And we're off (the blog charts)

First quarter ramblings
That Bengals defense that was ranked so low last year looked pretty tough on the first two plays. Then the big question mark -- the pass defense -- faltered, perhaps not surprisingly, on that drive-saving pass down the middle to Williams.

Where's Willis? The Ravens only gave Willis McGahee one handoff on that first drive. Seven plays and only one to your prized running back? I guess that's what happens when you come out throwing on first down.

Meanwhile, Bengals workhorse Rudi Johnson is about to get his turn. I seem to remember his touches being something of a controversial issue last year. Wonder how that will play out tonight and beyond.

OK. Rudi didn't do much in that drive. Neither did the receivers what with Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh letting balls go through their hands. TJH had some running room too if he had caught the ball on the out pattern.

...Maybe that fumble is why McGahee hasn't been featured much yet. He and McNair certainly weren't in sync on that play. The Bengals, even if they don't score on this possession, took over the field position battle with that fumble recovery at the Ravens' 41.