Bengals set shutout record on defense

As of the early fourth quarter, the Bengals set a franchise record by going 111:17 without allowing a point. The previous record was 110:02 during three October games in 1980.

The Bengals have not allowed a point in seven consecutive quarters, topping the previous mark of six quarters in a row during those three October 1980 games.

Ratliff springs 38-yard punt return

The Bengals squandered a 38-yard punt return by Keiwan Ratliff, which gave them good field position at the Baltimore 31-yard line. The Bengals ended up having to punt. Kyle Larson pinned the Ravens at their 8-yard line.

The Bengals are up 13-0 with 3:25 left in the third quarter.

Bengals go up 13-0 on trickery

Carson Palmer threw 40 yards to T.J. Houshmandzadeh for a touchdown on a flea-flicker early in the third quarter. Palmer handed to Rudi Johnson, who pitched back to Palmer. Houshmandzadeh ran past safety Ed Reed, caught the ball at the 12 and ran into the end zone.

Houshmandzadeh has seven catches for 96 yards. Fullback Jeremi Johnson ran 15 yards for a first down to the Baltimore 40 on the play before the touchdown. The touchdown catch is Houshmandzadeh's seventh, tying him with Chad Johnson for the team lead.

The Bengals lead 13-0 with 11:18 remaining in the third quarter.

Center Eric Ghiaciuc is out for the game with a right knee injury. Ben Wilkerson is playing at center, his first NFL action.

Bad clock management by Ravens; Bengals up 6-0 at half

Matt Stover hooked a 29-yard field goal attempt wide left with 7 seconds left in the second quarter. The Bengals lead 6-0 at the half.

Stover had made a kick prior to the miss, but Bengals coach Marvin Lewis called timeout just before the snap. So the Ravens had to kick again. The snap was low, and the hold slanted to the left.

The Bengals have now gone six quarters without allowing a point, a span of 94:20.

Ravens quarterback Steve McNair spiked the ball on a third-and-one play from the 11-yard line because the team had no timeouts remaining.

Chad Johnson has seven receptions for 87 yards in the first half. T.J. Houshmandzadeh has six for 56 yards.

C Ghiaciuc, special teams player Busing injured

Center Eric Ghiaciuc and safety John Busing both have knee injuries that required them to go into the locker room. Their returns are probable. In fact, Ghiaciuc already is back on the sideline warming up to go back in. The Ravens are third and 12 at the 50-yard line with 1:57 left in the second quarter. The Bengals lead 6-0.

Bengals kiss their sister on drive

The Bengals went up 6-0 on a 27-yard Shayne Graham field goal with 4:56 remaining in the second quarter. It capped a 12-play, 60-yard drive, but -- for the second time --the Bengals failed to score a touchdown in the red zone. The Bengals have had the ball for 15:47, compared to 9:17 for the Ravens.

The Bengals came in ranked fifth in red-zone touchdowns with 21 in 34 possessions. The Ravens were 16th in the NFL in allowing just seven touchdowns in 24 opponent drives inside their 20.

Ravens star punt/kickoff return man B.J. Sams went down on kickoff return after the Bengals second field goal. He fumbled but was ruled down by contact. A boot was placed on Sams' lower right leg.

He was taken from the field on a cart.

Bengals stuff Ravens on third down

Safety Dexter Jackson led a charge on a third-and-1 run by Jamal Lewis to force a third consecutive Baltimore punt. Lewis lost a yard. Tackles Domata Peko and Shaun Smith pushed back the middle of the Ravens offensive line.

Bengals go up 3-0 with 14:49 left in second quarter

Shayne Graham kicked a 23-yard field goal to cap a 14-play, 77-yard drive to put the Bengals up 3-0. The Bengals held onto the ball for 7:03 on the drive. The best defense is a ball-controlling offense.

The Bengals almost had a touchdown, but Chad Johnson was called for offensive pass interference for pushing off on defensive back Dawan Landry. It would have been a six-yard touchdown pass.

Chad hot in first quarter

Chad Johnson has four receptions for 64 yards in the first quarter. ... Carson Palmer is 9-for-13 passing for 102 yards and a 92.5 passer rating.

Rudi picks up blitzer Scott for first down

Tailback Rudi Johnson made a fine block on blitzing Baltimore linebacker Bart Scott to give Carson Palmer time to complete an eight-yard pass to T.J. Houshmandzadeh for a first down. ... Palmer and Houshmandzadeh hooked up for another first down on a six-yard pass to the 39-yard line. ... The Bengals have a third and goal from the Baltimore 6-yard line at the end of the first quarter.

There is no score.

Simmons returns to lineup

The teams have traded punts on their first two possessions each. ... Linebacker Brian Simmons, who has missed the last four games with a pinched nerve in his neck, returned to the lineup and made a tackle on Derrick Mason on five-yard reception.

RG Vincent inactive for Baltimore

Right guard Keydrick Vincent is inactive and is being replaced in the Baltimore starting lineup by Chris Chester.

The Ravens other inactive players are cornerback David Pittman, running backs P.J. Daniels and Cory Ross, linebacker Dan Cody, wide receiver Devard Darling, tight end Daniel Wilcox and defensive tackle Justin Bannan.

The Ravens did not designate an emergency third quarterback.

Thornton inactive vs. Ravens

John Thornton's 59-game start streak with the Bengals (75 overall, including Tennessee) is snapped tonight. He is inactive with a knee injury.

Rookie Domata Peko will make his first NFL start aside Sam Adams.

Starting left cornerback Deltha O'Neal (shoulder) also is out. Rookie Johnathan Joseph will start for the third consecutive game.

Other inactives for the Bengals: starting offensive linemen Bobbie Williams (appendix), Rich Braham (knee) and Levi Jones (knee), linebacker A.J. Nicholson and wide receiver Kelley Washington (hamstring). Doug Johnson is the emergency third quarterback.

Light rain is falling off and on at 6:30 p.m.

Bengals fan makes plea to help homeless, hungry

Dear Mark,

http://www.chunky.com/clickforcans.aspx

This came across my computer the other day and I was trying to figure out how the Bengals could win. I have alerted everyone I know. Being a competitor, I was trying to think outside the box.

I decided that this info needs to get to a sports writer at the Cincinnati Enquirer. I chose you. Please write something about this. I want to beat Green Bay but let's at least beat the Steelers. I really think that we can win. You would be the pivotal person.

Please read the following.

>> Easy way to help feed Cincinnati area's hungry: Cincinnati is currently
>> in
>> third place in the Campbell's "Click For Cans" competition. All you have
>> to
>> do is go to the website and vote for Cincinnati Bengals. The team with
>> the
>> most votes gets free soup donated for each pound of the winning team's
>> line-up. That is a lot of soup, and would feed a lot of hungry
>> Cincinnati's
>> poor. For a brief period last week we were in second. We can WIN! Think
>> how
>> COOL this would be if Cincinnati were to win this year. All of this food
>> would come pouring into the Free Store just before the Christmas Holiday.
>> This would help to feed so many more people than ever before and it
>> doesn't
>> cost any one of us a single penny. All you have to do is remember to vote
>> every day. Make yourself a little sticky note, store it to your
>> favorites,
>> and then tell 10 friends! Hopefully, they tell 10 friends, and they tell
>> 10
>> friends, and . . .
>>
> PLEASE, DON'T FORGET!

http://www.chunky.com/clickforcans.aspx

Thanks,

Brenda
Liberty Township

Curnutte multi-media appearances Thursday

I'll be on "Cold Pizza" on ESPN2 at the top of the show, 10 a.m., Thursday, followed by a radio interview with Colin Cowherd on ESPN Radio at roughly 10:25 a.m. Then I'll do the regular game preview on the WCPO-TV, Channel 9 news at noon with Tanya O'Rourke. The segment runs at about 12:20 p.m. The topic in all cases, of course, will be the Bengals-Ravens game to be played Thursday night.

Hint: As I write this, exactly 24 hours before kickoff, I like the team that has a lot more to lose with a loss. Desperation is powerful motivation.

Three Bengals return to practice

Three Bengals players officially returned to practice this afternoon, as the team made final preparations for the AFC North showdown Thursday night with Baltimore. Tight end Tony Stewart (hip), wide receiver Kelley Washington (hamstring) and defensive tackle Sam Adams (knee) went back to practice. Washington and Stewart are questionable. Adams is probable.

Don't look for center Rich Braham to play. He could not finish practice Tuesday. He is questionable with a knee injury. Eric Ghiaciuc will start. Defensive tackle John Thornton (knee) remained doubtful and did not practice, and cornerback Deltha O'Neal (should) is still questionable and did not practice.

For the Ravens, starter Jamal Lewis (tailback, foot), Todd Heap (tight end, back) and Adalius Thomas (linebacker, ankle) remained questionable and did not practice. Still, they are expected to play. The Ravens had exceptionally light practices this week.

DT Thornton doubtful with knee injury

Defensive tackle John Thornton's consecutive games started streak will likely come to an end Thursday night at 59. He is doubtful with a knee injury and did not practice today.

Left tackle Levi Jones (knee) and right guard Bobbie Williams (appendix) are out.

But center Rich Braham (knee), out since Week 2 is upgraded to questionable and could play against the Ravens. He did not officially practice in 11-on-11 team drills but was on the field in full gear for practice.

Two other players are questionable and did not practice: cornerback Deltha O'Neal (shoulder) and wide receiver Kelley Washington (hamstring).

Defensive tackle Sam Adams (knee) is probable but did not officially practice. Linebacker Brian Simmons (neck) was upgraded this week to probable and did practice. He is likely to play, which would boost the Bengals defense.

For the Ravens, three key starters are questionable and did not practice today: tight end Todd Heap (back), tailback Jamal Lewis (foot) and linebacker Adalius Thomas (ankle). All three are expected to play.

Bengals activate DE Fanene

This just released by Bengals PR:

The Bengals (this morning) made the following roster moves:

-- Placed HB Chris Perry on the Reserve/Injured list, ending his playing eligibility for 2006. Perry suffered a right ankle injury with a fibula fracture in Sunday’s game at Cleveland. Perry played in six games this season with one start, posting 57 rushing yards on 10 carries, 9 pass receptions for 42 yards and 21 kickoff returns for a 19.6-yard average.

-- Activated DE Jonathan Fanene to the 53-player roster from the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list. Fanene (6-4, 295; Utah) is a second-year NFL player. He had been on Reserve/PUP due to continued rehab from a hamstring injury suffered May 30 during offseason work. He practiced with the team the past three weeks on a roster exemption.

-- Signed rookie FB Chris Manderino to the practice squad. Manderino (6-0, 233; California) opened 2006 training camp with the Bengals as a college free agent and played in all four preseason games, with a 3-yard TD on a pass reception and 3 rushes for 11 yards. He was waived on Sept. 2.

Perry has surgery on fibula, out for season

Tailback Chris Perry underwent surgery this morning on his fractured fibula and is out for the season. Coach Marvin Lewis declined to comment further on roster moves at his news conference this afternoon.

The Bengals are required to make a decision this week on defensive tackle Jonathan Fanene (hamstring), who has been on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.

Lewis would not confirm that the team would practice tonight under the lights inside Paul Brown Stadium, and access today for the independent media was limited to Lewis' news conference at 3:45 p.m. Players have been arriving since about 4 p.m., and a prime-rib dinner is being served for players, coaches and other Bengals employees in the stadium cafeteria.

