DaytonDailyNews.com

CINCINNATI — New England wide receiver Randy Moss wanted to remind the Bengals they were the only team to pass on him twice in the first round of the 1998 NFL draft.

Cincinnati grabbed linebackers Takeo Spikes and Brian Simmons at Nos. 13 and 17, and Moss slipped to No. 21, where the Minnesota Vikings grabbed him.

The 30-year-old, five-time Pro Bowler spent seven years with the Vikings (1998-2004) and two with Oakland (2005-06) before the Patriots acquired him in a trade on April 29.

Moss entered Monday's game with 22 catches for 403 yards (18.3) and five TDs. He quickly added to his totals, catching two passes on the opening drive that yielded a field goal, then closing the first-half scoring with a 7-yard TD reception.

Lineup changes

Left guard Andrew Whitworth, center Alex Stepanovich and tailback Kenny Watson started in place of Stacy Andrews (shoulder), Eric Ghiaciuc (thumb) and Rudi Johnson (hamstring) for the Bengals' offense.

On defense, strong-side linebacker Lemar Marshall and middle linebacker Anthony Schlegel replaced Rashad Jeanty (shin) and Ahmad Brooks (groin)

Marshall tore his left Achilles tendon on the second play from scrimmage at 14:07 of the first quarter, and is likely out for the season.

More, more Morris

Patriots tailback Laurence Maroney tested his sore groin in a pregame workout, but head coach Bill Belichick shut him down.

No problem. Sammy Morris filled in admirably, piling up 98 yards on 13 carries in the first half.

Morris' 49-yard burst set up Tom Brady's 1-yard TD pass to Mike Vrabel for a 10-0 Patriots lead.

KC, here they come

The Bengals' next opponent — Kansas City — has been outscored 66-56. But the Chiefs are 2-2, thanks to consecutive victories over Minnesota (13-10) and San Diego (30-16).

K.C. got off to a terrible start, losing at Houston (20-3) and at Chicago (20-10). Now the Chiefs are tied with Denver and Oakland atop the AFC West, one game ahead of 1-3 San Diego. They host Jacksonville on Sunday.

Celebrity watch

NBA superstar LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers caused a hubbub when he showed up on the sidelines Monday night.

He stood behind the Bengals' bench at the 2-yard line near the visitors' tunnel in the first half.

Quick hitter

Bengals defensive end Bryan Robinson turned in a selfish penalty in the third quarter when he got flagged for unnecessary roughness after delivering a blow to Brady's head.

It kept alive a drive that Morris finished with a 7-yard run, giving New England a 24-7 lead.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com.