The Cincinnati Bengals have won 7 of their 9 games this season.  I wonder how many of us thought that they won have 4 wins against AFC North rivals Baltimore and Pittsburgh.

That became a reality when the Bengals beat the Steelers 18-12 on Sunday at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.

In a game of dominating defense and special teams play, Cincinnati stood tall.  Both teams scored 4 field goals each.  The difference was a 96-yard kickoff return touchdown by the Bengals’ Bernard Scott. 

The game was extremely competitive in the areas of net yards (Cin: 218; Pitt: 226), first downs (Cin: 14; Pitt: 16) and time of possession (Cin: 29:08; Pitt: 30:52).  But in past years, this is precisely the type of game that the Steelers would find a way to win.  Not today.

Steelers’ QB Ben Roethlisberger:

Palmer didn't turn the ball over against the Steelers.

Come on Ben.  You could have at least given some credit to the Bengals.  Cincy’s beaten their foes for the second time this season, and their seven wins indicate that they are not the same team that went 4-11-1 last season.

Bengals’ WR Chad Ochocinco:

”This is a breath of fresh air to be at this point of the season and to be playing for a reason.”

With the Raiders, Browns, Lions and Chiefs remaining on their schedule, the Bengals look like they are in good position to make only their second playoff appearance since 1990.  The Steelers still have two critical showdowns against Baltimore which will ultimately determine their standing in the AFC North.

”In the past, we would lose games like this,” Bengals’ center Kyle Cook said.

As far as Cincinnati is concerned, there’s nothing more refreshing than a break from the past.

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