Defensive tackle John Thornton (knee) will be doubtful for the Thursday night game against Baltimore. He was injured in pre-game warmups at Cleveland, Lewis said.

The game is a key one in the playoff race. The Ravens are 9-2, three games ahead of the 6-5 Bengals in the AFC North. The Bengals need the victory to stay in the thick of the wildcard chase.

Right guard Bobbie Williams (appendix) and left tackle Levi Jones (knee) are out. Center Rich Braham (knee) improves to questionable. He has been out since Week 2.

"When Richie has an opportunity to come back and play, he'll have to prove he's ready," Lewis said. The coach praised the play of second-year center Eric Ghiaciuc and appeared to be in no hurry to rush any of the three starting offensive linemen -- Braham, Jones or Williams -- back from injury.

Stacy Andrews has started two games at right guard. Andrew Whitworth is playing well as the starter at left tackle.

Besides Braham, Lewis said cornerback Deltha O'Neal (shoulder), wide receiver Kelley Washington (hamstring), linebacker Brian Simmons (neck) and tight end Tony Stewart (kidney bruise) are questionable. Stewart has been cleared to play.

The Ravens are ranked second in total defense and run defense and ninth against the pass. They have four players with at least six sacks each and are first in sacks per play.

Baltimore also leads the NFL with a plus-15 in turnover differential. Cincinnati has climbed into a tie for fifth at plus-8.

Offensively, Baltimore has won five games in a row since coach Brian Billick fired offensive coordinator Jim Fassell and assumed play-calling responsibilities.

"They have done what good teams are supposed to do," Lewis said of the Ravens. "They've won the games they're supposed to win. They've put them in a position to win games. (Quarterback) Steve McNair has given them a sense of calmness."

News for Bengals fans Thursday night

The Bengals announced Monday that fans will be limited to one beer per person per purchase during the Baltimore game Thursday night. Sales will end at the third quarter. The normal policy allows two beers per person per purchase. The new policy will be in place until further notice for all prime-time games.

Also, gates will open a half hour earlier than normal, two hours before kickoff instead of 90 minutes. Gates will open at 6 p.m. Kickoff is at 8 p.m.

Parking lots adjacent to Paul Brown Stadium that are controlled by the Bengals will open at 4 p.m. Those are Lots 1, 1 Upper, A, B, C, D, E and the Freedom Center Garage.

Those lame Todd Rundgren lyrics to celebate victory ...

Straight from the migrane-inducing, game-day playlist at Paul Brown Stadium, here's a song all Bengals fans love, to celebrate the 30-0 victory over an absolutely terrible Cleveland Browns team.

Todd Rundgren's "Bang the Drum All Day"

I don't want to work
I want to bang on the drum all day
I don't want to play
I just want to bang on the drum all day

Ever since I was a tiny boy
I don't want no candy
I don't need no toy
I took a stick and an old coffee can
I bang on that thing 'til I got
Blisters on my hand because

Chorus, etc.

Post-game news & notes

CLEVELAND -- The Bengals helped their playoff chances today with their 30-0 victory against the Browns.

The Bengals also got some help.

Jacksonville lost at Buffalo to fall to 6-5. The Jets defeated Houston to improve to 6-5, like the Bengals.

The Jaguars, Jets and Bengals are tied, one game out of the final AFC wildcard position. Kansas City and Denver are 7-4 and would have the two wildcard berths if the season ended this weekend.

PERRY OUT FOR SEASON: Tailback Chris Perry's three seasons of frustration continued today when he suffered a broken bone in the lower right leg. Linebacker Andra Davis rolled on the ankle while tackling Perry on a 10-yard run. Perry declined comment after the game in the locker room.

Coach Marvin Lewis said Perry is out for the season and would require surgery.

CHAD ROLLS: Chad Johnson went over 1,000 receiving yards, 1,055, with 123 more against the Browns.

He had seven receptions, including a long of 43 on which former University of Cincinnati cornerback Daven Holly grabbed Johnson's right arm. Interference was not called.

"Nothing fancy," Johnson said. "We just came in a got the win."

TAKEAWAYS: The Bengals have nine takeaways and just two giveaways in their past two games, both victories. They are now 23-2 in games under Lewis with a positive turnover differential.

Kevin Kaesviharn and Tory James each had two interceptions and Justin Smith added a fumble recovery. Kaesviharn leads the team with six interceptions, three in the past two weeks.

The Bengals are now plus-8 in differential through 11 games.

STREAKS: The Bengals have won five in a row against the Browns to retake a 34-33 series edge in the "Battle of Ohio." The Bengals are 3-1 in division games and have won 8 of 10 in the past two seasons against AFC North rivals.

POINTS GALORE: The Bengals have scored 95 offensive points in the past three games, 102 counting the interception return for a touchdown last week at New Orleans by rookie Ethan Kilmer.

Carson Palmer has 21 touchdown passes against eight interceptions. He has nine with two picks in the past three games.

POSSESSION: The Bengals had the ball for 37:50 today, the fourth time they have had the ball more than the other team. They are 3-1 in those games.

Bengals' last shutout was Dec. 3, 1989

CLEVELAND -- The Bengals have 14:10 to go in order to record their first shutout since Dec. 3, 1989, when they blanked the Browns 21-0 at Cleveland Municipal Stadium.

James intercepts two errant Frye passes

CLEVELAND -- Two poor passes by Browns quarterback Charlie Frye, thrown wildly under pressure, were intercepted by cornerback Tory James.

Carson Palmer threw an interception to Browns safety Brian Russell.

The Bengals have a first down on Cleveland's 10-yard line and lead 23-0.

Perry rehabbed left leg in offseason; injured right today

CLEVELAND -- Tailback Chris Perry is out for the game after suffering an injured right ankle on a 10-yard run in the first half.

Perry had surgery on his left ankle and knee in the offseason.

He made a nice 10-yard run, cutting back to his left through a hole. Then he was rolled on by linebacker Andra Davis. Perry was taken off the field on a cart.

Palmer's TD pass is 20th of season

CLEVELAND -- Carson Palmer threw six yards for a touchdown to T.J. Houshmandzadeh with 10:36 remaining in the third quarter for a 23-0 lead. Shayne Graham's extra point kick was no good because of a high snap by Brad St. Louis.

Graham had made all 158 of his PATs with the Bengals and all 186 in his NFL career.

Kaesviharn's interception is fifth of season

CLEVELAND -- Safety Kevin Kaesviharn intercepted Charlie Frye's Hail Mary pass at the end of the first half, giving him a team high five this season.

The Bengals had 19:06 in possession time in the first 30 minutes.

Chad has three catches for 64 yards; Bengals up 17-0 at half

CLEVELAND -- Chad Johnson caught a 43-yard deep ball down the middle, even though Browns cornerback Daven Holly had grabbed Johnson's right elbow. No interference was called.

The Bengals scored on a 24-yard Shayne Graham field goal.

Phil Dawson had missed from 48 yards, wide left, giving the Bengals the ball on the 38-yard line.

At the half, Carson Palmer is 16-for-20 passes for 175 yards and one touchdown.

Rudi Johnson has run 14 times for 40 yards and one touchdown.

Chad Johnson's 63 yards give him 995 for the season and 513 in the past 10 quarters. He needs 100 to set the three-game NFL record.

Chris Perry runs 10 yards, injured

CLEVELAND -- Chris Perry made a nice 10-yard run, cutting back to his left through a hole. Then he was hammered by linebacker Andra Davis. Perry was taken off the field on a cart. He appears to have a lower right leg injury.

Update: Perry has an injured right ankle. His return is questionable.

Bengals defense winning on third down

CLEVELAND -- The Bengals defense just forced a third Browns punt. Cleveland has converted just 2 of 5 third downs.

Interference call leads to Bengals touchdown, 14-0

CLEVELAND -- Browns safety Brian Russell was penalized for pass interference on a third-and-seven play from the Browns 44-yard line. The ball appeared to be uncatchable, but Russell bumped Chad Johnson, and the flag was thrown. It was good for 36 yards.

Carson Palmer threw seven yards on a fade pattern to Chris Henry for the touchdown, his fifth catch for a score this season.

Henry has four receptions for 31 yards and a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty.

The Bengals drove 82 yards in 10 plays for the touchdown. Palmer now has 19 touchdown passes.

For all of his talent, Henry is a liability

CLEVELAND -- When Chris Henry served his two-game league suspension, coach Marvin Lewis said he didn't have to worry aboutng Henry's erratic behavior on the field. Well, after catching an eight-yard pass for a first down, Henry was flagged for unnecessary roughness for attempting to push cornerback Ralph Brown. Henry whiffed on the push.

Bengals drive 69 yards, 14 plays for TD, lead 7-0

CLEVELAND -- Rudi Johnson ran into the end zone from the 1-foot line to give the Benga inls a 7-0 lead with 5:54 remaining in the first quarter. He ran right behind right tackle Willie Anderson, who was flanked outside by tackle-eligible Scott Kooistra and tight end Reggie Kelly. Browns coach Romeo Crennel unsuccessfully challenged the call.

Johnson ran five times for 29 yards on the drive. Kelly had two receptions for 21 yards, including a diving 14-yard grab that set the Bengals up at the Cleveland 5.

The touchdown is Johnson's eighth of the season and his seventh in the past five games, including today.

The drive took 5:53.

Steady Landon Johnson gets first sack

CLEVELAND -- Linebacker Landon Johnson sacked Clarlie Frye and forced a fumble the Browns recovered on a third-and-7 play. It was the 40th sack allowed this season by the Browns.

Bengals lose coin toss

CLEVELAND -- Everything in the NFL is over-dramatized, including the coin toss. The Bengals will kickoff. ... The game-time temperature is 61 degrees.

No one asked me, but ...

I think Southern California, if it beats UCLA, deserves a shot at Ohio State in the national championship game. Michigan had its chance; it's 1-5 in the past six years against the Buckeyes. USC-Ohio State will be an excellent, entertaining matchup. A couple of professional colleages, both Ohio State graduates, are nervous after watching USC dismantle Notre Dame last night.

Browns inactive players against Bengals

CLEVELAND -- The Browns inactive players for today against the Bengals:

Justin Hamilton, DB
Leigh Bodden, DB (Chad Johnson will be disappointed; he wanted to face Bodden.)
Isaac Sowells, OL
Fred Matua, OL
Nat Dorsey, OL
Travis Wilson, WR
David McMillian, LB
Ken Dorsey, third QB

Back by overwhelming popular demand: Lyric of the Day

A lyrical tribute to a great, underdog city, the capital of my beloved Rust Belt.

"Cleveland Rocks"
by Ian Hunter

"All this energy calling me
Back where it comes from
It's such a crude attitude
It's back where it belongs
All the little kids growing up on the skids are goin
Cleveland rocks, cleveland rocks
Jumpin (jean) gene genies, moody james deanies goin

"Cleveland rocks, cleveland rocks, cleveland rocks, cleveland rocks
Cleveland rocks, cleveland rocks, cleveland rocks, cleveland rocks

"Mama knows but she don't care
She's got her worries too
Seven kids and a phony affair
And the rent is due
All the little chicks with the crimson lips go
Cleveland rocks, cleveland rocks
She's livin' in sin with a safety pin
She's goin cleveland rocks, cleveland rocks, cleveland rocks, cleveland rocks

"Cleveland rocks, cleveland rocks, cleveland rocks, cleveland rocks

"I got some records from world war two
I'll play em just like me grand dad do
He was a rocker and I am, too
Oh cleveland rocks, yeah Cleveland rocks
So find a place
Grab a space
And yell and scream for more

"Cleveland rocks, cleveland rocks, cleveland rocks, cleveland rocks
Cleveland rocks, cleveland rocks, cleveland rocks, cleveland rocks
Cleveland rocks, cleveland rocks, cleveland rocks, cleveland rocks
Cleveland rocks, cleveland rocks, cleveland rocks, cleveland rocks
Cleveland rocks, cleveland rocks, cleveland rocks, cleveland rocks
Cleveland rocks, cleveland rocks, cleveland rocks, cleveland rocks"

No surprises on inactive list for Bengals

CLEVELAND -- The Bengals will again be without their top cornerback, Deltha O'Neal, who is out with a shoulder injury.

