Cincinnati Bengals: Week 10 Grades vs. Texans

Nov 16, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) is tackled by Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict (55) in a NFL football game at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Linebackers: B

played a good game except for a roughing the passer penalty that set the Texans into Bengals territory instead of at the 38 of the Texans. It came back to bite them and hard.

looked good in another game back from his knee surgery.

had his best game in a Bengals uniform.

Burfict finished with seven tackles including one tackle for loss. Rey finished with one sack, four tackles, and a tackle for loss. Hawk finished with one tackle for loss, one sack, and two tackles. Overall, a good day at the office, but they need to reduce penalties.

Defensive Line: B+

I am not sure what to call the performance by the defensive line. In some ways, I want to say it was a good night but

was missing on numerous plays,

missed some plays and the rotating defensive line left question about health and how much this team has left in the tank.

Pat Sims had the game of his life with six tackles and only one assist. He was one of the better run defenders on the night. Domata Peko had a sack, tackle for a loss, and another QB hit. It is also hard to gauge what this team with Carlos Dunlap was no where to be found around the plays, whether by design or just good containment. They will need to have another solid game though if they expect to get to Carson Palmer.

Next: Special Teams and Coaching