Bengals Bytes (11/23): The Browns and Bengals own two of longest streaks in NFL

Bengals Beat Podcast: Offensive stock, playoff hopes
Enquirer Bengals beat writers Paul Dehner Jr. and Jim Owczarski take a deeper look at the Bengals offense coming off a win in Denver, plus, the fact somebody has to win the sixth seed in the AFC and breakout game of Vontaze Burfict. Hear from Burfict and offensive coordinator Bill Lazor.

Cincinnati Bengals DB Darqueze Dennard proving patience pays off
In some ways, every day has Groundhog Day for Darqueze Dennard. From the moment he was drafted No. 24 overall on May 8, 2014, he’s been waiting his turn while burning for the opportunity. First it was Terence Newman. Then it was Leon Hall. Then it was Adam Jones. Then it was Dre Kirkpatrick. Then there were the frustratingly consistent preseason injuries that helped push him further down the depth chart.

Bengals' offense having hard time staying on field
Stringing two first downs together in a drive has never been more of a challenge for the Bengals, who head into the final stretch of the season trying to stay in contention despite an offense that ranks among the worst in franchise history. They're having a really hard time simply staying on the field.

Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns own NFL's longest streaks
Two of the longest active streaks in the NFL will collide Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium when the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns meet for the 89th renewal of the Battle of Ohio. The Bengals defense has not allowed an opponent to score 30 or more points in 20 consecutive games. The next longest active streak belongs to Philadelphia, which has not allowed 30 or more points in 14 games.

Hobson's Choice: down the stretch
They’re on pace to barely get 1,000 yards rushing and they’ve had only one season they didn’t get 1,000. And that was the nine- game season of 1982 shortened by a strike.

I guess it’s a variety of elements. The revamped offensive line didn’t come together as quickly as they hoped. Plus, changing offensive coordinators two games and four days into the season, as well as the tackle rotation, probably didn’t help because a running game is built so much on repetition and familiarity. And, look, I think offensive coordinator Bill Lazor has done a yeoman finding points with no run game. The toughest job in this league is calling a play on second-and-long.

Lewis, Dalton News Conference Transcripts 11/22
When you watch the tape of the games since we played (Cleveland) last — in every single game, they’ve been ahead or winning, or been very close throughout (the game). That grabs the attention right away of the coaches and players. Defensively last time, (Browns DL) Danny Shelton and (Browns DL) Myles Garrett (didn’t play). They’re getting a couple of their players back, like Coleman (Browns WR Corey Coleman), and other guys that didn’t play in our first meeting (in Cleveland). They’re a much better football team than when we played. They have our attention. We have to play really well and have a good week of practice and preparation. We have to understand our plan, how it applies to them, and then be able to adjust — as we know we’re going to have to do come Sunday — with things they present on offense, defense, and special teams.

Bengals Honor Veterans and Military Members with "Salute to Service"
The Bengals will honor veterans and military members during the team’s annual “Salute to Service” game this Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. The Bengals will host 1000 military members and their families as part of an ongoing partnership with Armed Forces Tickets Association (AFTA). Military members will be introduced alongside players as they take the field during pregame introductions. They will remain on the field with the players during the national anthem.

Quick hits: Teams look to rebound; Bullock on notice; Adam, Jax return on corner; Tupou back to PS
Cornerback KeiVarae Russel earned that special teams ball he received for last Sunday’s blocked 61-yard field goal at the end of the half. He watched all of Denver’s field-goal attempts this season and, as special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons observed, “He studied his tail off all week and it paid off.” Simmons can only hope that rubs off on his beleaguered units. He has kept his job for 15 seasons because he’s one of the best at what he does. But he knows this has been a very un-Simmons-like year. Sure, there have been misses here and blocks there and all of a sudden fake punts.

Marvin Lewis: We're committed to Randy Bullock 'this week'
Coach Marvin Lewis probably regrets not moving on from longtime kicker Mike Nugent quickly enough last season after Nugent struggled through 13 games, missing six field goals and six extra points. Nugent's misses contributed to several of the Cincinnati Bengals' losses last season, and his replacement, Randy Bullock, missed a game-winning field goal.

Bengals need to dump Andy Dalton and sign Kaepernick
Why do I still root for the Cincinnati Bengals? Why do I expose myself to the annual agony? I don’t always expect my teams to win or compete for a playoff spot. Down years happen. Rebuilding becomes necessary. That this Bengals season will extend the franchise’s playoff victory drought isn’t my central grievance. What most distresses me about my Bengals fandom occupies the quarterback position: Andy Dalton. I no longer can do the Dalton thing, despite his three touchdown passes against the pitiful Denver Broncos on Sunday. Trade him during the offseason, Bengals management, and sign Colin Kaepernick — this is the best way to quickly reboot the franchise.

AFC North Bytes

Breshad Perriman on benching: I don’t agree with it, but I understand it
Ravens coach John Harbaugh didn’t want receiver Breshad Perriman to be OK with his benching, and it turns out he isn’t. Perriman said today that he disagrees with the decision to make him inactive on Sunday, but he also understands that Harbaugh and his sstaff do what they think is best for the team.

Brown named AFC Player of the Week
He made a touchdown catch that will be talked about all season, but Antonio Browndid a whole lot more last Thursday when the Steelers defeated the Tennessee Titans, 40-17, at Heinz Field. And that is exactly why he was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in Week 11 of the NFL season.

Josh Gordon to Practice with Browns for 1st Time Since NFL Reinstatement
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon will reportedly practice with the team Wednesday for the first time since being reinstated from suspension by the NFL. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network passed along the status update. Gordon, who hasn't played a regular-season game since the 2014 season, is eligible to practice this week and can be activated from the commissioner's exempt list starting Nov. 27. On Monday, Browns head coach Hue Jackson talked about the excitement of getting the wideout back on the field.

Random Bytes

Fletcher Cox Sued for Allegedly Having Sex with Man's Wife, Ruining Marriage
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox is being sued by Joshua Jeffords, who has accused Cox of having an affair with his wife and ruining his marriage, according to TMZ Sports. Jeffords said that Cox had the affair with Jeffords' wife in April and "continued the relationship via text messages" which Jeffords has obtained and says are proof Cox is "liable for 'alienation of affection.'"

Tyrod Taylor Named Bills Starting QB over Nathan Peterman in Week 12 vs. Chiefs
A rough outing from Nathan Peterman was enough for the Buffalo Bills to turn back to Tyrod Taylor as their starting quarterback. Head coach Sean McDermott named Taylor the team's starter for Sunday's Week 12 game against the Kansas City Chiefs during a press conference Wednesday.

Darrelle Revis, Chiefs Agree to Contract After Missing 1st 11 Weeks of 2017
Cornerback Darrelle Revis has found a new team, agreeing to a deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. The team confirmed the move Wednesday