Other Bengals inactive players are linebackers A.J. Nicholson and Brian Simmons (neck), offensive linemen Bobbie Williams (appendix), Rich Braham (knee) and Levi Jones (knee) and wide receiver Kelley Washington (hamstring).

Doug Johnson is the third quarterback.

Lineup changes: Eric Ghiaciuc will start at center, Stacy Andrews at right guard, Andrew Whitworth at left tackle, Johnathan Joseph at cornerback and Caleb Miller at middle linebacker.

Henry added to injury report as probable

No. 3 wide receiver Chris Henry was added today to the Bengals' official injury report as probable with a hip flexor. He did not practice.

But wide receiver Chad Johnson (hamstring) did return to practice and remained probable for the Browns on Sunday at Cleveland. Fellow wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (ribs) is probable and did practice today.

In all, 15 Bengals players are on the report.

Among the other changes, cornerback Keiwan Ratliff (ribs) returned to practice today for the first time this week but remained questionable. Linebacker Brian Simmons (neck) remained questionable but practiced for the first time in two weeks, and fullback Jeremi Johnson (great toe) practiced for the first time this week and remained probable.

The doubtfuls: left tackle Levi Jones (knee) downgraded to doubtful; wide receiver Kelley Washington (hamstring).

The players listed as questionable: safety Dexter Jackson (Achilles) did practice, but cornerback Deltha O'Neal (shoulder) did not.

The other probables who did practice: right tackle Willie Anderson (shoulder) and defensive tackle Sam Adams (knee).

Defensive tackle John Thornton (knee) remained probable but did not practice. He will play.

Henry added to injury report as probable

No. 3 wide receiver Chris Henry was added today to the Bengals' official injury report as probable with a hip flexor. He did not practice.

But wide receiver Chad Johnson (hamstring) did return to practice and remained probable for the Browns on Sunday at Cleveland. Fellow wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (ribs) is probable and did practice today.

In all, 15 Bengals players are on the report.

Among the other changes, cornerback Keiwan Ratliff (ribs) returned to practice today for the first time this week but remained questionable. Linebacker Brian Simmons (neck) remained questionable but practiced for the first time in two weeks, and fullback Jeremi Johnson (great toe) practiced for the first time this week and remained probable.

The doubtfuls: left tackle Levi Jones (knee) downgraded to doubtful; wide receiver Kelley Washington (hamstring).

The players listed as questionable: safety Dexter Jackson (Achilles) did practice, but cornerback Deltha O'Neal (shoulder) did not.

The other probables who did practice: right tackle Willie Anderson (shoulder) and defensive tackle Sam Adams (knee).

Defensive tackle John Thornton (knee) remained probable but did not practice. He will play.

Chad added to injury report as probable

The Bengals just completed a Thanksgiving Day practice and added wide receiver Chad Johnson as probable with a hamstring. He tweaked his right thigh Sunday while scoring one of his three touchdowns at New Orleans. Johnson did not practice but is expected to start and play Sunday at Cleveland.

In addition to Johnson, the Bengals had just two changes to their injury report. Right tackle Willie Anderson (shoulder) and defensive tackle Sam Adams (knee) remained probable but both returned to practice today.

For the Browns, safety Brian Russell (elbow) and linebacker Willie McGinnest (ankle) both remained questionable but did return to practice today.

Happy Thanksgiving: Alice's Restaurant Massacree

The apple didn't fall far from the tree. Arlo Guthrie inherited some of the songwriting genius from his father, Woody. Arlo is best known for his 18-minute, Vietnam war-era epic "Alice's Restaurant Massacree."

It's almost funnier reading the lyrics than listening to it. Here's just a sampling.

Happy Thanksgiving.

(Personally, I have more to be thankful for than I could ever count. God has been infinitely good to me; I try to be mindful of the people who haven't been nearly as fortunate, though I'll never be able to comprehend why some have so much and others have so little. As I get older and see a little bit more of the world each year, I realize this truth: You don't get into heaven without a permission slip from society's poor and otherwise marginalized. These thoughts keep me awake at night sometimes. I look no further than my own newspaper industry, which used to be governed by the slogan, "Comfort the afflicted, afflict the comfortable." Now it seems to be, "Comfort the comfortable, afflict the afflicted.")

Now, a couple of long verses of "Alice's Restaurant Massacree:"

Now it all started two Thanksgivings ago, was on - two years ago on
Thanksgiving, when my friend and I went up to visit Alice at the
restaurant, but Alice doesn't live in the restaurant, she lives in the
church nearby the restaurant, in the bell-tower, with her husband Ray and
Fasha the dog. And livin' in the bell tower like that, they got a lot of
room downstairs where the pews used to be in. Havin' all that room,
seein' as how they took out all the pews, they decided that they didn't
have to take out their garbage for a long time.

We got up there, we found all the garbage in there, and we decided it'd be
a friendly gesture for us to take the garbage down to the city dump. So
we took the half a ton of garbage, put it in the back of a red VW
microbus, took shovels and rakes and implements of destruction and headed
on toward the city dump.

Well we got there and there was a big sign and a chain across across the
dump saying, "Closed on Thanksgiving." And we had never heard of a dump
closed on Thanksgiving before, and with tears in our eyes we drove off
into the sunset looking for another place to put the garbage.

We didn't find one. Until we came to a side road, and off the side of the
side road there was another fifteen foot cliff and at the bottom of the
cliff there was another pile of garbage. And we decided that one big pile
is better than two little piles, and rather than bring that one up we
decided to throw our's down.

That's what we did, and drove back to the church, had a thanksgiving
dinner that couldn't be beat, went to sleep and didn't get up until the
next morning, when we got a phone call from officer Obie. He said, "Kid,
we found your name on an envelope at the bottom of a half a ton of
garbage, and just wanted to know if you had any information about it." And
I said, "Yes, sir, Officer Obie, I cannot tell a lie, I put that envelope
under that garbage." ...

PART II (The Draft)

... And I, I walked over to the, to the bench there, and there is, Group W's
where they put you if you may not be moral enough to join the army after
committing your special crime, and there was all kinds of mean nasty ugly
looking people on the bench there. Mother rapers. Father stabbers. Father
rapers! Father rapers sitting right there on the bench next to me! And
they was mean and nasty and ugly and horrible crime-type guys sitting on the
bench next to me. And the meanest, ugliest, nastiest one, the meanest
father raper of them all, was coming over to me and he was mean 'n' ugly
'n' nasty 'n' horrible and all kind of things and he sat down next to me
and said, "Kid, whad'ya get?" I said, "I didn't get nothing, I had to pay
$50 and pick up the garbage." He said, "What were you arrested for, kid?"
And I said, "Littering." And they all moved away from me on the bench
there, and the hairy eyeball and all kinds of mean nasty things, till I
said, "And creating a nuisance." And they all came back, shook my hand,
and we had a great time on the bench, talkin about crime, mother stabbing,
father raping, all kinds of groovy things that we was talking about on the
bench. And everything was fine, we was smoking cigarettes and all kinds of
things, until the Sargeant came over, had some paper in his hand, held it
up and said.

"Kids, this-piece-of-paper's-got-47-words-37-sentences-58-words-we-wanna-
know-details-of-the-crime-time-of-the-crime-and-any-other-kind-of-thing-
you-gotta-say-pertaining-to-and-about-the-crime-I-want-to-know-arresting-
officer's-name-and-any-other-kind-of-thing-you-gotta-say", and talked for
forty-five minutes and nobody understood a word that he said, but we had
fun filling out the forms and playing with the pencils on the bench there,
and I filled out the massacre with the four part harmony, and wrote it
down there, just like it was, and everything was fine and I put down the
pencil, and I turned over the piece of paper, and there, there on the
other side, in the middle of the other side, away from everything else on
the other side, in parentheses, capital letters, quotated, read the
following words:

("KID, HAVE YOU REHABILITATED YOURSELF?")

Bengals lose FB Tahi; sign Bob Johnson's nephew

The Bengals have signed long-snapper Adam Johnson to the practice squad. The team lost fullback Naufahu Tahi from its practice squad; he was signed to the Vikings 53-man roster.

Johnson, at 6-feet 5, 235 pounds, played at the University of Buffalo and was on the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad from the beginning of the season until his release Oct. 17. Johnson first entered the NFL as a college free agent with Carolina in 2004 and on the Panthers practice squad that season. He was out of the NFL during the 2005 season.

His uncle, Bob Johnson, was the first player drafted by the Bengals in 1968 from the University of Tennessee. He played 12 seasons with the Bengals (1968-79).

Palmer is FedEx player of week

This just in from FedEx and the NFL:

BENGALS QB CARSON PALMER & CHARGERS RB LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON
NAMED WEEK 11 FEDEX AIR & GROUND® NFL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Winner Selected Through Fan Votes on NFL.com and Via Sprint Wireless

Quarterback PALMER of the Cincinnati Bengals and running back LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON of the San Diego Chargers are the FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Week for games played on November 19-20, the NFL announced today.

Palmer threw for 275 yards, completing 14 of 22 attempts with three touchdown passes and a passer rating of 127.8 in the Bengals’ 31-16 victory over the New Orleans Saints. Palmer’s touchdown strikes went for four, 41 and 60 yards, all to wide receiver Chad Johnson.

Tomlinson carried 20 times for 105 yards and three touchdowns in the Chargers’ 35-27 victory over the Denver Broncos. He scored on runs of one, three and three yards and added a 51-yard touchdown reception.

Palmer and Tomlinson were selected from among finalists in air and ground categories through 68,336 fan votes on NFL.com and via Sprint wireless service. The other FedEx Express NFL Player of the Week finalists were quarterbacks TOM BRADY of the New England Patriots and J.P. LOSMAN of the Buffalo Bills, while running backs FRANK GORE of the San Francisco 49ers and LARRY JOHNSON of the Kansas City Chiefs were the other finalists for the FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week.

Palmer received 61 percent of the fan votes for FedEx Express NFL Player of the Week, while Losman received 22 percent and Brady received 17 percent. Tomlinson’s 48 percent of the fan votes for FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week beat out Gore’s 41 percent and Johnson’s 11 percent.

Palmer: Don't be fooled by Browns' 3-7 record

Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer said the Browns are a much better team than their 3-7 record might otherwise indicate. ... Right tackle Willie Anderson said Cleveland's defense has carried the team and will be a physical challenge for the high-scoring Bengals offense.

There were no significant changes in the Bengals' injury report from Monday: safety Dexter Jackson (Achilles), cornerback Deltha O'Neal (shoulder), cornerback Keiwan Ratliff (ribs), linebacker Brian Simmons (neck) and left tackle Levi Jones (knee) all are listed as questionable.

