Cincinnati Bengals: Week 9 Report Card

In Week 9, the Cincinnati Bengals dropped their fifth game in a row and fell to 2-6 on the year, effectively ending any chance at turning their season around and returning to the playoffs. Perhaps the Bengals had an early case of holiday cheer because they gift-wrapped this game and handed it to the Pittsburgh Steelers on a silver platter.

Offense

Good: Carson Palmer completed 22 of 36 passes for 248 yards and two touchdowns. Both touchdown passes were to Terrell Owens, who finished the night with 10 receptions for 141 yards.

Bad: Palmer made a horrible throw in the second quarter that was intercepted and led to a Steelers touchdown. Cedric Benson had 54 yards on 18 carries. Chad Ochocinco had just one more catch than I did.

Grade: C

Defense

The defense was behind the eight-ball from the beginning of the game, having to defend short fields because of offensive ineffectiveness and mistakes on special teams. The final numbers were not terrible. The Steelers finished the game with 314 yards of offense and turned the ball over twice.

However, I still find it mind-boggling that the Bengals defense is unable to apply consistent pressure to the quarterback. Remember the attacking defense we watched last year? If you see them, let me know.

Grade: C

Special Teams

Special? Give me a break. Bernard Scott fumbled the opening kickoff. Kevin Huber had a punt blocked. Mike Nugent missed two field goals.

Grade: L

Read more at Bengals Line.