Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Bengals running back Cedric Benson unlikely to play against Raiders

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November 20

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Running back Cedric Benson did not practice for a second straight day and is unlikely to play Sunday at Oakland. That means Larry Johnson's timetable to be somewhat comfortable with the playbook is accelerated. "It's a new offense and they have to get comfortable with trusting me to step in there," said Johnson, who celebrated his 30th birthday Thursday. "The plays are the same handing off and right now the exchange has been pretty good between Carson (Palmer) and myself." Johnson is familiar with the Raiders. In 10 games against Oakland, he has rushed for 938 yards and 11 touchdowns, which is one fifth of his career TDs. He has five 100-yard games against them. In Week 2 this season, ..."

Ochocinco is in JaMarcus Russell's corner

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November 20

Contra Costa Times

"Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco has a well-earned reputation for speaking his mind. He said Thursday that benched Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell is a victim of his supporting cast. "Man, JaMarcus is extremely good," Ochocinco said in a conference call with Bay Area media. "You have to remember, a quarterback can only be as good as his supporting cast. Case closed. Always. It will always be that way. Always." Ochocinco said New England's Tom Brady or Indianapolis' Peyton Manning would be struggling just as much as Russell in Oakland's offense, which is ranked 31st in terms of yards and points per game. It doesn't help Russell that he is playing for his second head ..."

Rip Arians? It still boils down to execution

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November 20

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Some days, you walk into Giant Eagle and want to shout to the world: "I'm here!" Other days ... "You wear a hat and sunglasses at night so no one recognizes you," Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians said, fairly giggling. It was a hat-and-sunglasses week for Arians. That's hardly surprising. The Steelers were beaten by the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday on a day when the Steelers' offense repeatedly got lost on its way to the end zone. Of course, it was Arians' fault, if you listen to the masses. Isn't it always? A few people blamed Ben Roethlisberger, but it's pretty hard to hold a grudge against one of the NFL's great quarterbacks and a two-time Super Bowl winner, to boot. A few more ..."

Bengals running back Benson unlikely to play against Raiders

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November 20

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Running back Cedric Benson did not practice for a second straight day and is unlikely to play Sunday at Oakland. That means Larry Johnson's timetable to be somewhat comfortable with the playbook is accelerated. "It's a new offense and they have to get comfortable with trusting me to step in there," said Johnson, who celebrated his 30th birthday Thursday. "The plays are the same handing off and right now the exchange has been pretty good between Carson (Palmer) and myself.""

Larry Johnson's role with Bengals depends on Cedric Benson

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November 19

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Although everyone continues to stress that everything is operating smoothly, it is looking more like Larry Johnson could be in the lineup for the Bengals Sunday in Oakland. Johnson practiced with the team for the first time Wednesday and did get a couple of snaps, but mostly tried to immerse himself in the playbook. Also on the field was Cedric Benson, but he did not practice as he continues to recover from a hip flexor injury. Thursday's practice will be key: If Benson is unable to go, it's almost certain he will miss the game since players who don't practice on Wednesday and Thursday usually do not play. That will give Johnson three practices and five days to prepare. "It's not easy for ..."

Rookie Bernard Scott honored by AFC

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November 19

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Bengals rookie halfback Bernard Scott was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week by the NFL Wednesday. Scott's 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown helped lead the Bengals to an 18-12 victory over the Steelers last Sunday. "Hopefully, I can continue to make plays back there and be the main returner," Scott said. In his first game as the No. 1 kick returner, Scott returned five for 206 yards, the third-highest single-game total in team history. Scott's return for a touchdown was the Bengals' first since Nov. 4, 2007, when Glenn Holt had one that covered 100 yards at Buffalo. Scott, a sixth-round draft pick, has seven kick returns this season, for a total of 261 yards and a 37-3 ..."