Coach Marvin Lewis said his favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner is cranberry sauce. ... When asked why Chris Perry was not used as third-down back Sunday at New Orleans, Lewis said, "That's our decision."

Lyric of the day: Son Volt's `Windfall'

Son Volt's debut album, 1995's "Trace," is one of the finest of any genre, not just alt-country. Fresh off the breakup of Uncle Tupelo, Jay Farrar formed Son Volt (electric blues).

The first song on "Trace" is an upbeat road song called "Windfall." It hit me flying out of New Orleans on Monday morning.

Happy Thanksgiving. ... May the wind take your troubles away. ...

"... Trying to make it far enough, to the next time zone
Few and far between past the midnight hour
Never feel alone, you're really not alone...

"Switching it over to AM
Searching for a truer sound
Can't recall the call letters
Steel guitar and settle down
Catching an all-night station somewhere in Louisiana
It sounds like 1963, but for now it sounds like heaven

"May the wind take your troubles away
May the wind take your troubles away
Both feet on the floor, two hands on the wheel,
May the wind take your troubles away."

Palmer up for NFL/FedEx weekly award

This in today from the NFL and FedEx ...


Quarterbacks TOM BRADY of the New England Patriots, J.P. LOSMAN of the Buffalo Bills and CARSON PALMER of the Cincinnati Bengals are the finalists for FedEx Express NFL Player of the Week honors for games played on November 19-20, while running backs FRANK GORE of the San Francisco 49ers, LARRY JOHNSON of the Kansas City Chiefs and LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON of the San Diego Chargers are the finalists for FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week honors, the NFL announced today.

Fans can vote for one player in each category on fedexfootball.com from 9am EST on Tuesday through 12pm EST on Wednesday to determine the FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Week. The winners will be announced Wednesday afternoon on fedexfootball.com.

Fans will be voting for more than their favorite player. For the third season in a row, the weekly FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Week Awards are a win for the local community. Along with the award, FedEx will donate $5,000 every week to the local children’s hospital in each winning market. The children’s hospitals in the two season-long winner’s markets, announced at this year’s Super Bowl, will be awarded $25,000 each. That means that FedEx will deliver nearly $250,000 to local children’s hospitals around the country in recognition of the FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Week Award winners.

A closer look at the FedEx Express NFL Player of the Week finalists:

New England’s TOM BRADY completed 20 of 31 passes for 244 yards, four touchdowns and a passer rating of 130.9 in the Patriots’ 35-0 victory over the Green Bay Packers. Brady completed first-half touchdown passes of two and 54 yards, and followed up with touchdown passes of eight and 19 yards in the second half.

Buffalo’s J.P. LOSMAN threw three touchdown passes, completing 26 of 38 attempts for 340 yards and a 111.7 passer rating in the Bills’ 24-21 victory over the Houston Texans. On Buffalo’s first two possessions, Losman threw consecutive 83-yard touchdown passes to Lee Evans. Losman added a 15-yard, fourth-quarter touchdown.

Cincinnati’s CARSON PALMER threw for 275 yards, completing 14 of 22 attempts with three touchdown passes and a passer rating of 127.8 in the Bengals’ 31-16 victory over the New Orleans Saints. Palmer’s touchdown strikes went for four, 41 and 60 yards, all to wide receiver Chad Johnson.

A closer look at the FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week finalists:

San Francisco’s FRANK GORE rushed for 212 yards on 24 carries in the 49ers’ 20-14 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Gore, who had a long run of 51 yards to set up a field goal, averaged almost nine yards per carry.

Kansas City’s LARRY JOHNSON carried 31 times for 154 yards and two touchdowns in the Chiefs’ 17-13 victory over the Oakland Raiders. Johnson scored on touchdown runs of one and five yards.

San Diego’s LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON carried 20 times for 105 yards and three touchdowns in the Chargers’ 35-27 victory over the Denver Broncos. Tomlinson scored on runs of one, three and three yards and added a 51-yard touchdown reception.

Question about last season

Reader Steve Sweeney asks what was the Bengals record after 10 games in 2005.

It was 7-3, following the 45-37 loss to the Colts.

Then the Bengals won four in a row to peak at 11-3 before losing their last two regular-season games and the playoff game.

Bengals fall to last in NFL in overall defense, pass defense

By allowing 595 yards Sunday to the Saints, the Bengals defense has fallen to last --32 of 32 teams -- in overall defensive rank. The ranking is determined by yards allowed per game. The Bengals are allowing 377.7 yards a game.

The Bengals also are now last in pass defense at 254.4 yards per game. Drew Brees threw for 510 yards Sunday for the Saints.

The 595 yards allowed by the Bengals Sunday at New Orleans were the third most allowed by a Bengals team in franchise history. San Diego gained 661 in 1982, and Oakland had 604 in 1968.

The Bengals' opponent Sunday, the Browns, are ranked 31st in offense at 256.9 yards a game.

The stationary object against the invisible force.

The last Bengals blocked PAT was ...

Reader David J. Gruen Jr. emailed today and wanted to know when the Bengals last blocked an extra-point kick.

It was 1991, by defensive end Rod Saddler.

Bengals rookie cornerback Johnathan Joseph blocked a PAT against New Orleans in the fourth quarter.

Bengals' secondary still reeling

Cornerback Keiwan Ratliff (bruised ribs) joined two other regulars in the defensive backfield -- starting strong safety Dexter Jackson (Achilles) and top cornerback Deltha O'Neal (shoulder) -- as questionable for the game Sunday at Cleveland.

The Bengals, who improved to 5-5 Sunday with the 31-16 victory at New Orleans, have an opportunity to get back over .500 and better their AFC North division record to 3-1 with a victory against the Browns.

Division record can be a key tiebreaker in determining wildcard playoff berths.

Linebacker Brian Simmons (neck) and left offensive tackle Levi Jones (knee) are questionable, Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said this afternoon at his news conference.

Wide receiver Kelley Washington (hamstring) is doubtful. Center Rich Braham (knee) and starting right guard Bobbie Williams (appendix) are out.

Brees' big day hurt by three interceptions

NEW ORLEANS -- Saints’ quarterback Drew Brees’ 510 passing are the sixth all-time in an NFL game. Norm Van Brocklin has the record of 554 for the L.A. Rams vs. the New York Yanks in 1951.

Chad sets NFL record for yards in consecutive games

NEW ORLEANS -- Chad Johnson's 450 receiving yards in consecutive games is an NFL record, according to Elias Sports Bureau.

San Francisco's John Taylor had the previous record, 448, in 1989, in road games at Atlanta and the Los Angeles Rams. He had 162 and 286.

Johnson had six receptions for 190 yards today in the 31-16 victory against the Saints. He had 11 for a franchise record 260 last week at home against San Diego.

In two games, Johnson has 17 receptions for 450 yards and five touchdowns. For the season, he now has 57 for 932 and seven touchdowns. Johnson had 482 yards in the first eight games and the 450 in the past two.

Carl Pickens had the previous franchise record of receiving yards in consecutive games, 324, in 1998. He had 120 and 204 against Baltimore and Pittsburgh.

Bengals step on Saints neck, 31-10

NEW ORLEANS -- The Bengals did not sit on their seven-point lead, instead going on the attack and building their lead to 24-10 with 7:37 remaining in the game.

Carson Palmer threw four yards to Chad Johnson for a touchdown, his third of the game. Johnson made a diving 48-yard catch to set up the score. Rudi Johnson started the three-play touchdown drive, which followed a New Orleans punt, with a 22-yard run down the left sideline.

Rookie safety/wide receiver Ethan Kilmer added a 42-yard interception return for a touchdown to make it 31-10 with 6:14 remaining. The Bengals are plus-3 (4-1) on turnover differential with three interceptions and one fumble recovery.

Johnson has six receptions for 190 yards and three touchdowns. In the past two games, Johnson has 17 receptions for 450 yards and five touchdowns.

Bengals take 17-10 lead on second Palmer-Chad TD

NEW ORLEANS -- The Bengals responded to the Saints' tying score by going 72 yards for a touchdown, the final 60 coming on a Carson Palmer pass to Chad Johnson. It was Johnson's second of the game and fourth in two weeks.

Palmer moved left out of the pocket to escape the rush, and cornerback Fred Thomas bit up, allowing Johnson to release down the sideline, catching the lofted pass and out-running the secondary to the end zone. At the end of the run, Johnson injured his right hamstring, reaching back to grab it after crossing the goal line.

Johnson has four receptions for 138 yards, giving him 55 catches for 880 yards and six touchdowns at this minute.

Saints tie game at 10

NEW ORLEANS -- John Carney kicked a 24-yard field goal with 13:39 left in the game to tie it at 10.

The Bengals held on a third-and-1 play from their 5-yard line, with tackle Sam Adams and end Justin Smith forcing Deuce McAllister to lose one-yard on a run up the middle. The Saints had thrown end zone interceptions on their previous two trips in the red zone.

Big game for Kaesviharn

NEW ORLEANS -- Safety Kevin Kaesviharn, through three quarters, has 10 tackles, including two sacks, and a touchdown-saving interception in the end zone.

Bengals hold 10-7 lead after three quarters

NEW ORLEANS -- The Bengals hold a slim 10-7 lead at the end of the third quarter.

The Saints have a second-and-2 play from the Bengals 6-yard line to start the fourth.

New Orleans has driven from its 20-yard line, following an end zone interception of Carson Palmer by linebacker Mark Simoneau.

New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees has his sixth 300-yard pass game of the season, tying a single-season franchise record with Archie Manning.

At the end of three quarters, the Saints have 409 yards in total offense compared to 215 for the Bengals. Brees has 325 pass yards.

Saints LB Simoneau intercepts Palmer

NEW ORLEANS -- The turnover bug bit the Bengals in the same place it has taken a chunk out of Saints' drives -- in the end zone.

Carson Palmer, on a second-and-8 pass intended for T.J. Houshmandzadeh, threw an interception to linebacker Mark Simoneau in the end zone.

The Bengals had moved from the Saints 48 to the 15-yard line.

The Bengals have intercepted two Drew Brees passes in the end zone.

Saints hurt offense by force-feeding Bush

NEW ORLEANS -- An observation. The Saints would be better off running Deuce McAllister more often and running Reggie Bush less frequently.

Also, their receivers are dropping too many passes against a bend-but-don't-break Bengals defense. Joe Horn dropped one on third down on the last Saints possession.

Kaesviharn interception in end zone saves more points

NEW ORLEANS -- Bengals safety Kevin Kaesviharn intercepted a Drew Brees pass in the end zone to prevent the Saints from tying the game or taking the lead at halftime.

The Bengals lead 10-7 at the half.

The Bengals have three takeaways, including interceptions in the end zone by Kaesviharn and fellow safety Madieu Williams.

The Saints have 246 pass yards but just one touchdown to show for the effort.

Kaesviharn has a sack and his fourth interception of the season, which is one more than Williams for the team lead.

Bengals forced second turnover

NEW ORLEANS -- Caleb Miller recoverded a fumble at the end of a 10-yard reception by wide receiver Terrance Cooper, giving the Bengals a first down on their 43-yard line. But the Bengals squandered the chance and punted on another three-and-out.

The Bengals are plus-2 in turnover differential today, gathering their first takeaways since the Carolina game Oct. 22.

Bengals abandon no-huddle offense, slow down game

NEW ORLEANS -- With 7:30 remaining in the second quarter, the Bengals lead 10-7 thanks to a 21-yard field goal by Shayne Graham.

