The Bengals got off to a flying start in the first quarter after some Cincy Jungle residents questioned the decision to take the ball first. The Bears' defense was reeling in the first quarter, and the offense was settling for minimal yards per play. Carson Palmer looked great throwing on the run as the Bears' D faced injury and match up issues all over the field. Cedric Benson, of course, ran like a bull. He gashed the Bears D left and right for a ridiculous first quarter average of 8.8 yards per carry on 8 touches. What a first quarter. Bengals possess the ball for 2 4:00 TD drives and the Bears run around for 3.5 yards a play. 157 yards, meanwhile, in the first quarter for the Bengals compared to 22 for the Bears.
Enter second quarter: Bears go 3 and out on their first possession. Could Cincinnati put this one away early? Big pass to Coles down the sideline. Carson throws another beautiful ball to Chad, rolling right, and Chad beats Lance Briggs to the 16. Gift football to cheerleader. 12 more to Ocho on a bullet up the middle as Chad beats Tillman. 2nd and goal - play action to Benson with 2 FB back there, Foschi breaks free in the endzone and... catches the football? He can't fumble in the endzone on a reception (thank god), TD Bengals! 21-0. A 7 play, 63 yard 3-minute or so drive. I'm confusing the Bengals with the Bearcats and the Bears with Louisville. Heart rate normalized.
The Bears even began to threaten in the 2nd quarter until Devin Hester fumbled and destroyed some momentum. It was a great strip. Carson and Cedric and Chad keep moving the ball on the ensuing drive - big third down conversion to Chad Johnson. Cedric Benson takes another big carry inside the 15. On the following 3rd and 7, a succesful WR screen to Coles results in a 28-0 lead. Man, talk about execution and great blocking from Foschi and Caldwell on the perimeter.
By the way, no botched PAT this week. No awful TE play.
Leon Hall makes the interception at some point in there, but it only leads to 3. I don't really know what else to say, but the Bengals thouroughly dominated the first half until "Prevent" was called until the Bears kicked a field goal as time expired. Let's hope they don't take their foot off the gas in the second half.
Passing Stats:
| Player | YPA | Yards | TD/Int |
| Jay Cutler | 7.2 | 136 | 0/1 |
| Carson Palmer | 10.8 | 183 | 4/0 |
Some other stuff:
Benson - 20 rushes (1 away from magic 21), 98 yards, long of 23.
Ocho - 8 receptions, 103 yards and a touchdown.
Tight Ends - 1 touchdown, 1 catch, 0 drops, 0 turnovers.