Signing Larry Johnson is a strange decision by the Bengals

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November 18

Cincinnati Enquirer

"It's too soon to say whether signing Larry Johnson is good or bad for the Cincinnati Bengals. It's just strange. Marvin Lewis has spent a couple years removing problem children from his locker room. The room is for grown-ups now. Where does Larry Johnson sit? Why do the 7-2, first-place-and-rolling Bengals still need to be the home office for career rehabilitation? It's a business, not a halfway house. Once you've cured the headache, you don't look for the nearest wall to slam. At least in other NFL places. The locker room is good. There is a vibe in there unlike any in Lewis' tenure. You have to go back to the '88 season to locate the same feeling. It's a reason for the winning. It's ..."

New Bengal LJ craves chance to play against Chiefs

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November 18

Kansas City Star

"Former Chiefs running back Larry Johnson, the newest member of the Cincinnati Bengals, knows who's coming to town two days after Christmas. And it's not Santa Claus. Asked at an introductory news conference Tuesday about the Chiefs' visit to Cincinnati on Dec. 27, Johnson said: "I'd be lying if I said I ain't looking at that game (as one) I want to definitely play in … if that happens, it would be the best Christmas gift I could get." Johnson, released by the Chiefs last week in the aftermath of a suspension for several off-field issues, signed a one-year contract with the AFC North-leading Bengals as insurance for running back Cedric Benson, who suffered a hip injury in last Sunday's ..."

Bengals give tryouts to Galloway, Doss

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November 18

Cincinnati Enquirer

"The Larry Johnson signing was not the only thing that transpired with the Bengals on Tuesday. They announced that they released receiver Antonio Chatman and tight end Ben Utecht and added safety Brannon Condren to the practice squad. And in order to possibly bolster their roster, the team had wide receiver Joey Galloway, safety Mike Doss and defensive tackle Ed Johnson in for tryouts. Considering the recent season-ending injuries to Chris Henry and Roy Williams, the additions of Galloway and Doss would be intriguing. Galloway was released by the Patriots last month, but could provide some sort of deep threat. Doss was with the Bengals last year for the final three games of the season."

Signing Johnson a test for Bengals' chemistry

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November 18

Dayton Daily News

columnist Kyle Nagel

"Larry Johnson's entrance into the Cincinnati Bengals locker room will be a true test of just how far the Bengals have come from their bad boy days. The Bengals announced Tuesday, Nov. 17, that they had signed the former Kansas City running back who caused problems in the Chiefs locker room with Twitter criticisms of his former head coach. The Bengals are calling Johnson an insurance policy for the running back position. More than that, Johnson - as any new player would, whether or not he has a history - will test the Bengals' locker room chemistry. Things have clearly been better on the field, and much of that comes from harmony off the field. Injecting a new presence into that mix will ..."

Larry Johnson inks deal to join the Cincinnati Bengals

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November 17

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Larry Johnson is a Bengal after agreeing to terms on a one-year contract with the team this morning. The Bengals still have not made an official announcement since they still have to make a roster move to put Johnson on the 53-man roster. Johnson arrived on Monday night in Cincinnati and met with the coach Marvin Lewis and his staff. Since being released by the Chiefs last Monday, Johnson had talked but the Bengals will be the one to take a chance on the oft-troubled seven-year running back. Lewis spoke with Johnson last Thursday about possibly coming to the team. Lewis also said on Monday that Johnson would be the fourth running back and that the role of the three backs on the roster ..."

Larry Johnson to sign with Bengals

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November 17

Kansas City Star

"Larry Johnson has his second chance. The troubled former Chiefs running back will sign Tuesday morning with the Cincinnati Bengals, Johnson's agent told The Star late Monday night. Peter Schaffer wrote in an e-mail that Johnson's deal would be finished early Tuesday, a day after Johnson reportedly was in Cincinnati to meet with Bengals coaches. Reports surfaced Monday that Johnson, who was released last week by the Chiefs after 6 seasons, was being courted by the Bengals after running back Cedric Benson suffered a hip injury in Sundays win against Pittsburgh. Bengals coach Marvin Lewis told local reporters Monday that, if his team signed Johnson, the 29-year-old rusher would be insurance ..."