The Bengals went 76 yards on 12 plays but stalled with a first and goal on the Saints 5-yard line. The Bengals consumed 6:25 on the drive and hold a 12:59-9:31 possession edge so far.

The Bengals have yet to employ their no-huddle offense, an attempt to slow the game and keep the ball away from the Saints offense.

Rudi Johnson has run 11 times for 50 yards.

Madieu Williams interception saves TD

NEW ORLEANS -- Madieu Williams picked off Drew Brees in the end zone and returned the ball 25 yards to set the Bengals up with a first down on their 20-yard line. Brees was throwing to Devery Henderson, whose 44-yard catch and run had put New Orleans first and goal on the 8.

The interception was the first for Cincinnati since its sixth game. It had gone more than three games without a pick. Linebacker Caleb Miller had dropped one earlier in the game.

The pick was the 10th of the season for the Bengals and third for Williams, tying him with Kevin Kaesviharn for the team lead.

First quarter ends 7-7

NEW ORLEANS -- Since scoring on their first possession, the Bengals have had three three-and-out series against the Saints defense.

Saints WR Colston taken to locker room on cart

NEW ORLEANS -- Saints star rookie wide receiver Marques Colston, who suffered an apparent lower leg injury, was wheeled to the locker room on a cart for further examination.

Update: Colston has a left ankle sprain and his return is questionable.

Saints pull even at 7 on trick play

NEW ORLEANS -- The Saints went one play on a 72-yard touchdown pass from Drew Brees to Joe Horn to tie the game at 7.

Brees, under center, took the snap, handed the ball to Deuce McAllister, who pitched it back to Brees on a flea-flicker. The defense did not bite, but Horn caught the ball in the middle of a triangle of Bengals defensive backs -- Tory James, Madieu Williams and Johnathan Joseph -- and ran into the end zone.

The touchdown was Horn's 50th with the Saints, joining Dalton Hilliard (53) as the only two receivers to have 50 for the Saints.

The Bengals secondary is playing without two starters -- cornerback Deltha O'Neal and strong safety Dexter Jackson.

Inside the Superdome: I can see the rows of white cots

NEW ORLEANS -- Sitting on the second-level of the Louisiana Superdome, in the press box and looking down at the field, I have a hard time escaping the images of people sleeping on this same stadium floor a little more than a year ago.

It was the bedroom for the people who had nowhere else to go during and after Hurricane Katrina.

I can still see photos and news footage of the row upon row of white cots occupied mainly by low-income black people -- the ones without means to get out and the ones initially abandoned as second-class citizens by the Bush administration in their most dire hour of need. Until it became a political hot potato, that is.

At the point of the administration's inaction, I had sent an email to John Kerry's Senate office, telling him I had voted for him and imploring him to step into the leadership vacuum, raise awareness and get help to New Orleans. He didn't. I never got a reply.

It's sometimes hard to take seriously a football game.

But I've been told many times in a walk through the sections of downtown and the French Quarter on Saturday that the Saints mean a great deal and symbolize the city's rebirth.

Palmer to Chad, 41-yard TD; defense holds

NEW ORLEANS -- The Bengals struck first on a four-play, 67-yard touchdown drive, capped by a 41-yard Carson Palmer pass to Chad Johnson for a touchdown. Johnson ran past Saints cornerback Fred Thomas. Palmer completed a key third-down pass for 18-yard to Chris Henry.

On defense, the Bengals forced the Saints to punt on their first possession. Safety Kevin Kaesviharn had a coverage sack on third and four.

Bengals secondary depleted

NEW ORLEANS -- Safety Dexter Jackson (Achilles) and cornerback Deltha O'Neal (shoulder) are out today for the Saints game because of injuries. Rookie Johnathan Joseph will start for O'Neal, and Kevin Kaesviharn returns to the starting lineup in place of Jackson.

They will have to tangle with the NFL's No. 1-ranked pass offense for the Saints.

Other Bengals inactives: linebacker Brian Simmons (neck), right guard Bobbie Williams (appendix), center Rich Braham (center), left tackle Levi Jones (knee) and wide receiver Kelley Washington (hamstring). Other than Washington, every other Bengals inactive player would be starting if healthy.

Doug Johnson is the emergency third quarterback.

Other starting lineup changes for the Bengals are Stacy Andrews at right guard, Eric Ghiaciuc at center in place of Braham, Andrew Whitworth at left guard for Jones, and Caleb Miller at middle linebacker in place of Simmons. Ahmad Brooks had been starting at middle linebacker, but he is out of the starting lineup by result of a coach's decision.

The eulogy for my mother

Eulogy for Elizabeth Ann Mueller Curnutte, Aug. 16, 1929-Oct. 26, 2006. Written and delivered Oct. 31, 2006, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Dixon, Ill., by her fifth of seven children, Mark Joseph Curnutte.

--- --- ---

The story of the life of Elizabeth Ann (Mueller) Curnutte can not be told without including her partnership with her late husband, John.

Dad’s personality could fill a room. He never met a stranger. Mom often was most comfortable in the background.

They reminded me of the refrain from an old Harry Chapin song: “He was the sun, burning bright and brittle. She was the moon, shining back his light a little.”

This arrangement, while true in public, was not always the case in our home. It was her turf. In the whole of their union, John and Betty had equal but complementary strengths.

And she, though completely intertwined with her husband, was her own person. And that Betty Ann is the woman we remember here today.

She was born Aug. 16, 1929, in Peru, Ill., the seventh of eight children and third of four daughters born to Henry Joseph and Margaret Ann Mueller.

“She was always very strong-minded, very determined to carry it through,” one of her sisters, Midge, says. “She was always a very positive person. I never remember her complaining.”

Betty Ann took years of piano lessons. Music came naturally to her, it seemed, but it was the result of a fierce work ethic. She played the organ at Mass for many years.

One day, her father was late coming home to give her a ride to church. She decided to take a short cut, walking through the woods between the house and church. She would have to jump a fence but didn’t realize the owner had driven nails into the top rail. Betty Ann cut her leg but went on and played, despite the blood.

She was graduated from the St. Joseph Commercial High School after two years of intense bookkeeping and secretarial arts study.

Betty Ann married relatively young, even for the era, at age 21 in December 1950. She and John had seven children and settled in Dixon – first on Chicago Avenue, then West Second Street, finally at 810 S. Galena Ave. They would have 16 grandchildren.

But that information is data, the cold, hard fact of biography that only begins to describe Betty Ann.

During the past few days, I asked each of my three sisters and three brothers to recall Mom – or, better yet, Betty Ann – as an individual, apart from her life as Mrs. John Curnutte, as difficult as it is to separate the two.

Spencer, 34, of Cincinnati, her youngest child, referenced the word “discipline” but not in a “calloused hand upside the head kind of way,” he says, “but discipline in the sense that nothing in life comes for free.”

He remembers specifically his fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade years, and the mandatory, Mom-enforced after-school trumpet lessons. She didn’t just tell him to practice. She sat with him.

“Half an hour, no exception,” he says. “She knew her stuff. I had to work.”

Lucy, 40, the baby girl, now also of Cincinnati, was the Christmas Eve miracle in 1965. She ran through a series of adjectives to describe Mom.

"Extremely strong … poised … wise ... unselfish … practical,” Lucy says. “She was part of a team that gave us the strongest sense of a warm, simple life.”

Barbara, 48, the fourth of the seventh who now lives in New Hampshire, also was succinct.

“I will miss Mom in ways I can’t even comprehend yet,” she says.

Barbara leaned on Mom when she had an unplanned pregnancy later in life. It was also important to her that Mom know her children.

“And she did,” Barbara says. “And the door was always open for us to visit.”

Joan, 50, the one who stayed in Dixon, took on most of the responsibility when first Dad and then Mom fell ill and died. (Joan, thank you from all of us.) But she also got to know them best.

“We did a lot the last few years since Dad died, mostly talking,” she says. “So I am going to miss her. Mom was my friend. She was my mom, too.”

“Even still?” I ask.

“Of course.”

Paul, 53, came back to Illinois from Massachusetts with his family in 1990.

“As hard as it is to think of her as a non-partner, she did operate almost independently of (Dad),” he says. “It wasn’t until I was in high school that Dad became an obvious force in the house. Sometimes, I think he was more of a disruptive influence. She created the peaceful environment.”

Paul remembers Mom as a “strong, independent woman, not as an appendage, not a lesser partner,” but as a person, and I quote him again, “who came up with a practical, common-sense approach to what life afforded at the time. Her greatest achievement is each one of us.”

John, 55, is the oldest of the seven and has settled in northern California.

“Their lives, and her life, were no less gritty than most people’s lives,” John says. “They had all the tears, worry, arguments, feeling of `how are we going to make it?’ But they got through it.”

Paul and John’s moral: To idealize and romanticize Mom and Dad’s lives is to reduce them.

Mom revealed her strength in the wake of her husband’s illness and death in February 2003. She put into practice some of her greatest advice: Respond to life’s pain, its disappointments, by going on the attack. Get busy. Achieve.

Mom organized and sold the four-bedroom family house on Galena Avenue. At age 74, she went to driving school and earned her first license. And with John and Joan’s loving assistance, she turned a house on Tee Street into the new family home.

I have attempted here to give voice to my brothers and sisters’ words. But these last words are mine. I am Mark, 44, of Cincinnati. And Mom, like Dad, also made me feel like I was the favorite.

I recall Mom’s consistency. She was always there for me. And the rare times she wasn’t, she was with Lucy. The meals always were hot. Food was plentiful, like she could multiply fishes and loaves. The house always was clean, the clothes always washed and folded.

I also recall her sitting at her sewing machine. I’ll never forget riding around town in Dad’s company car as a kid and him pointing out all the shop windows adorned with drapes that Mom had sewn at home to help make ends meet.

I remember how pretty she looked and smelled every day, the pride she had in her appearance, especially during those few years she worked part-time in the catalogue department at a downtown department store.

I remember when Dad – later in life -- told me the family was in trouble financially until Mom took control of the money. Every cent was accounted for in the ledger she kept in the buffet in the dining room.

Ultimately, I see Mom and Dad together.

We’re taught and believe God’s promise of eternal life. Its splendor is beyond our ability as humans to imagine.

But paradise for Mom and Dad, I think, might be simply being together now and forever.

In my vision, I see a table. I see Dad at one end, nearest the floor register, the
radio within arm’s reach and tuned to a White Sox or Reds game, or maybe the Bulls are on. The newspaper, most likely that day’s Chicago Tribune, is folded on a chair.

I see Mom at the other end of the table. She has put down some knitting or just come back from putting the financial ledger away in the dining room.

There are two copper mugs and a quart of beer.

From my bedroom above the kitchen, I hear that familiar rhythm of dice rattling in a cardboard cup, that sound that lulled me securely to sleep as a child as would the calming pendulum of a grandfather clock.

The first game of Yahtzee is on.

--- --- ---

Epilogue: Elizabeth Curnutte's memorial and a portion of her estate will be donated to St. Patrick's Church, Dixon, Ill., to complete the purchase of a new organ.

Deltha O'Neal downgraded to doubtful for Saints

The Bengals have more bad news on their injury report this afternoon. Deltha O'Neal, their top cornerback who suffered a shoulder injury in the Chargers game, was downgraded to doubtful, did not practice and is unlikely to play Sunday against the Saints and their No. 1-ranked pass offense.

