Get well soon

It doesn't look like Mark will be returning this week. Bulging disks can be quite painful, and the doc has ordered rest. So wish him well with your comments.

Meanwhile, we'll do our best to cover in his absence. You can check out Shannon Russell's daily story on Landon Johnson here. Robert Geathers, deservedly, got a lot of attention in the locker room after the Bengals' defense-influenced win Monday, but it was Johnson who finished with a team-high 11 tackles. His 34-yard rumble into the end zone in the second half might have been the game's most exciting play until the final interception:

Johnson was part of a Bengals defense that forced four fumbles and nabbed two interceptions, and the linebacker emerged from the group as an individual force to be reckoned with.

He started with a recovery of a Steve McNair fumble in the first quarter, marking the first of three straight fumbles on Ravens possessions. The Bengals took over on the Ravens' 41-yard line, but the possession ended with a missed 53-yard field goal attempt by Shayne Graham.

Johnson was just getting started. After Robert Geathers sacked McNair for an 8-yard loss in the third quarter, Johnson corralled the ball in midair and returned it 34 yards for a touchdown and a 19-10 Bengals lead.

I had a friend, a big Bengals fan, call me at home yesterday. He was thrilled with the way the Bengals defense looked Monday. I concurred that the defense, particularly Johnson, rose up when it was required. I still maintained, though, that it's a risky way to play, relying on a previously inconsistent defense to win games. For the moment, I conceded that 1-0 is 1-0 and that's all that really matters. Until the next game.