Larry Johnson to sign with Bengals

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November 17

Kansas City Star

"Larry Johnson has his second chance. The troubled former Chiefs running back will sign Tuesday morning with the Cincinnati Bengals, Johnson's agent told The Star late Monday night. Peter Schaffer wrote in an e-mail that Johnson's deal would be finished early Tuesday, a day after Johnson reportedly was in Cincinnati to meet with Bengals coaches. Reports surfaced Monday that Johnson, who was released last week by the Chiefs after 6 seasons, was being courted by the Bengals after running back Cedric Benson suffered a hip injury in Sundays win against Pittsburgh. Bengals coach Marvin Lewis told local reporters Monday that, if his team signed Johnson, the 29-year-old rusher would be insurance ..."

Larry Johnson expected to sign with Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday

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November 17

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Barring any last-minute hiccups, the Bengals are expected to announce Tuesday that they have signed former Kansas City running back Larry Johnson as an insurance policy in case of injuries. Johnson arrived in town on Monday and met with the coaching staff. ESPN reported earlier in the day that the deal would be worth the prorated league minimum. If that's the case, then Johnson would earn $306,764.43 for the remaining seven games. Since being released by the Chiefs last Monday, Johnson has talked to other teams, but it appears as if the Bengals will be the one to take a chance on the oft-troubled seven-year running back. In order to address or quell rumors, coach Marvin Lewis said during ..."

Bengals-Johnson union imminent?

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November 16

ESPN.com

"Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson was en route to Cincinnati on Monday and, barring a last-minute breakdown, he expects to sign with the AFC North-leading Bengals, a source familiar with the negotiations told ESPN's Michael Smith. A deal, if consummated, is expected to be for the prorated league minimum. The Bengals, along with several other teams, first expressed interest in Johnson last week as depth behind Cedric Benson, who suffered a hip injury in Sunday's 18-12 victory at Pittsburgh."

Titans, Bengals stepping up; Cowboys, Broncos take step back

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November 16

Chicago Tribune

columnist Sam Farmer

"Do not adjust your picture. But you might want to adjust your Super Bowl picks. The Cowboys, who had won four in a row, were nearly shut out Sunday ... by a Packers team that lost to the winless Buccaneers a week earlier. The Broncos, who looked indestructible as they rolled to a 6-0 start ... now seem to be imploding just like they did at the end of last season. The Titans lost their first six games and appeared to be playing for the No. 1 draft pick in 2010 ... then reversed their field with three consecutive wins behind Vince Young, version 2.0. And the Bengals, fresh off a 4-11-1 season ... have successfully swept the Super Bowl champion Steelers for the first time since 1998. Ignore ..."

Bengals running back Cedric Benson hopes to be ready for Oakland Raiders

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November 16

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Bengals running back Cedric Benson said after the game that he hopes to be ready for next Sunday's game at Oakland. Despite leaving in the second quarter, he was happy to see Bernard Scott have success. "I'm happy for him that he was able to get out there and play," Benson said. "You kind of hate to see it happen due to injury but he was able to go out there and do well." Bengals running back Cedric Benson said after the game that he hopes to be ready for next Sunday's game at Oakland. Despite leaving in the second quarter, he was happy to see Bernard Scott have success. "I'm happy for him that he was able to get out there and play," Benson said. "You kind of hate to see it happen due to ..."

Cincinnati Bengals continue to rip through the AFC North with 18-12 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers

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November 16

Cincinnati Enquirer

"All season long the Bengals have talked about having this team having the most depth in Marvin Lewis' seven-year tenure as head coach. On Sunday, in the biggest game of the last four seasons, it was the players who you least expected who gave the Bengals sole possession of the AFC North and their first sweep over Pittsburgh in 11 years. In a 18-12 victory over the Steelers at Heinz Field, which Lewis called "probably the most physical, grinding football game I've ever been on the sideline to experience" it was a core cast of supporting players who took the limelight as injuries and opportunity forced them to deliver. The win improves the Bengals record to 7-2 and gives them the edge in ..."

