Expert analysis

from the first quarter (waiting for an actual expert to chime in)

In the meantime, I'll wonder with my keyboard how often the Bengals will go to Rudi today as he runs for about three yards.

Short and quick: Bengals' passing attack, letting the receiver run after the catch, looks effective. When players like CJ and and Rudi get the ball with room to run, it quiets the DPound pretty quickly. Frankly, that drive looked a little too easy. Eight plays, 70 yards and a 7-0 Bengals lead.
Trivia buffs: That was Rudi's first career touchdown reception. Now go win some bets.

De-Fence: If the Bengals D plays like it did last Monday, this game could be over real quick (that would certainly make my life easier). As I write this, the boos are coming from the Browns fans after a horrendous Derek Anderson pass (make that two horrendous passes). How long 'till they chant "Brady, Brady." This could be uglier than the UC-Miami game.

Buring the timeouts: That's the second one this quarter for the Bengals. It didn't work because Palmer and CJ weren't on the same page at all on that pass interception by Sean Jones. CJ kept running long, and Palmer threw short. They shared some words coming off the field. Clear miscommunication on someone's part. And it got this crowd back into the game.

Jr. High moment: That's what Derek Anderson just had when the Browns QB dropped the ball, picked it up and tried to throw a touchdown pass. Too bad for him, this is the NFL, and that kind of stuff doesn't work at this level. One time, though, our Jr. High team's quarterback dropped the ball, and picked it up and completed a pass with his left hand. It works at that level. Today, it forced the Browns into a field goal attempt. 4:58 left in the 1Q. 7-3 Bengals.

No foul? Umm, Palmer obviously intentionally grounded that ball. It was clear in real time and on the replay. The ref should have let the call stand. Anyway, the timing between him and the receivers isn't the greatest on the long routes today.

FYI: Ahmad Brooks has a groin injury. Return is questionable.