Bengals-Browns: Quick Notes From Cincinnati's 16-7 Win Over Cleveland

The Cincinnati Bengals improved their record to 8-3 after a 16-7 win over the 1-10 Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Here are a few important notes regarding Cincinnati's big win.

Bengals Take Advantage of Browns Weak Rushing Defense

Similar to the game against the Oakland Raiders, the Bengals knew the best way to beat the Browns was through a powerful running attack...only this time, they wanted to end up winning.

The Bengals could not have asked for a better performance against the Browns' 29th-ranked rushing defense.

After just two carries the previous week against the Raiders, running back Larry Johnson recorded his first 100-yard game of the season, rushing for 107 yards on 22 carries.

Even rookie running back Bernard Scott, who made his second-straight start, managed to gain 87 yards.

Overall, the Bengals ran the ball for a total of 45 times and threw it just 24 times.

With a strong running game and the Detroit Lions coming to Paul Brown Stadium on Sunday, it should be interesting to see how much Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis uses Johnson and Scott now that Benson is supposedly returning.

Bengals Continue To Get By Without a Strong Passing Game

It's hard to imagine the Bengals are 8-3 despite the fact Palmer has yet to throw for 300 yards in a single game this season.

While the Browns seemed to be the perfect team for him to break the mark against with their 24th ranked passing defense, it turns out they didn't even need a big game from Palmer to come through with the win.

In a game where the running backs performed most of the work, Palmer finished 13-of-24 for just 110 yards, his lowest of the season. He also threw a four-yard touchdown pass to tight end J.P. Foschi in the second quarter.

While the passing numbers may not be as high as expected, considering the weapons he has on offense, Palmer is arguably having the best season.

With an 8-3 record in control of the AFC North, Palmer has the Bengals right where they want to be heading into the final month of the regular season.

Bengals Finish 6-0 In AFC North For First Time In Franchise History

Prior to the start of the 2009 season, the only NFL analyst that seemed to think the Bengals could win the AFC North was former Steelers head coach Bill Cowher. 

Props to Mr. Cowher for his solid prediction as the Bengals not only appear to be on the way to their first AFC North title since 2005, but completed their first sweep of the division in franchise history. 

After their recent win over the Browns, the Bengals are now winners of their last seven games within the division. Their last loss came in a Week 13 matchup against the Ravens last season.

With the Steelers and Ravens displaying one of the most intense matchups in recent years during last year's AFC Championship Game, many assumed one of these teams would return to the playoffs this season representing the AFC North.

Now, it appears the Steelers or Ravens will have to make the playoffs as a wild-card team since the Bengals appear to have control of the AFC North.

Dan Parzych is the Cincinnati Bengals Examiner for Examiner.com

He is also the founder of WhoDeyBengals.com