Bengals Steeler-ed the Steelers

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November 16

Cincinnati Enquirer

"The win was sweet for the Cincinnati Bengals, in so many ways. It was a dirty-shirt brawl that handed the home team a fistful of its own teeth. The Bengals came to Pittsburgh and Steeler-ed the Steelers. That last drive was pure religion. Cincinnati expanded a three-point lead to six by pounding Pittsburgh's prideful defense for 11 plays, four first downs and much hostility between the tackles. After a drive that consumed four minutes of the remaining six, Shayne Graham delivered the Amen with a 43-yard field goal, straight into a cloud of little, yellow hankies. Winner by technical knockout, 18-12, the challenger. And now the Bengals are alone and dominant. They're 7-2, they've beaten ..."

Bengals' final drive able to throw off Steelers

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November 16

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"With the game on the line and the Steelers' defense in dire need of a stop to have any chance at a victory, the last thing they expected was for the Cincinnati offense to shove the ball down their throats. It was especially unexpected considering who the Bengals had on the field - an offensive line that features three undrafted free agents and a rookie running back from Abilene Christian. But when the Bengals - who led 15-12 at the time - got the ball back with 6:17 left in Sunday's AFC North showdown against the Steelers, that's exactly what they did. "Carson (Palmer) came into the huddle and told us not to give them the ball back," tackle Andrew Whitworth said. The Steelers got the ball ..."

Bengals' special-teams TD 'unacceptable'

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November 16

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"When Josh Cribbs returned a kickoff for a touchdown against the Steelers, it was because he's the NFL's top special-teams talent. When Percy Harvin did the same, it was because he's the league's most dynamic rookie. So, how to explain Cincinnati's Bernard Scott? The Steelers could only call it "unacceptable." That was Stefan Logan's response to Scott's 96-yard kickoff return in the first quarter, the only touchdown scored Sunday, as the Bengals beat the Steelers, 18-12, in a pivotal AFC North Division game at Heinz Field. "Any time you allow people to score touchdowns and your defense is not on the field, (then) you expose yourself to losing football," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. "You ..."

Comeback incomplete for Big Ben, Steelers

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November 16

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"A defense that has not allowed a touchdown in the past two weeks forced the Cincinnati Bengals to kick a field goal late in a slumbering game Sunday afternoon. That set up a made-for-Ben Roethlisberger moment. And free safety Ryan Clark - and probably more than a few fans at packed but subdued Heinz Field - had no doubt the Steelers quarterback would deliver as he has done so many times in his career. "He's one of the premier quarterbacks in the league and definitely one of the premier two-minute quarterbacks in the NFL," said Clark, the Steelers' starting free safety. "My thing is, we're going to go down there and score. Offense will get the praise, but we'll get the win as a team." The ..."

Bengals no longer a secret in the NFL

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November 16

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"Cincinnati guard Bobbie Williams cherishes the fact the Bengals aren't being mentioned among the top teams in the NFL. But after sweeping the two teams that were in the AFC Championship Game a year ago within the first 10 weeks of the season, Williams is afraid that may be impossible now. "I think we might be peaking up on people's radar now," Williams said. "But let's keep it quiet. We like nobody talking about us. Let them keep questioning us, so we can stay under the radar." • Overlooking the Bengals might be difficult to do. They have a one-game lead in the AFC North over the Steelers with games against oft-beaten Oakland, Cleveland, Detroit and Kansas City left on the schedule. "This ..."

Uninspired Steelers lose to Bengals

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November 16

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"Sloppy, uninspired play by the Steelers translated into an 18-12 loss to the Bengals in front of the second-largest crowd ever today at Heinz Field. As a result of perhaps their worst showing of the season, the Steelers dropped to 6-3 and essentially fell two games behind the Bengals in the AFC North. The Bengals are 7-2, but they hold the tiebreaker over the Steelers after sweeping their arch rivals for the first time since 1998. "It's a step back today," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. "We've got some work to do. We're a team that is developing." The Steelers' defense did not allow a touchdown for the second straight game. The Steelers, however, allowed 96-yard kickoff return for a ..."

