Bengals Bytes (10/24): Full plate

TDBH: Bengals bounce back from loss in Pittsburgh to win in Houston, move into first
After getting thumped by the Steelers last week in Pittsburgh, 23-6, the Bengals set the tone right away during the kickoff in the Astrodome on rookie linebacker Reggie Williams’ ferocious hit against a retreating Billy “White Shoes,” Johnson during a 27-7 man-handling of the Oilers that puts the 5-2 Bengals into first place in the AFC Central. “You said we had no pride,” says cornerback Ken Riley, who has one of three interceptions of beleaguered Oilers quarterback Dan Pastorini.

Lewis finds plenty on his plate
Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis is used to generations of running backs who from time to time weren’t happy with their number of carries. After all, his first one was the franchise’s all-time leading rusher in Corey Dillon. Then there was Rudi Johnson, who served two years as his understudy before replacing Dillon and broke his season rushing mark. Then came Cedric Benson, a former top five pick who revived his career in Cincinnati.

Marvin Lewis news conference transcript
The game yesterday, a division (game), we know how important it is. It was disappointing. No. 1, how we began the game defensively, we weren’t as sharp as we needed to be. We didn’t execute, we didn’t tackle. We put ourselves behind, which is what you don’t want to do in that football game on the road. We were able to go down and answer (the Steelers’ first TD) with the offense on the second time (we) had the football, which was good.

Why Bengals RB Joe Mixon didn't have second-half carry vs. Steelers
Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Bill Lazor said he understood why rookie Joe Mixon was frustrated about his lack of carries in the second half of their loss to the Steelers on Sunday. The Bengals only had 19 yards of offense in the second half, and two drives ended in turnovers. Lazor broke down why Mixon didn't have a second-half carry and why the Bengals stopped running the ball in the 29-14 loss

Cincinnati Bengals LB Vontaze Burfict will not be suspended
Cincinnati Bengals linebacker won't face a suspension for kicking Steelers fullback Roosevelt Nix, a league spokesman told ESPN. Burfict could still be fined for the hit, which is currently being reviewed by the league. On the second play of the game, Nix blocked Burfict into a pile of players and appeared to push him off the pile. Burfict, on his back, kicked at Nix with both feet then pointed in his direction with an official standing nearby. No flag was thrown.

Lewis: Bengals Running back Joe Mixon needs to 'show a little maturity'
Joe Mixon may have been in his first Bengals-Steelers game, but didn’t need a degree in AFC North history to understand why the latest sequel of the Cincinnati horror movie unfolded as it did at Heinz Field.

Cincinnati Bengals franchise lacks direction and leadership
Instead of having an overflowing plate of great things to say about the Bengals, on a Monday after Steelers Week, there’s nothing. With all the fanfare and excitement leading up to the “big” game, the first day of the new week should be all about the way Cincinnati handled Pittsburgh and made the trip to Heinz Field exciting. Instead, Bengals fans have been handed the same disappointment wrapped in another year. This franchise has hit a wall. To paraphrase the Joker, “This franchise needs an enema.”

Bengals and NFL fans sour on Jeremy Hill
Jeremy Hill isn’t much of a fan favorite. After rushing for seven yards on four carries in the Bengals’ 29-14 loss to Pittsburgh Sunday, people are beginning to question why Hill touches the ball at all.

AFC North Bytes

DeShone Kizer on Bar Video Distraction: 'That Is Not Who I Am'
After admitting to being out late Friday night into Saturday morning prior to the Cleveland Browns' 12-9 overtime defeat to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, DeShone Kizer addressed the story in more depth Monday. "When you become the centerpiece of a distraction for a week, it definitely is very frustrating on my part," Kizer said, per ESPN.com's Pat McManamon. "That is not who I am. My mother wouldn't be proud of this. ... The biggest takeaway is do whatever you can to make sure that you are not a distraction."

Steelers WR Martavis Bryant Called In Sick For Required Meetings Monday
A Steelers’ teammate tells Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that WR Martavis Bryant did not show up for required team meetings on Monday. One of Bryant’s teammates said the receiver “called in sick.” Even with the recent trade request and other behavior, Bouchette reports that the Steelers are not expected to discipline Bryant and have no plans to trade him before the deadline.

Random Bytes

Vikings' Andrew Sendejo Suspended 1 Game for Hit to Mike Wallace's Head
Minnesota Vikings safety Andrew Sendejo has been suspended for one game due to his hit on Baltimore Ravens receiver Mike Wallace Sunday. NFL VP of Football Communications Michael Signora announced the news in a release, noting the hit was a violation of safety-related playing rules.

NFL Power Rankings: Where Does Every Team Stand Heading into Week 8?
Division rivalry games in the NFL are special. When I was playing, these games always had an important feel, regardless of records or the standings. One reason is that division games are personal, especially the second ones of the season. You remember the last time you played a divisional opponent, and you want to take it to that guy who got the better of you the last time.

Carson Wentz's Stellar Sophomore Campaign Could End with MVP Honors
It's healthy to keep your giddiness in check while watching an impressive performance in a Week 7 NFL game, knowing the tectonic shifts that can take place throughout a season and the pitfalls possibly lying ahead. It's healthier still to keep MVP chatter to a whisper with over half a season left to play. But Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz is making those hushed claims impossible.