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Mallett Wins Brady Backup Bowl, Now 'On To Cincinnati'

BOSTON (CBS) -- Texans quarterback Ryan Mallett picked up his first career win under center on Sunday, guiding Houston to a 23-7 win over the Cleveland Browns.

After spending his first three years in the NFL learning under Tom Brady in New England, Mallett gave a very Patriots-like answer when he took the podium after the win.

"We're on to Cincinnati, if that sounds familiar," he said, echoing Bill Belichick's response to reporters during the week after New England's blowout loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4.

Fittingly, the Texans have the 6-3-1 Bengals up next on their schedule.

Mallett played well in the "Tom Brady Backup Bowl" on Sunday, completing 20 of his 30 passes for 211 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He hit J.J. Watt for his first career touchdown pass in the first quarter, and went on to out-dueled Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer, who also spent three seasons as Brady's backup from 2009-2011.

Mallett said Sunday's win made his years in New England "worth it," and once again sounded very Patriot-like with another answer to reporters.

"I'm just glad it went this way, but it's one game," he said of the win. "We've got six more to go. We have to go to work when we get back and get ready for the Bengals."

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