DaytonDailyNews.com

Where would the Cincinnati Bengals be without outside linebacker Brandon Johnson? Lost.

The third-year veteran from the University of Louisville has replaced the injured Keith Rivers, and has proven himself as a playmaker in coordinator Mike Zimmer's scheme.

Johnson's first career interception (and 35-yard return) came against Philadelphia, then he kept the momentum going last week at Pittsburgh with a pass deflection and two tackles for loss among his eight spots.

Johnson (6-foot-5, 245 pounds) is a tall, athletic linebacker with good speed, range and awareness. He's a rugged, aggressive tackler, a solid pass rusher when given the opportunity and his wide wingspan allows him to get his hands on a lot of passes others can't reach.

Signed in the offseason after two years with the Arizona Cardinals, Johnson has emerged as a leader with his strong work ethic and enthusiastic play.

"If everybody got everything their way in life, it'd be pretty boring," Johnson said about the Bengals' rough season. "There's a little saying out there: 'Why does everyone hate adversity when it only makes you stronger?' You've got to keep fighting, keep pushing."

Baltimore Ravens Human highlight film

Records are made to be broken, and Ed Reed shattered his own mark in the Ravens' 36-7 victory over the Eagles.

His two interceptions were the 36th and 37th of his career, a Ravens record. And he totaled 151 return yards, including a 108-yard TD — the longest interception return in NFL history. Reed held the previous mark of 106 set in 2004 against the Browns.

Philadelphia faced second down at the Ravens' 1-yard line. Baltimore rookie Haruki Nakamura noticed that Eagles wideout Reggie Brown lined up at tight end.

"Haruki pointed out that 86 was on the end of the line, so we kind of knew it wasn't going to be a run to that side," Reed told the Ravens media. "I was watching 86's feet when he was in the huddle just to find out where he was going. Once he went across the field, it was pretty simple from there. Just keep trailing it. The quarterback never even saw me come from behind."

Reed snared Kevin Kolb's pass, broke a tackle from tailback Brian Westbrook, eluded guard Todd Herremans and juked tight end Brent Celek.

"I was thinking, 'Just run,' " Reed said. "Once I saw Westbrook, I know he's a fast guy. I thought I ran out of bounds, and it was, 'Just keep running, be smart.' And then it just sprung from there."

Cleveland Browns Brutal ball skills

Wide receiver Braylon Edwards has 40 receptions for 661 yards (16.5) and three TDs. But his season has been defined by his drops.

He dropped three more passes in a 16-6 loss to Houston, pushing his unofficial season total to 18.

"I know the fans are very upset at me and I can't blame them," Edwards said. "I do want people to know I love this game and I love this team. I don't ever go out there and not give my all. I don't ever drop a ball and not care.

"I've been very inconsistent this year. I hold myself to a high standard. My team is calling my number. They're depending on me. I don't know what it is, but I have to go somewhere and get my head together."

Pittsburgh Steelers

Wide receiver Santonio Holmes was having a great game in Pittsburgh's 27-10 victory over the Bengals (five catches, 84 yards). And then he ran into safety Chris Crocker at 8:30 of the third quarter and was done for the night.

"He was out of it," wide receiver Hines Ward said. "Santonio is a warrior. He'll be back. That's just the violence of the game. It was a clean hit. That's why I try to preach to my guys: 'Hit them before they hit you.' You know they are going to hit you. So any opportunities you can get, you have to take your shots."

AFC North This Week

Baltimore (7-4) at Cincinnati (1-9-1), 1 p.m. Sunday

Indianapolis (7-4) at Cleveland (4-7), 1 p.m. Sunday

Pittsburgh (8-3) at New England (7-4), 4:15 p.m. Sunday

Week 12 Star — Baltimore free safety Ed Reed's NFL record 108-yard interception return powered the Ravens past Philadelphia 36-7.

Week 12 Goat — Cleveland wide receiver Braylon Edwards dropped three more passes, low-lighting the Browns' 16-6 loss to Houston.

Quote of the Week

"It's a blessing just to come out and read the keys and do your job. Everybody did their job on that play. And it'll just come right to you." — Ed Reed on his 108-yard interception return against the Eagles.

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