Also downgraded to doubtful was left tackle Levi Jones (knee), who has missed the last three games after midseason surgery.

Another loss for the defense is the health of linebacker Brian Simmons. He was downgraded to out with a neck injury. Rookie starting middle linebacker Ahmad Brooks returned to practice today and remained probable with a groin injury. Other probable players who returned to practice were right tackle Willie Anderson (shoulder), defensive end Justin Smith (neck) and wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (concussion).

If O'Neal is unable to play, look for rookie No. 1 draft pick Johnathan Joseph to get the start and face the challenge of another rookie, seventh-round wide receiver steal Marques Colston of the Saints. He leads the league in receiving yards and is tied for the lead with seven receiving touchdowns.

Houshmandzadeh cleared to play vs. Saints

Five days after being knocked briefly unconscious against the Chargers, wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh has been cleared medically to play Sunday at New Orleans, coach Marvin Lewis said after practice.

Stacy Andrews will start at right guard for Bobbie Williams, who had started 41 consecutive games since signing with the Bengals. Williams underwent an appendectomy Wednesday and could be out for up to three weeks.

Andrews, a third-year pro, is the top backup for Williams and right tackle Willie Anderson, whose consecutive game start streak will extend to 106 against the Saints.

"With the injuries we've had on the offensive line over the past couple of years, Stacy's the one who didn't get the chance to play," Lewis said. "He's played a lot of good football in the preseason."

Lewis would not reveal whether he would activate left tackle Levi Jones as emergency line depth. Jones has missed three games after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery.

Lyric of the Day: Smile

A couple of weeks ago, my first night back in town and working after being in Illinois for my mother's funeral and burial, I stopped at Shake It Records in Northside (one of coolest places in town) on my way home from work. I was emotionally spent, tired and decided to buy myself something I had wanted for a while: The Jayhawks' CD "Sound of Lies." (Brilliant, by the way.)

In the used bin in the Americana/Alt-country section in the back of the store, I happened upon the Jawhawks' "Smile." It's Gary Louris' nod, in a way, to Brian Wilson.

Despite its flower-child title, the first song, "Smile," caught my ear in its full, sweeping arrangement. I had only heard it on the live acoustic disc.

Louris and the parade of talented singers, musicians and songwriters who came through the band over its 15-20 year lifespan wrote, played and produced relatively straightforward songs lyrically that nonetheless say a lot and have space for personal interpretation in their simplicity.

Like many things in the past several months, the song "Smile" reminded me of my beloved mother.

It begins:

"Wake up
Put your shoes on
Take a breath of the northern air
And rub those eyes
Genuflect beneath the starry skies"

It goes on for a couple of more short verses and the chorus before coming to this image, which gives me great comfort:

"The stars on the horizon
Stretch as far as the eyes can see
They represent
The souls of those like you and me."

I almost can hear my mother speaking this chorus to me.

"And smile when you're down and out
(Find something inside you)
Smile when you're down and out
(Find something inside you)

(Chin up, chin up)
You don't really have a problem
(Chin up, chin up)
In your hour of despair"

I can definitely live without television; it makes us passive. Music, however, is one of life's greatest gifts; it inspires.

Thursday night news, notes and thoughts

Item 1: Unlike a year ago, with four weeks remaining in fan voting, not a single Bengals players is listed as the leading vote-getter at his position or among the top 10 in the AFC.

Item 2: My mid-week thought on the Bengals game Sunday is that fans should fasten their seatbelts. I'm looking at two struggling defenses and a pair of dymanic balanced offenses. I see both teams reaching the low 30s or high 20s, though after last week's 90-point game, both of these teams could get into the 40s against the opposing defenses. I see the Saints winning a high-scoring, but close game.

Item 3: Some fans are having a lot of fun with my inability to correctly predict the winner of a Bengals game straightup -- let alone against the spread. I was 2-0 and then 0-6 before getting close to the margin of the Chargers game. I picked San Diego by 10. It won by eight. Of course, I picked 27-17. Not 49-41.

Item 4: I'll be posting some more lyrics (though some of this blog's more conservative readers and total football heads don't like that feature). Sorry, I like my job, I love my craft, but I can't take more football than what I have to process for my job. So, in my music world, I really like the relatively new self-titled Tim O'Reagan record on the Lost Highway label, as well as the somewhat new "Another Fine Day" by Golden Smog. The common denominator is their link to the sadly now-defunct Jayhawks.

Item 5: Several readers have asked, since I wrote than I had been asked to write and deliver my mother's eulogy, if I would post it. I will, as soon as I can finish typing it in. I wrote by hand in a notebook in the lobby of the Comfort Inn on the south end of Dixon, Ill., from 5-8 a.m. on Oct. 31, the morning of her funeral.

Item 6: Thank you for the feedback, bad and good. At least you're reading. I value this blog right now as much as anything I do as a writer. It's a chance to talk almost personally to you and to (again, sorry to those who don't like it) stretch into some sometimes unrelated material.

Braham on field for Bengals practice

Interesting how the presence of one player can almost lift an entire team's spirit.

For the second day in a row, though he is officially out for the game Sunday at New Orleans, starting center Rich Braham was on the field participating in a limited way in practice. He was in his practice gear and carried his helmet in the early minutes.

Left tackle Levi Jones also was on the field and participating, too. He is listed as questionable as he continues to recover from arthroscopic knee surgery.

Right tackle Willie Anderson (shoulder) remains probable.

The Bengals will have an interesting decision to make when Jones and Braham are ready to return. If they are out of the playoff race, do they shelf Braham and let Eric Ghiaciuc -- who is in a groove now as the starting center -- continue to play? What about Andrew Whitworth, who is playing well at left tackle in place of Jones?

It's a good problem to have, one that coach Marvin Lewis said will be decided when Jones and Braham are ready.

The adage in football is a player does not lose his job because of injury. Another is a coach absolutely has to put the best players on the field every week who give the team the best chance of winning that day. There is no "building for the future," often done in September when a baseball team is out of contention.

Bengals' injury report looks like New England's

Ten players were listed today on the Bengals' official injury report, as lengthy a report as there is in the league this side of New England, where Bill Belichick likes to play games with opposing coaches.

The Bengals' injuries appear to be largely legitimate. Add starting right guard Bobbie Williams (abdomen) as questionable, along with left tackle Levi Jones (knee), safety Dexter Jackson (Achilles) and cornerback Deltha O'Neal (shoulder).

Right tackle Willie Anderson (shoulder), wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (blow to head), defensive end Justin Smith (neck) and safety Kevin Kaesviharn (knee) are probable. Linebacker Brian Simmons (neck) is doubtful. Only Kaesviharn was listed as practicing this afternoon.

For New Orleans, wide receiver Joe Horn (groin) is questionable but did practice. Tight end Ernie Conwell (knee) is doubtful but did not practice.

Quote of the day (early edition)

Bengals defensive tackle Sam Adams had his best game of the season Sunday against San Diego. The 340-pound Adams had two tackles and a sack, and he also got a hit on quarterback Philip Rivers.

Adams also is moving better on his injured knee.

Asked today in the locker room about his play Sunday, Adams said, "I feel a lot better. I feel like I changed sexes."

Reporter: You feel like you what?

Sam: "I feel like I'm a different human being."

Reporter: You changed what?

Sam: "Changed sexes. I'm a different human being right now."

Lewis: `Working on' indoor practice facility

The Bengals are practicing this afternoon in cold rain and 43-degree.

Several players, including quarterback Carson Palmer, talked about the need for an indoor practice facility.

"We're working on that," coach Marvin Lewis said when asked about Palmer's comments.

The Bengals are the northern-most NFL team without an indoor practice facility.

In terms of injuries, as the Bengals look ahead to Sunday when they will play New Orleans and try to snap a three-game losing streak, linebacker Brian Simmons (neck) is doubtful. Two starting players in the under-performing secondary, cornerback Deltha O'Neal and strong safety Dexter Jackson (foot) are questionable. Left tackle Levi Jones (knee) is questionable.

Right tackle Willie Anderson (shoulder), wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (concussion) and safety Kevin Kaesviharn (knee) are probable.

Center Rich Braham (knee) and wide receiver Kelley Washington (hamstring) are out. Braham is a "couple of weeks" ahead of schedule, Lewis said.

Warrick visits Giants

A few weeks after working out for the Bengals, former Bengals wide receiver Peter Warrick visited with the New York Giants in the past few days.

No additional word on whether the Giants will sign the former No. 4 overall pick in the 2000 draft.

Injury report: Levi Jones upgraded to questionable

Coach Marvin Lewis gave the unofficial injury report today:

Left tackle Levi Jones (knee) would be listed as questionable Wednesday for the game Sunday at New Orleans. Lewis anticipated that wide receiver Kelley Washington (hamstring) and center Rich Braham (knee) are out, though Braham, Lewis said, "is getting closer."

Besides Jones, Lewis also listed linebacker Brian Simmons (neck) as questionable and safety Kevin Kaesviharn (knee) as probable.

Wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, whom Lewis said briefly lost consciousness, was cleared immediately after the game, has undergone one exam and would be tested again before being allowed to return to practice Wednesday.

Lewis also had no update on the shoulder injury sustained by cornerback Deltha O'Neal, who returned to the game Sunday. More on O'Neal's condition would be known Wednesday.

Strong safety Dexter Jackson was not mentioned by Lewis but Jackson was wearing a protective boot on his left foot in the locker room after Lewis' news conference.

Lewis: No shakeups on coaching staff

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis this afternoon placed responsibility for the second-half defensive collapse Sunday primarily on players and not his assistant coaches, including coordinator Chuck Bresnahan.

"They've got to be more responsible; at some point, players have to make plays," Lewis said this afternoon, a day after his team blew a 28-7 lead, surrendered 42 second-half points and lost 49-41 to San Diego.

Lewis also promised "subtle changes" in playing time for defensive players but withheld specifics. Asked if there would be any changes in the starting lineup, Lewis said, "Wait until Sunday."

Most likely would be cornerback Tory James, whose play has diminsished through the season. Rookie Johnathan Joseph has quickness, closing speed and a willingness to tackle that James seems to have lost.

The Bengals (4-5) will play Sunday at New Orleans against the Saint (6-3).

Lewis said he would no assume play-calling responsibilities for the defense from Bresnahan, similar to what he did in a 2004 game at Cleveland when Lewis took over coordinator's work from Leslie Frazier.

The head coach also took responsibility. "I've under-achieved as a coach," Lewis said.

Lewis simultaneously criticized his defense -- "We played like we had three thumbs out there" -- and defended it. "We had a bad half," Lewis said. "You (media) were praising them a few weeks ago when they were holding people to (low-point totals)."

He called the defensive performance the result of mental and physical errors, both of which, he said, "are correctable."

Cleaning up the notebook

The Bengals and Chargers combined for 90 points, second most in a Cincinnati game. Only the Bengals-Browns game, won 58-48 by Cincinnati on Nov. 28, 2004, featured more points -- 106.

Blown lead approaches franchise record

The Bengals blew a 21-point lead today, and it borders on a historic collapse.

Cincinnati led San Diego 21-0 and 28-7 but lost 49-41. The Bengals allowed 42 second-half points, the most allowed in a single half in franchise history. The Bengals had allowed 41 on Sept. 9, 1979, in a 51-24 loss at Buffalo.