With eyes wide open, Steelers stung

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November 16

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

columnist John Harris

"For the first time during the Mike Tomlin era, the Steelers are struggling to win key head-to-head battles in the AFC North. It's a strange, uncomfortable feeling for the defending Super Bowl champions, but there's a first time for everything. The Steelers, under Tomlin, don't normally lose big games the way they did Sunday afternoon at Heinz Field - flailing and out-of-sync. After all, it was a home division game against the Cincinnati Bengals, who beat the Steelers, 23-20, in September. If anything, yesterday's rematch hurt more than the first loss because this time the Steelers knew what was coming. Their eyes were wide open. November is when the Steelers take control of their destiny. ..."

Bengals ground the Steelers

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November 16

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Steelers 18-12 today to sweep their two-game series and take a one-game lead in the AFC North Division. Shayne Graham's 32-yard field goal with 7:29 left broke a 12-12 tie and he kicked another from 43 yards with 1:56 left. Cincinnati climbed to 7-2. The Steelers lost for the first time at home to fall to 6-3. Neither team scored a touchdown on offense. Jeff Reed kicked four field goals for the Steelers and Graham kicked three. The only touchdown came on a 96-yard kickoff return in the first quarter by Cincinnati rookie Bernard Scott. Both teams lost star players. Steelers All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu left the game after Cincinnati's first drive with a left ..."

Bengals beat Steelers, 18-12

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November 16

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Two teams tested a theory yesterday at Heinz Field that if you cannot run and you cannot pass, you cannot win a football game. That is, unless you have the luxury of the Steelers kicking off to you. Neither the Steelers nor the Cincinnati Bengals scored an offensive touchdown, yet for the third time in four games the Steelers' kickoff team allowed a return for a touchdown and it stood up enough for the Bengals to pull off the improbable victory, 18-12, and the two-game sweep of this year's series. It is the first time the Bengals have swept the series in 11 seasons and it may deliver an AFC North Division title to Cincinnati, which at 7-2 took a one-game lead over the 6-3 Steelers and also ..."

Bengals best in AFC North?

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November 16

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Early in the fourth quarter of a game that had long since forfeited any chance of turning up on ESPN Classic, it actually began to appear as though the Steelers were going to lose to the Cincinnati Bengals twice in seven weeks, and the reaction was reflexive: You're pullin' my leg. No wait, or was that what quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said to Bengals linebacker Brandon Johnson, who was quite literally pulling his leg as Big Ben lay in a pile of humanity after sneaking the football to a first down at the Cincinnati 11? Johnson stood behind the pile, reached in, and yanked No. 7's foot like a guy trying to drag a deer out from under a Ford Taurus. Seeing this, Steelers guard Chris ..."

Bengals' RB Benson out

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November 15

ESPN.com

"The major injuries continue to pile up between the Cincinnati Bengals and Steelers. The latest just announced in the third quarter is that Bengals tailback Cedric Benson will not return to the game. Benson injured his hip in the second quarter, and at the time his return was listed as "probable.""

No longer clique-ing, Bengals are clicking

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November 15

Chicago Tribune

"Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer doesn't love Wednesdays. They're to be tolerated, not enjoyed. That's the day the Bengals -- like the 31 other NFL teams -- put in some of their most rigorous work of the week. It isn't only on the field, but trudging from meeting to meeting, studying tape of the upcoming opponent, working on their deficiencies, doing all the mundane things that wind up making a difference on Sundays. Palmer's Wednesdays aren't such a grind this season. The Bengals are having success, for one, and are heading into a huge game Sunday in Pittsburgh, with the winner moving into the top spot in the AFC North. Both teams are 6-2. But it's more than that. Palmer says all the ..."

Bengals fed up with Steeler bullies

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November 15

Cincinnati Enquirer

"It's always Pittsburgh. In Cincinnati, no pro football conversation of substance can occur that does not include Pittsburgh. It has been that way, with occasional blips, for more than 30 years. Almost since there was a Cincinnati Bengals, the Cincinnati Bengals have been climbing that Pittsburgh hill. The road to salvation goes through Pittsburgh again, as it must, on Sunday afternoon. Bengals-Steelers. Or, rather, Steelers-Bengals. They define Us. They tell us who we are, they show us how it can be. We seek their approval. They are who we want to be. It is the sad truth. It will make you angry. I understand. Pittsburgh Fan is a mindless slob/internet troll who can get downright medieval ..."

