Cincinnati Reigns Supreme In Divisional Battle

NFL News - November 15th, 2009 - Written by John

If you've heard the news, welcome aboard. If not, now's about the time to jump on the Cincinnati Bengals' bandwagon. For the first time since 1998, the Bengals swept the season series against the Pittsburgh Steelers and are now poised to make an improbable run for the AFC North crown. Shayne Graham kicked four field goals and Barnard Scott marched off a 96-yard kickoff return in an 18-12 win on Sunday.

Cincinnati is now the lone leader atop the division after also sweeping the Baltimore Ravens. It is 5-0 in the division with lone losses to the Denver Broncos and the Houston Texans. And it appears the Bengals are ready to make a big finish to the season, barring any injuries, with consecutive games against Oakland, Cleveland and Detroit coming up. They beat the Steelers in a game that is rarely lost by the home team at Heinz Field. Defense ruled the day, providing 10 total sacks, 11 tackles for loss, 14 pass deflections and seven QB knockdowns.

The Bengals managed to do it without their resurrected tailback Cedric Benson, who hurt his hip earlier in the game. He had seven carries for 22 yards, but had to be spelled by Scott, who finished the day with 33 yards on 13 touches.

But it was the defense that played particularly well. In Pittsburgh's own backyard, Cincinnati held the defending champs to only 226 yards an no touchdowns. The Steelers were only 3-of-15 on third down and were never able to punch it through when in the red zone. Ben Roethlisberger, who was well on his way to 4,000 yards passing, was held to only 174 yards and was intercepted once.

Carson Palmer was equally pedestrian for the Bengals, completing only 55-percent of his passes, but didn't make a costly mistake as Roethlisberger did.

Scott's kickoff return was the only touchdown of the game and proved to be the difference, even though the extra point was missed.

Pittsburgh also took a big hit on it's roster when Troy Polumalu reinjured his aching knee and had to leave the game. It was the same knee he injured earlier in the year that forced him out of four games.

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