DaytonDailyNews.com

CINCINNATI — The biggest ovation from Bengals fans came with 3:20 to play in Baltimore's 34-3 victory on Sunday, Nov. 30.

That's when quarterback Jordan Palmer trotted onto the field, replacing starter Ryan Fitzpatrick.

"It felt good for a couple seconds," Palmer said, "until the hammer came down."

After handing off to Cedric Benson for a 7-yard gain, Palmer threw an errant pass that strong safety Jim Leonhard intercepted and returned 35 yards for a touchdown.

Palmer thought tight end Reggie Kelly was going to break to the outside. Instead, Kelly curled inside.

"Reggie and I just weren't on the same page," Palmer said. "But I threw it and it's my fault. As a quarterback, you're responsible for wherever the ball goes. And that's on me."

What about the ovation?

"Not deservedly so," he said. "The backup quarterback in every town is the most popular guy. That's just how it is. It gave the fans something to cheer about. It was frustrating out there today."

Boiling point

Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis stopped short of blowing his stack.

"That was a very disappointing loss," he said. "We got ourselves into a bad situation in the first quarter when we were behind in the field position battle, and continued to move back.

"We allowed two really big plays in the passing game that broke our backs in the second half. They were able to control the clock from there, and we were never able to get anything going offensively all day. We weren't very good. When you get your head kicked in like we just did, I'm not going to be happy about anything."

Slippery slope

Lewis was asked if he can endure another year like this.

"No, our football team won't have to go through another season like this, nor will our fans ... believe me," he said. "We've got a youthful team. That's what we're playing with. We didn't play very well. It comes back on me and us. We've got to do a better job of preparing them, understanding and executing.

"We need to make sure we do that because we did not execute very well. Three points doesn't get it done in an NFL game."

Thick playbook

The Ravens, who ran 75 offensive plays to Cincinnati's 53, threw everything at the Bengals.

There was wide receiver Mark Clayton's 32-yard TD pass to Derrick Mason. Backup quarterback Troy Smith rushed three times for four yards on plays in which starting QB Joe Flacco lined up as a receiver.

"They dialed up everything they had," Bengals defensive tackle John Thornton said. "They had Troy Smith in there and were running reverse passes and stuff. We got to see their whole playbook, we were out there so much."

Room service

Fitzpatrick completed an 18-yard pass to Chad Ocho Cinco on the first play from scrimmage. The Bengals totaled two yards on their next 19 plays.

"We're obviously in a funk, and we have personnel that's better than the statistics," Fitzpatrick said. "We have guys that can make plays. It's just a matter of getting the ball in their hands and getting them space."

Quote machine

"This is the NFL. These are the best players in the world. No wins, one win, whatever. We know every time you take the field, you better bring your 'A' game, regardless of records." — Ravens WR Mark Clayton on staying focused against a one-win team.