Ochocinco takes fan who answered tweet on shopping spree

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November 15

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

""Hotel manager name is Jesse, first person to say my name Ocho Cinco to Jesse at the Marriot we about to act a donkey in the mall." That simple message -- complete with spelling, grammar and punctuation flexibility -- set off a storm of excitement last night at the Marriott City Center in Pittsburgh after it was posted by Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco on Twitter, the blogging service that allows users to communicate in brief messages, or "tweets." More than 50 people turned up at the hotel. Many more called the front desk to ask to speak to "Jesse," hoping for a chance at a shopping spree paid for by the athlete formerly known as Chad Johnson. Mr. Ochocinco is known for ..."

A rock upon which Bengals re-built

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November 15

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"You think you're surprised that Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis is the fifth-longest-tenured head coach in the NFL? You should have seen Bengals owner Mike Brown's face when informed of that little factoid the other day. He sat back in his office chair at Paul Brown Stadium (named after his legendary father), considered what it meant and, with eyes that seemed to dance, said, "He must be doing a lot of things right." Lewis, who took the Bengals' job in 2003 by way of Fort Cherry High School as a player and Pitt and the Steelers as an assistant coach among other stops, didn't seem nearly as shocked when told he ranks behind only Tennessee's Jeff Fisher, Philadelphia's Andy Reid, New ..."

Head to Head: Bengals RB Cedric Benson vs. Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall

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November 15

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"There aren't many running backs in the National Football League who have gained more yards the past five games than Rashard Mendenhall. But one of them is Cincinnati's Cedric Benson, who is starting to perform Jerome Bettis-like feats for the Bengals. Mendenhall has vaulted to No. 11 among the league's rushing leaders with a torrid five-game roll that began the week after the Steelers had their eight-game winning streak in Paul Brown Stadium snapped by the Bengals. He did not play in the 23-20 loss in Cincinnati because he was being punished for not knowing his practice assignments during the week. Since then, he has been punishing the opposition. "He's making big plays happen in a hurry," ..."

Lewis gets cheers from players

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November 14

Akron Beacon Journal

"Anyone wondering whether running back Jamal Lewis was speaking for his Browns teammates Thursday when he accused coach Eric Mangini of overworking his players need only have witnessed the locker room scene 24 hours later. While Lewis, surrounded by media, was trying to put to rest his scathing remarks, several teammates chanted, ''JLew! JLew!'' Among the loudest were tight end Robert Royal and fullback Lawrence Vickers, who climbed onto a chair next to Lewis to help lead the cheers. Judging from the roar, it was clear that Lewis is their hero. ''I got support,'' Lewis said. ''Does this look like a divided locker room to y'all? Huh, does it? No.'' No one has ever questioned whether the ..."

Mike Tomlin has Steelers on right track

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November 14

Cincinnati Enquirer

"After Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger won his first Super Bowl, the Steelers began their next season 2-6. Mike Tomlin, now the Steelers head coach, had nothing to do with the free fall with which the Steelers opened their 2006 season. But he's had something to do with the Steelers' 6-2 title defense so far this year. Although he didn't give his team a preseason talk about "don't get complacent just because you're defending Super Bowl champs," he did emphasize that this year has nothing to do with winning the Super Bowl last year. "The big thing is each year you start anew regardless whether you won it all or didn't play well," said Tomlin, formerly an assistant coach at the ..."

Steelers Kirschke and Davis out for Bengals game

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November 14

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"Defensive end Travis Kirschke (calf) and running back Carey Davis (hamstring) did not practice all week and won't play in Sunday's 1 p.m. game against Cincinnati at Heinz Field. Kirschke will miss his second consecutive game. Davis was injured last week against Denver. Safety Tyrone Carter returned to practice after sitting out Thursday because of illness. Linebacker Lawrence Timmons, who did not play against Denver because of an ankle injury, is expected to start against the Bengals. • Cincinnati linebacker Keith Rivers, who is second on the team with 67 tackles, is listed as doubtful with a calf injury. Guard Evan Mathis is also doubtful. Rivers and Mathis are not expected to play. Wide ..."