The blown lead is tied for second biggest in franchise history. The Bengals blew a 24-0 lead at home against Houston on Sept. 23, 1979 and lost 30-27.

Three times Bengals teams have lost 21-point leads and lost. The Bengals led 21-0 at San Francisco on Oct. 20, 1996, and lost 28-21. Coach Dave Shula was fired the next day and replaced with then-offensive coordinator Bruce Coslet.

The 49 points given up today also were the most for a Marvin Lewis-coached Bengals team. They had won 58-48 over Cleveland on Nov. 28, 2004.

“It was a difficult game to lose – one that was a tale of two halves,” Lewis said.

The Bengals won the first half 28-7.

San Diego won the second half 42-13.

“We’re not playing well enough for 60 minutes,” Lewis said.

Dating back to the final two games of 2005, the Bengals have lost 7 of 11.

They have lost 5 of 6 since starting the season 3-0.

The Bengals had 545 yards in total offense, compared to 430 for the Chargers.

In the AFC North, the Ravens came back from a 26-7 deficit at Tennessee and won 27-26 to improve to 7-2. Baltimore now has a three-game lead on the Bengals, and Cleveland, which upset Atlanta, and Pittsbrugh have both improved to 3-6 – just one game behind Cincinnati.

Houshmandzadeh drop forces Bengals punt

T.J. Houshmandzadeh dropped what would have been a first down in San Diego territory, forcing Kyle Larson to punt. Larson pinned the Chargers down at the 12-yard line with 11:24 remaining.

The attendance today is 65,917, the 25th consecutive Bengals home sellout, counting the postseason.

Chargers take 42-38 lead on fourth Tomlinson TD run

LaDainian Tomlinson ran 9 yards for his fourth rushing touchdown of the game, and San Diego has come back from 21-0 and 28-7 deficits to take a 42-38 lead with 14:40 remaining in the fourth quarter.

The Bengals turned the ball over when quarterback Carson Palmer lost a fumble when sacked by Chargers outside linebacker Shaun Phillips. Phillips beat fullback Jeremi Johnson's block when right tackle Willie Anderson blocked inside. Phillips recovered the ball at the 9-yard line.

The touchdown was San Diego's fifth in five possessions since halftime.

Tomlinson runs in from 2, trims Bengals lead to 38-35

The Chargers pulled back within three points on a 2-yard run by LaDainian Tomlinson with 14:55 left in the game. It was third down. Bengals safety Madieu Williams grabbed Tomlinson's facemask on the run, and the Chargers will kickoff from the 45-yard line.

The Chargers have scored touchdowns on all four of their second-half possessions.

Bengals lead 38-28 at end of three quarters

The Chargers are third and goal from the 2 as the fourth quarter begins.

Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer has 398 passing yards, a career high.

Rivers pass to tight end makes it 31-28

The Chargers have out-scored the Bengals 21-3 coming out of halftime and have closed to 31-28.

After a Shayne Graham field goal and a Graham touchback on the kickoff, the Chargers took the ball at the 20 and marched 80 yards in nine plays, consuming just 3:19 of the clock.

Philip Rivers threw 9 yards to Brandon Manumaleuna.

Then the Bengals struck right back. Carson Palmer threw 74 yards to a wide-open Chad Johnson. He beat rookie cornerback Antonio Cromartie.

Johnson now has nine receptions for a single-game Bengals receiving record of 226 yards. Eddie Brown had 216 yards in 1988.

Bengals lead 31-21 with 6:27 left in third quarter

The points are coming fast and furious. The Chargers closed to within a touchdown after a 33-yard Kyle Larson field goal. Philip Rivers threw 46 yards to wide receiver Malcom Floyd, who got behind cornerback Deltha O'Neal. O'Neal injured his right shoulder trying to make the tackle as Floyd fell into the end zone. O'Neal was taken to the locker room for more observation, and his return is questionable.

The Bengals answered with a 21-yard field goal from Shayne Graham but could have had more. A 35-yard completion to Chad Johnson set up an 18-yard end around to tailback Chris Perry, who was lined up outside. Perry's 36-yard kickoff return gave the Bengals outstanding field position.

Chargers close back to within 28-14

LaDainian Tomlinson ran 4 yards for his second touchdown today, pulling the Chargers back to within 14 points with 10:47 remaining in the third quarter. The Bengals had punted for the first time in the game on their first possession of the second half.

Bengals tight end Reggie Kelly was penalized for holding on the ensuing kickoff, setting the Bengals back to the 9-yard line.

Palmer throws 7 yards to Henry for TD; Bengals up 28-7 at half

The Bengals' offense is in high gear, as if to exorcise the frustration of the first eight games. Carson Palmer threw 7 yards to Chris Henry to cap a 14-play, 74-yard drive with 16 seconds remaining in the second quarter. The 28 points are the most allowed in a game by the Chargers this season. They came in sixth in scoring defense at 16.8 points a game.

The Bengals lead 28-7 at halftime.

Palmer is 20-for-23 passing for 282 yards and two touchdowns. His passer rating is 146.7. Chad Johnson has seven receptions for 117 (his first 100-yard game of the season. T.J. Houshmandzadeh has six catches for 83 yards.

The defense is doing a solid job. Tailback LaDainian Tomlinson has rushed eight times for 26 yards in the first half.

The Bengals, reversing a trend of the past few games, has had 18:03 in possession time in the first 30 minutes.

Chargers score on 9-yard Tomlinson run

A missed field goal by Shayne Graham from 51 yards gave San Diego field position at the San Diego 41-yard line. The Chargers needed just six plays to go 59 yards and cut the Bengals' lead to 21-7 with 5:27 to go in the second quarter. ... Bengals linebacker Landon Johnson re-injured his right ankle on the touchdown, and his return is questionable. San Diego wide receiver Eric Parker (neck) was taken off the field on a cart. His return is questionable.

Bengals get break on review

Keenan McCardell's 39-yard reception, on which he burned cornerback Tory James, was overturned because McCardell didn't have control all the way to the ground.

On the first play from scrimmage, Carson Palmer threw 51 yards to Chad Johnson for a touchdown. Johnson, unbelievably, was left alone on a deep pass to the right side of the offense. Safety Terrence Kiel was the closest defender to Johnson.

Palmer is now 8-for-8 passing for 163 yards and a perfect 158.3 passer rating.

The Bengals touchdowns have been scored on running plays by Jeremi Johnson and Rudi Johnson and the pass to Chad Johnson.

The 21 points in the first quarter are the most in a single quarter for the Bengals since they scored 24 in the fourth quarter of the game Dec. 5, 2004 at Baltimore.

Bengals storm to 14-point lead

The Bengals capped an 89-yard, 10-play drive with a Rudi Johnson run from the 7 for a touchdown and a 14-0 lead with 1:36 remaining in the first quarter. Johnson ran left behind left tackle Andrew Whitworth and tight end Reggie Kelly. The drive featured five runs and five passes and consumed 4:27. Tight end Tony Stewart had a 28-yard catch on the sideline.

Bengals defense forces second San Diego punt

The Bengals defense bent but did not break, forcing the Chargers to punt from the Bengals 37-yard line on their second possession. On third and 4, Bengals defensive end Bryan Robinson deflected a Philip Rivers' pass. ... Tailback Rudi Johnson has returned to the lineup for the Bengals' second series after sitting out the first series because of a disciplinary measure. He had been late for a meeting Saturday.

Deltha O'Neal was back on punt return

Cornerback Deltha O'Neal was back to field the first San Diego punt. ... And Landon Johnson is on the field for the second San Diego offensive series.

LB Johnson has right ankle injury; Bengals up 7-0

The return of Bengals linebacker Landon Johnson is questionable, following a right ankle injury. ... The Bengals marched 62 yards on six plays in 3:10 to take a 7-0. Carson Palmer was 2-for-2 passing on the drive for 46 yards. He threw 19 yards to T.J. Houshmandzadeh and 27 yards to Reggie Kelly. Fullback Jeremi Johnson ran 3 yards for the touchdown.

Landon Johnson hurt on first Chargers series

Bengals linebacker Landon Johnson has been helped from the field after suffering an apparent left foot injury on a San Diego offensive play.

Brian Simmons inactive; Rudi Johnson won't start

Bengals tailback Rudi Johnson will not start today because he was late for a team meeting, the Bengals just announced. Chris Perry will start and more than likely play the first series. Johnson was disciplined in the same manner for being late to a meeting last season at Cleveland.

Besides Simmons, the other inactive Bengals are safety Kevin Kaesviharn, wide receiver Reggie McNeal, linebacker A.J. Nicholson, center Rich Braham, left tackle Levi Jones and wide receiver Kelley Washington. Doug Johnson is the third quarterback.

Besides Johnson and Perry, the other starting linebacker changes are at left tackle, where Andrew Whitworth will start for Jones; middle linebacker, where Ahmad Brooks will start for Simmons; and center, where Eric Ghiaciuc will start for Braham.

A look ahead at Bengals free agency

If they don’t repeat as a playoff team, the Bengals are less than two months from the offseason.

My question to readers: Which players would you like to see retained or let go and why?

Here are their free agents:

The potential unrestricted free agents are cornerback Rashad Bauman, Braham, cornerback Tory James, quarterback Doug Johnson, safety Kevin Kaesviharn, tight Reggie Kelly, guard Scott Kooistra, safety Anthony Mitchell, defensive end Justin Smith, offensive lineman Eric Steinbach, tight end Tony Stewart, wide receiver Kelley Washington, running back Kenny Watson, linebacker Marcus Wilkins and quarterback Anthony Wright.

Unrestricted free agents are free to sign with any team without restriction, unless the Bengals use one of two pricey designations on them that might limit their ability to move.

The potential restricted free agents are offensive tackle Stacy Andrews, cornerback Greg Brooks, defensive end Robert Geathers, linebacker Landon Johnson, punter Kyle Larson, linebacker Caleb Miller and defensive tackle Shaun Smith.

Restricted free agents, as the name implies, have less mobility as three-year veterans. The team will place tenders on them, the higher amounts that can require draft choice compensation from another team that wants to sign them.

Anderson practices, will play Sunday

Willie Anderson, one of the most durable and dependable players in the league, will extend his consecutive starts streak to 105 Sunday against the Chargers. The 11th-year right tackle did practice today and will continue to provide a sense of calm to an offensive line looking for its own breakout game. Anderson has been probable all week with a shoulder strain.

"It gives us, obviously, a stability," coach Marvin Lewis said after practice. "When guys get injured, and they don't like to be injured, and guys don't want to play, Willie gets geared up and ready to go. It's an important game, and he doesn't want to miss time."

Tailback Rudi Johnson, who was listed as probable and missed practice Thursday with a thigh injury, returned to practice, Lewis said.

Linebacker Brian Simmons (neck) did not appear to practice. He was not in shoulder pads or his helmet coming off the stadium field.

The Bengals (4-4) have dropped two in a row and four of five. San Diego is 6-2.

"This one, with where we are in the season and with the opponent, it's a big football game for us," Lewis said. "It's a team that we'll be hopefully battling for a playoff spot."

Pinning myself down on Defensive Rookie of Year

Following up on my posting this morning about midseason research for the annual Associated Press NFL awards, for which I am one of 50 voters nationwide:

In the Defensive Rookie of the Year category, I had gone away from tradition and picked a combination of Baltimore Ravens rookie defenders.

From an individual standpoint, Houston Texans rookie linebacker DeMeco Ryans continues to be excel. He never leaves the field.

