Cincinnati Bengals: Week 17 Report Card

The Bengals were absolutely demolished by the Jets on Sunday night in what was one of the worst performances I have ever seen. After clinching the AFC North title last week, the Bengals really did not have much to play for in terms of playoff seeding.

Most people wondered how much Marvin Lewis would play his starters, if at all. How much of a game plan he and his players would show the Jets was also a question, with the possibility of a rematch in the first round of the playoffs.

What they showed the Jets and a national television audience was a disaster from start to finish. It was a pathetic display.

Offense

Carson Palmer completed one of 11 passes for zero yards. He threw one interception, resulting in a quarterback rating of 1.7.

Chad Ochocinco was held without a catch, breaking a streak of 120 games with at least one reception. Converting one of 11 third downs is not going to win you many games. The offense managed to net just 72 yards, a new all-time franchise low for yards in a game.

Grade:  F

Defense

The Jets rushed the football for 257 yards, marking the third time in the last four games that the Bengals have allowed more than 100 yards on the ground. The Jets converted 11 of 18 third downs as the Bengals missed tackle after tackle.

The aggressive defense that has carried this team was nowhere to be found. Time of possession was almost laughable, with New York holding the ball for over 41 minutes.

Grade:  F

Special Teams

The Bengals finished with a net punting average of 30.9, compared to 26.7 for the Jets. That is the only thing I could find that even somewhat resembled a positive statistic.

Grade:  D

So, were the Bengals giving their best effort last night? I certainly hope not.

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