Steelers much improved since Bengals loss

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November 14

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"It was a different Steelers team, at a different point of the season. All of the pieces were in place on offense. Most of them, anyway. Still, the Steelers make no excuses for their 23-20 loss at the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 27 that left them with a 1-2 record. "We could have closed the game out," quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said. "We could have done it on offense." Added offensive coordinator Bruce Arians: "We left so many points on the field." The 6-2 Steelers have won five consecutive games since losing to the Bengals, thanks in no small part to their resurgent offense, ranked No. 5 in the NFL. The rematch with Cincinnati is at 1 p.m. Sunday at Heinz Field. "It's going to be a big ..."

Ochocinco fans mail mustard to secondary

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November 14

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis, pride of Fort Cherry High School, vowed to make Chad Ochocinco hold the mustard that the pass- and attention-grabbing Cincinnati receiver initially wanted to ship to members of the Steelers' secondary this week. But that did not stop someone from greater Cincinnati, identified on the package's return address as "Fans of Chad Ochocinco," from mailing the Steelers a box of the yellow condiment, which arrived yesterday. It was a result of Ochocinco's midweek Twitter pledge to send the Steelers' defensive backs mustard because they couldn't "ketch up." Heinz Field puns intended"Thanks, Chad," cornerback Ike Taylor noted after peeking into the box on his ..."

Ochocinco fined $20K by NFL

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November 14

ESPN.com

"Chad Ochocinco has been fined $20,000 by the NFL for flashing a dollar bill at an official during a replay challenge -- a joking attempt at a "bribe" -- in last week's Bengals-Ravens game, team and league sources tell ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen. The NFL also cited the Bengals wide receiver's use of the word "bribe" in his postgame comments to reporters. In the third quarter of last Sunday's 17-7 Bengals victory, Cincinnati quarterback Carson Palmer completed a 15-yard pass to Ochocinco. Baltimore challenged the call, contending that he was out of bounds, and the Ravens won the challenge."

Student Suspended For Bengals Haircut

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November 13

KYPost.com

"An eighth grade student is serving an in-school suspension for cutting a Bengals football helmet design in his hair. Dustin Reader, an eighth grade student at Garfield Middle School, says he was sent immediately to the principal's office when he showed up with his haircut on Monday. Reader was given an in-school suspension which means he will be kept in isolation to do his school work until his hair grows out. "This all comes down to a me as a situation of a freedom of expression," said Jim Reader, Dustin's father. Dustin Reader says, "It's just a hair cut. It ain't drug related, it ain't got no guns, it ain't got no cuss words and stuff like that – so why are they worried about it?" ..."

Hall, Joseph power Bengals' backfield with 4 INTs each

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November 13

Cincinnati Enquirer

"In their third year of playing together, the Bengals' Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall are beginning to establish themselves as one of the NFL's top cornerback tandems. At the season's midpoint, the Bengals are one of only two teams to have two players with at least four interceptions (Philadelphia is the other). They are tied for second for most interceptions in the AFC behind Buffalo's Jairus Byrd, who has seven. "They are playing both fundamentally sound and smart, and I put a big capital on 'Smart.' That's key to playing cornerback in this league," Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said. "Both guys have tremendous athleticism, speed and ability to play the ball in the air." In last Sunday's ..."

Palmer still endorsing Cincinnati Bengals receiver Maurice Purify

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November 13

Cincinnati Enquirer

"It seems more than a matter of when Maurice Purify is going to get called up from the Bengals practice squad. Once that happens, it then becomes a matter of if he gets the call over Jerome Simpson for the fourth receiver spot. If Purify is to be called up to the 53-man roster for Sunday's game against the Steelers, it will probably be before Saturday, when the team leaves for Pittsburgh. "It's going to feel great (whenever I get the call)," Purify said. "I've been waiting for it for two years. I think I was game ready since Week 1 or Week 2. It's about time I get a chance, if I get the chance. I'm still in a situation that a lot of people want to be in." During his year and a half with the ..."