Ryans ranks fourth in the league with 73 tackles and leads the NFL with 58 solos. He makes plays in the backfield, too. He also has 2.5 sacks, second to fellow rookie Mario Williams' 4.5 sacks. Ryans leads the team with six quarterback pressures.

Rudi added to injury report as probable

The post-practice injury report today is largely unchanged from Wednesday, except for two tweaks. Tailback Rudi Johnson was added as probable with a thigh injury. He did not practice. Also, defensive tackle Sam Adams (knee) returned to practice, a good sign for the Bengals because it indicates Adams' knee is feeling good.

Pollack's personality shines through

Bengals linebacker David Pollack, placed on the season-ending injured reserve list after suffering a broken neck Sept. 17 in the Browns game, made a visit today to Paul Brown Stadium.

I had the opportunity last month to follow Pollack around Children's Hospital during a visit with patients. I had heard so much about Pollack's pleasant personality, the sense of humor, the bright eyes, but I had never really seen it. Until that day at the hospital. I saw the same spark while talking with him today.

Here's a kid, all of 24 years old, who had been planning and preparing his whole life to play in the NFL and who's future hinges on a doctor's advice Dec. 13 at a checkup. But unlike the rookie, first-round draft pick of 2005 who was guarded with the media and distrustful and, frankly, came across as arrogant, the Pollack of this season -- even before the injury -- has been the person people who know him privately have raved about.

He is funny, quick-witted and an excellent conversationalist. He doesn't feel the least bit sorry for himself. He's sincere. He loves and adores his wife, Lindsey. His faith is real and definitely something that he's leaning on more than ever. In many ways, he has been an inspiration in his time of personal trial more than he was as a football player.

There is a lot of talk about character in football. Pollack definitely has revealed a great amount of sterling character in the past couple of months.

A story has been posted on the Enquirer's Web site about Pollack from the interview today.

RT Anderson not on field for start of practice

Right tackle Willie Anderson, unlike Wednesday, was not on the field for the start of practice this afternoon inside Paul Brown Stadium. (An aside, the Bengals don't use their three practice fields much to the west of the stadium.)

The official injury report will not be available until after practice. Members of the independent media were forced to leave practice at 1:35 p.m., after just 20 minutes.

Still, Anderson is expected to extend to 105 his consecutive start streak Sunday against the Chargers.

Back by popular demand, the lyric of the day

"Road to Joy" is the finale on Bright Eyes' brilliant 2005 release "I'm Wide Awake It's Morning."

Written loosely to the tune of "Ode to Joy," it's a wide-ranging song that manages to tie together seemingly unrelated topics -- the creative process, the struggles of daily living, citizenship, the over-abundance of the world's resources consumed in this country.

"So now I'm drinking, breathing, writing, singing. Everyday I'm on the clock. My mind races with all my longings. But can't keep up with what I got.

"So I hope I don't sound too ungrateful, what history gave modern man. A telephone to talk to strangers, a machine gun and a camera lens.

"So when you're asked to fight a war that's over nothing, it's best to join the side that's going to win. And no one's sure how all of this got started. But we're going to make them (expletive) certain how it's going to end. Oh yeah we will. Oh yeah we will."

Thanks to readers for tip on Saints WR Colston

Readers have spoken, and I thank them.

I had seen clips of Saints wide receiver Marques Colston but didn't realize the monster season he was having.

Talk about value. Colston was the Saints' seventh-round draft pick, the 252nd overall, from Hofstra. As a senior, the 6-4, 231-pound Colston had 70 receptions for 975 yards and nine touchdowns. This season, he has 44 receptions for 700 yards and seven touchdowns, one from 86 yards.

I'm also looking at Saints quarterback for Drew Brees for comeback player of the year. He suffered a torn labrum in his right (throwing) shoulder in the season finale against Denver.

Mid-season votes for league awards

As one of the 50 nationwide voters for the official NFL Associated Press awards, I've started to research my picks.

Here's where I'm looking after eight games:

Most Valuable Player: Peyton Manning, QB, Colts -- How can it be anyone else? He's playing at the top of his game.

Offensive Player of the Year: LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers -- I like wide receiver Andre Johnson of the Texans, but they don't win. No player, besides Manning, might be more important to his team's success than Tomlinson. He leads the league with 1,151 scrimmage yards, a 4.9-yard rushing average and an 8.5-yard receiving average with 14 touchdowns.

Defensive Player of the Year: Brian Urlacher, LB, Bears -- If he's not out for too long with the injured toe -- he's trying to come back for the Sunday night game against the Giants -- no other players means as much to a good defense as Urlacher. He controlled the fourth quarter of the victory at Arizona.

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Laurence Maroney, Patriots -- He's on pace for more than 900 rushing yards and six touchdowns, while sharing the workload with Corey Dillon. Maroney also is tied for the NFL lead with a 29.7-yard kickoff return average. (Reggie Bush of the Saints and Joseph Addai of the Colts also deserve consideration.)

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Baltimore Ravens -- I'm breaking from tradition here to examine why and how the Ravens maintain one of the NFL's top defenses each year. They are getting major contributions from three rookie defensive players: fifth-round DB Dawan Landry has three interceptions; rookie free agent cornerback Ronnie Prude has two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown; and top pick, defensive tackle Haloti Ngata is clogging the middle as the three-technique (nose tackle). Impressive.

Coach of the Year: Sean Payton, Saints -- He has made-over the roster and rallied a homeless team into the best story of the season. And they can play. Each week, they prove more that they are not a fluke. Absolutely no one saw a 6-2 record at midseason for the Saints, outside of their locker room.

Comeback Player of the Year: Damon Huard, QB, Chiefs -- He had not played a snap in 2004 and 2005 behind Trent Green, but when Green suffered a concussion in the opener on a clean hit by the Bengals' Robert Geathers, Huard had to step in. All he has done is led the Chiefs to a 5-2 record in his seven starts by throwing 11 touchdown passes, one interception and 1,623 yards. His 105.2 passer rating is second only to Manning's. It reminds me of the situation in New England in 2001 when starter Drew Beldsoe was injured and then-unknown Tom Brady had to play. Brady played so well, en route to the Super Bowl MVP award, that coach Bill Belichick broke with football protocol and allowed Bledsoe to lose his job because of injury. Chiefs coach Herm Edwards might consider the same move. No one could blame him.

Bengals prepare for 6-2 Chargers

Marvin Lewis this afternoon offered this assessment of the Chargers:

"They're a good offensive football team. (Quarterback Philip) Rivers has come
in and played football without forcing the football. He's been able to run their
offense. I think he's been back as an apprentice for a couple years. He's gotten
an opportunity to drive the car now. He likes those keys. And he's got some
pretty set of tires around him that make things go pretty good. Their offensive
line is physical.

"They've got an excellent receiving tight end in (Antonio) Gates. They do
a good job of mixing their guys. (Tailback LaDainian) Tomlinson is obviously quite a threat with the ball in his hands, and it creates a lot of things whether it be running, catching, throwing. So you've got to be aware of him at all times. They do a good job of packaging their offensive plays, and they're fun to look at.

"On defense, they're real physical. They get after the quarterback. Their secondary
does a nice job of staying sound and square in technique. It'll be quite a
challenge for our wide receivers this week. They get up on people. They play
man-to-man coverage, and they try and make you beat 'em, and allow that rush to
get there. Their linebackers are athletic, and can run. They do a good job.
They're an impressive football team."

The Bengals wrapped up practice with nine players on the injury report. Four are probable: cornerback Tory James (knee), tight end Reggie Kelly (back), defensive tackle Sam Adams (knee) and right tackle Willie Anderson (shoulder). James and Kelly did practice. Adams and Anderson did not, though Anderson was on the field in uniform. He was held out of 11-on-11 team drills.

Safety Kevin Kaesviharn (knee) and linebacker Brian Simmons (neck) are doubtful and did not practice.

Willie Anderson listed as probable for Chargers

Starting right tackle Willie Anderson, who has started 104 consecutive games, was upgraded to probable for the game Sunday against San Diego, coach Marvin Lewis said.

But the news was not so positive with safety Kevin Kaesviharn (knee) and linebacker Brian Simmons (neck). Kaesviharn is doubtful, and Simmons is questionable-doubtful, Lewis said.

Cornerback Tory James (knee) is probable.

Otherwise, left tackle Levi Jones (knee), wide receiver Kelley Washington (hamstring) and center Rich Braham (knee) are out. But Braham will begin today to workout on the field, though he has not been cleared to practice.

On Tuesday, the Bengals signed center Ben Wilkerson to the 53-man roster. Lewis said Wilkerson's signing was not connected to possible bad news about Braham's ability to return.

Song-of-the-Day blog, Part III

Unfortunately, this song written by Jackson Browne and released in 1986 -- 20 years ago -- is still as topical, timely and frightening as it was during the Reagan era.

This is "Lives in the Balance."

"I've been waiting for something to happen
For a week or a month or a year
With the blood in the ink of the headlines
And the sound of the crowd in my ear
You might ask what it takes to remember
When you know that you've seen it before
Where a government lies to a people
And a country is drifting to war

"And there's a shadow on the faces
Of the men who send the guns
To the wars that are fought in places
Where their business interest runs

"On the radio talk shows and the TV
You hear one thing again and again
How the USA stands for freedom
And we come to the aid of a friend
But who are the ones that we call our friends--
These governments killing their own?
Or the people who finally can't take any more
And they pick up a gun or a brick or a stone
There are lives in the balance
There are people under fire
There are children at the cannons
And there is blood on the wire

"There's a shadow on the faces
Of the men who fan the flames
Of the wars that are fought in places
Where we can't even say the names

"They sell us the president the same way
They sell us our clothes and our cars
They sell us every thing from youth to religion
The same time they sell us our wars
I want to know who the men in the shadows are
I want to hear somebody asking them why
They can be counted on to tell us who our enemies are
But they're never the ones to fight or to die
And there are lives in the balance
There are people under fire
There are children at the cannons
And there is blood on the wire"

Bengals roster moves, in case you missed them in the paper

The Bengals Tuesday made the following roster moves:

-- Signed C Ben Wilkerson to the roster from the Bengals practice squad. Wilkerson (6-4, 305; LSU) signed a four-year contract. He is a first-year NFL player. He played in all four Bengals preseason games, and had been on the practice squad since Sept. 4. He originally signed with the Bengals in 2005 as a college free agent, but was not on the roster last season as he rehabbed from a knee injury suffered in college.

-- Moved CB Greg Brooks from the roster to the Reserve/Injured list. Brooks, a third-year player from Southern Mississippi, suffered re-aggravation of a knee injury in this past Sunday’s game at Baltimore. He originally suffered the injury Oct. 1 vs. New England. He played in five games this season, with 2 special teams tackles.

-- Moved OT Adam Kieft from the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list to the Reserve/Injured list. The second-year player from Central Michigan was a fifth-round Bengals selection in the 2005 Draft, but has not been cleared to play since suffering a severe knee injury during 2005 training camp.

-- Cleared DE Jonathan Fanene to return to practice on a roster exemption. Fanene has been on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list, due to a hamstring injury suffered this past May. This week marks the start of a three-week window during which Fanene may practice without being counted against the roster.

-- Waived rookie DT Marcus Lewis from the Reserve/Injured list. Lewis has completed rehab from a foot injury suffered in preseason play on Aug. 28 vs. Green Bay. He had been on the Reserve/Injured list since Sept. 2.