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Trick play, tough 'D' lift Bengals
A flea-flicker gives Cincy its only TD in a 13-7 win over the Ravens; team's defense is suddenly stout.
Friday, December 01, 2006
CINCINNATI — Neither wind nor rain nor slick footing on Paul Brown Stadium's FieldTurf could stop the Bengals on Thursday night.
The Baltimore Ravens couldn't stop 'em, either.
Extras
The Bengals used a little trickery to pull off a 13-7 victory over the AFC North Division leaders in front of 65,973 spectators and millions watching on NFL Network.
Clinging to a 6-0 lead early in the third quarter, the Bengals perfectly executed a flea-flicker that resulted in quarterback Carson Palmer's 40-yard TD pass to wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh.
Palmer handed off to tailback Rudi Johnson, who flipped the ball back to Palmer. Ravens defenders bit on the play, and Houshmandzadeh was all alone near the right sideline when he hauled in the pass at the 12-yard line and sprinted into the end zone.
The Bengals (7-5) earned their third straight victory, evened their home record at 3-3 and gave their playoff hopes a boost.
Baltimore (9-3) would've clinched the division title with a win, but the Ravens' celebration was put on hold by the Bengals' methodical offense and relentless defense.
Houshmandzadeh caught 10 passes for 106 yards, while Chad Johnson (8 catches, 91 yards) pushed his league-leading receiving yardage to 1,146. Johnson took over possession of third place on the Bengals' career receiving yards list with 6,702, passing Cris Collinsworth (6,698).
The Bengals set club defensive records for consecutive scoreless quarters (7) and time without allowing a point (123 minutes, 20 seconds) during a span of three games.
Stars of the game: The offensive line for protecting Palmer, and the aggressive secondary, led by safety Dexter Jackson, and corners Johnathan Joseph and Tory James.
Goat of the game: Ravens kicker Matt Stover missed a 29-yard field goal, wide left, with 12 seconds remaining in the first half.
Turning point: James swatted a McNair pass intended for Mark Clayton on fourth and 3 at the Bengals' 11 with 6:20 to go.
Quote machine: "That was the loudest I've ever heard our crowd since I've been here (2001). That's much appreciated." — T.J. Houshmandzadeh.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253 or
cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com
Bengals next game
Who: Oakland Raiders (2-9) at Cincinnati Bengals (7-5)
When: 1 p.m. Sunday Dec. 10
TV: CBS (WHIO, Channel 7)
Top teams in the AFC
Colts 10-1
Chargers 9-2
Ravens 9-3
Patriots 8-3
Chiefs 7-4
Broncos 7-4
Bengals 7-5
Jaguars 6-5
Jets 6-5