Steelers are amused by Ochocinco's antics

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November 12

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"Steelers defensive backs apparently won't be getting mustard sent to them in advance of Sunday's AFC North showdown at Heinz Field. Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis has told Chad Ochocinco to refrain from a gesture similar to the one the star wideout made last week when he sent deodorant to the Baltimore Ravens. Ochocinco posted on his Twitter account that he planned to mail mustard to the Steelers' practice facility because their defensive backs wouldn't be able to "ketch-up" with him. Starting free safety Ryan Clark said he would be offended if the Steelers didn't get the gift that one of the NFL's biggest hot dogs had promised for them. "If he doesn't send us anything, that means ..."

Pittsburgh's LeBeau an enemy of offense

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November 11

Cincinnati Enquirer

"The man against whom the Bengals' high-powered offense will match wits Sunday could be headed for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, former head coach of the Bengals (2000-02), is under consideration for induction in Canton based on his 14-year playing career as a Detroit Lions defensive back. LeBeau and former Denver Broncos running back Floyd Little were named by the Pro Football Hall of Fame's seniors committee as finalists for possible enshrinement. The Hall of Fame's selection meeting will be held in February, the day before the Super Bowl in Miami. It's possible that both LeBeau and Little could be elected, or one might, or neither might. To be ..."

Bengals on NBC? Not likely

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November 11

Cincinnati Enquirer

"The league's flex scheduling begins with the Week 11 games (the weekend of Nov. 22-23), but the possibility of the Bengals appearing on NBC's "Sunday Night Football" appear to be somewhat slim. During the league's flex period, the Bengals face four teams that have two wins or fewer (Oakland, Cleveland, Detroit and Kansas City). The Dec. 20 game at San Diego was a possibility, but CBS is believed to have made that one of its five protected games. In early October, CBS and Fox are allowed to submit five games from their schedules that can not be flexed to NBC. That leaves the only two possibilities as the Dec. 13 game at Minnesota and the Jan. 3 game at the New York Jets. In Week 14, NBC has ..."

Bengals coach Mike Zimmer presses on with heavy heart

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November 11

Cincinnati Enquirer

"He's still the fiery and determined defensive coordinator, but the last month has been difficult for Mike Zimmer. While he has called three great defensive games, including two against Baltimore, Zimmer has continued to press on despite the death of his wife, Vikki, who passed away on Oct. 8 from natural causes. Even after Zimmer's defense confounded the Ravens again in a 17-7 victory on Sunday, the excitement of the wins has been muted a little from the events of last month. "The wins are not nearly as good now," said Zimmer on Monday. "We beat Chicago (two weeks ago), played pretty good on defense that game. I go home and it was actually a hard day because I go home and I'm there. "Like ..."

Bengals No. 4 WR up for grabs

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November 11

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Chris Henry's season officially ended on Monday when the Bengals placed him on injured reserve. Henry had surgery the day after he suffered a fracture to his left forearm during the second quarter of Sunday's 17-7 win over Baltimore. The fifth-year receiver ends the season with 12 receptions for 236 yards and two touchdowns. The fifth-year receiver ends the season with 12 receptions for 236 yards and two touchdowns. Said coach Marvin Lewis about Henry's injury: "He was excited to play yesterday, I don't know that I've ever seen him that excited to play, and it's unfortunate he got hurt. You could tell he felt good after the time off and getting his legs back and under him." The Bengals ..."

AFC North-leading Bengals no longer a bunch of misfits

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November 11

Dallas Morning News

"The summer campaign of the Cincinnati Bengals was supposed to be internal. But the television cameras of HBO's "Hard Knocks" made it very public in training camp. Bengals coach Marvin Lewis challenged his players to fight back in 2009 - and all Cincinnati's training camp T-shirts bore that message. Fight back. "If you look at our guys, they all had different issues," Lewis said. "Fight back meant something different to every one of them. And collectively, we had to fight back as a football team to get back to the top of the division." Some were fighting back from major injuries. Quarterback Carson Palmer missed 12 games last season with an elbow injury. Linebacker Keith Rivers (jaw) and ..."

Steelers' Tomlin's calls Bengals game 'big'

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November 11

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Mike Tomlin, a graduate of the College of William"

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