Tom Savage far from perfect, but Texans clinch AFC South

Ron Clements

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Tom Savage far from perfect, but Texans clinch AFC South image

You can call Tom Savage a playoff quarterback.

Though he was far from perfect, Savage directed three scoring drives to help lead the Texans to a 12-10 victory over the Bengals on Saturday at NRG Stadium. 

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The win clinched the AFC South for the Texans (9-6) and eliminated from Titans (8-7) from playoff contention. The Colts (7-8) were eliminated with their 33-25 loss to the Raiders earlier Saturday. The Texans close the regular season at Tennessee, but the Texans won the earlier matchup and own the division tiebreaker. 

The Texans benched Brock Osweiler last week after two interceptions against the Jaguars. Savage entered and rallied the Texans for a 21-20 victory. 

The third-year quarterback from Pitt began Saturday's game just 2 of 7 for 13 yards as the Texans had minus-6 team passing yards in the first half. He finished 18 of 29 for 176 yards with zero touchdowns, but also did not turn the ball over. 

MORE: Bengals-Texans Game Center

The Texans took a 6-3 in the third quarter and the go-ahead drive was helped by a pair of Bengals pass interference penalties. The Texans got five first downs in the second half courtesy of penalties on the Bengals defense. 

There wasn't a touchdown in the game until Brandon LaFell gave the Bengals a 10-6 lead with 10:45 remaining in the fourth quarter with an 86-yard catch-and-run. The touchdown was the longest play from scrimmage for the Bengals (5-9-1) this season.

But Savage and the Texans responded quickly with a four-play 75-yard drive that ended with Alfred Blue's 24-yard touchdown run. 

The extra point was blocked, however, to keep it a two-point game. The Texans' defense forced a three-and-out on the ensuing Bengals possession, but the offense was unable to milk the clock.

Andy Dalton got the Bengals in field-goal range, but Bengals kicker Randy Bullock, drafted by the Texans in 2012, saw his 43-yard attempt sail wide right.

The Texans will host a playoff game next month, likely a playoff rematch against Alex Smith and the Chiefs, with Savage at the helm. He wasn't great Saturday, but he also didn't lose the game for the Texans. And that's all they can ask. 

Ron Clements