Cincinnati Bengals Week 11 Report Card

The Cincinnati Bengals reverted back to their old ways on Sunday and it resulted in a loss to the Oakland Raiders.  Turnovers and penalties were aplenty as the Bengals missed an opportunity to distance themselves from the rest of the division.  Every team in the AFC North went down on Sunday.

Technically, the Bengals didn't lose anything.  They are still one game up on the Steelers and, of course, hold the tiebreaker.  I am going to give the Bengals a pass on this one.  They did not play well.  The real test is going to be how they respond this week against another supposedly inferior opponent, the Cleveland Browns.

Offense

The Bengals jumped out to a 14-0 lead and looked to be in total control.  The Raiders defense made adjustments, kept consistent pressure on Carson Palmer, and held the Bengals to just a field goal for the remainder of the game. 

Penalties, fumbles, and the offensive line breaking down should give the offense plenty to work on in preparation for this week's game.  Bernard Scott rushed for 119 yards on 21 carries in place of the injured Cedric Benson, but 61 of those yards came on one play. Grade: C .

Defense

Unlike the Raiders, the Bengals defense was not able to get pressure on the opposing quarterback.  Cincinnati was unable to sack Bruce Gradkowski, who was making his first start of the season.  Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall both played well, allowing just one reception for Darius Heyward-Bey. 

Morgan Trent got turned around on a Louis Murphy's 38-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter that tied the game.  The defense was able to hold the Raiders under 300 yards of total offense.  
Grade: B .

Special Teams

Shayne Graham missed a 37-yard field goal.  Andre Caldwell's fumble on a kick return late in the fourth quarter led to Sebastian Janikowski's field goal that gave the Raiders the lead.  
Grade: D .