Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsTuesday, June 23, 2026

Bengals Vs. Texans 2012: Cincinnati Opens With Three-And-Out

The Cincinnati Bengals began the 2012 NFL playoffs by forcing the Houston Texans to go three and out in their AFC Wild Card game at Reliant Stadium in Houston. But the Bengals' first offensive opportunity went about as poorly.

Cedric Benson opened the Bengals' first playoff game since 2009 by running left for three yards, and then Andy Dalton found A.J. Green on a short pass. But Dalton misfired on short route to Benson on third down, and Benson could not make a catch that would have extended the drive, instead forcing Kevin Huber to punt.

Both Benson, a Texas product, and Dalton, from TCU, are playing games in front of a crowd that likely includes more than a few family and friends. Early on, nerves may well be a factor.

For more on the Bengals, be sure to check out the SB Nation blog Cincy Jungle. For more on the Texans, head over to Battle Red Blog. Here’s the complete 2012 NFL playoffs schedule.

See More:

More in General

GeneralFromPosting and Toasting
An SB Nation New Yorker needs our helpAn SB Nation New Yorker needs our help
GeneralFromPosting and Toasting
General
Sabastian Sawe breaks 2-hour barrier, shatters marathon world recordSabastian Sawe breaks 2-hour barrier, shatters marathon world record
General

The mythical two-hour mark was broken at the London Marathon.

By Bernd Buchmasser
A Huge Dog
THE HISTORY OF CHARGING THE MOUND, EPISODE 1THE HISTORY OF CHARGING THE MOUND, EPISODE 1
Play
General
Super Bowl 60 coin toss resultsSuper Bowl 60 coin toss results
General

The Seahawks and Patriots will open the Super Bowl with the coin toss to determine who starts with the ball. We have the full coin toss results for Super Bowl 60.

By David Fucillo
General
Marc Marquez completes a comeback for the agesMarc Marquez completes a comeback for the ages
General

MotoGP’s Marc Marquez completed a comeback for the ages with his 2025 title

By Mark Schofield
General
How to make sure SBNation.com appears in your Google search resultsHow to make sure SBNation.com appears in your Google search results