an 11-yard sack. Two plays later, Watson scrambled for the score.
"It was a good play," head coach Bill O'Brien said. "He didn't see anything open down the field. They were in a Tampa coverage and he saw it and he took off."
The Bengals answered on the next drive with a Randy Bullock field goal, and the Texans went into the locker room with a 10-6 halftime advantage.
Watson finished with 67 yards on five carries. Through the air, he completed 15-of-24 passes for 125 yards.
The Texans faced the Bengals in Cincinnati on Thursday Night Football.
