Following Cincinnati's strong defensive effort during Houston's opening two possessions, only allowing one first down in the process, the Bengals offense started from their own 26-yard line with 9:57 remaining in the first quarter. After another predictable first down run by Jay Gruden's offense -- notorious for running on first -- Andy Dalton fakes the handoff on second, launching the football down the middle of the field for Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green.

Houston was called for a defensive pass interference on the incomplete pass, a 52-yard penalty, to Houston's 20-yard line. Following a three-yard Benson gain, followed by a floater to A.J. Green near the back left pylon, Dalton dumps off the pass to Brian Leonard on a screen, picking up 16 yards to the Texans one-yard line.

Benson gave the Bengals a seven-point lead with a run up the middle.

Houston quickly responded. On second and six from the Texans 24-yard line with 7:06 remaining, Arian Foster takes the handoff and stretches right. Michael Johnson failed to contain the edge, allowing Foster to cut left, picking up 20 yards down the left sidelines. Owen Daniels hauls in a 21-yard pass, compounded by a Reggie Nelson personal foul for a hit in the "head and neck area".

Eventually the Texans setup with first and goal from Cincinnati's eight-yard line with over five minutes remaining. Foster takes the handoff, stretching out left where he successfully turns the corner scoring an eight-yard touchdown to tie the game at seven.