Bengals take 7-0 lead on Andy Dalton keeper

The Cincinnati Bengals had a mission. It was simple. Don't do what they did last week against the Indianapolis Colts.

More specifically, pick up a first down as soon as possible and convert a third down opportunity. They did just that. Following consecutive runs by Giovani Bernard, Andy Dalton kept the football on third and one, leaning forward for a five-yard gain and a first down.

Cincinnati hurried to the line of scrimmage where Dalton nearly overthrew Mohamed Sanu. Instead the receiver took flight and extended his right hand to deflect the football down. After a momentary juggle, Sanu secured the football to completed the 48-yard reception. Cincinnati settled inside the redzone at Baltimore's 18-yard line.

Following a quarterback sack (by Terrell Suggs, who beat Andre Smith) and limited two-yard gain by Bernard, the Bengals converted a third and 14 on another high-throw. This time Greg Little hauled in the 21-yard reception at the Bengals one-yard line.

Two plays later, with 10:08 remaining in the first quarter, Dalton secured the football and leaned forward for the sneak. Domata Peko, practically, buried his shoulder into Dalton's back to ensure the whole immovable object debate is voided.

Bengals take a 7-0 lead on their opening possession of the game.