2007 Cincinnati Bengals season
Encyclopedia
The 2007
Cincinnati Bengals
season was the 38th season for the team in the National Football League
and their 40th overall season. The team attempted to improve upon their 8–8 record in 2006
and were looking to return to the playoffs after narrowly missing them. They failed to do so, finising with a 7–9 record.
would be entering his fifth year with the Bengals. He was joined with offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski
and defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan
.
2007 NFL Draft
Odell Thurman
, another NFL player currently under contract with the Bengals has had legal troubles and still appears to be in trouble with the Bengals as well. Generally speaking, head coach Marvin Lewis has repeatedly avoided or refused to speak about his status with the team after Thurman was suspended for the all of 2006. When he applied for reinstatement in July 2007 he was denied and was further suspended the entire 2007–08 season. The exact reason for the extension was not specified by the league but many suspect it had to do with a drunk-driving incident earlier that same month. His suspension prompted Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge John Burlew to call the NFL officials "Hypocrites" for promoting alcohol sales and consumption during games but punishing players for drinking.
Levi Jones was involved in an altercation with linebacker Joey Porter
of the Miami Dolphins
. Allegedly Porter and some others ambushed Levi, physically assaulted and robbed him. Porter was charged with a misdemeanor for assault. Jones characterized the incident as a "cowardly assault".
AJ Nicholson was arrested for the second time in as many years but for domestic violence. His wife dropped the charges but due to statutory state laws the state continued to press charges. On the day his arrest was announced he was released a few hours later by the Bengals.
Odell Thurman, who was suspended for all of the previous season but still contractually bound to the Bengals, was reportedly involved in an assault at his home but the hearing was cancelled as no charges were leveled before the hearing date.
Kenny Irons, the 2nd round draft pick, experienced a serious knee injuring during the preseason putting him on Injured Reserve for his rookie year.
Chris Perry experienced another injury which threatens to keep him out the entire season. In August he was placed on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list meaning he will be out a minimum of 6 games.
Henderson fractured his wrist during the preseason and was put on Injured Reserve.
in which neither Carson Palmer
nor Peyton Manning
came prepared to play.
The preseason started off with a loss to the Detroit Lions at their dome. The big focus was the limited showdown and relationship between Palmer and his former mentor Jon Kitna. The Bengals' starting team did not score a touchdown in their possessions, walking away with 2 Shayne Graham field goals and a huge time of possession advantage before they were benched. The Lions' starters did not score a TD during their possessions during that same time. In this game the second-round draft pick, Kenny Irons, experienced his season-ending injury. Detroit went on to win the game.
The second game was against the New Orleans Saints. Again, the starting Bengals offense failed to score a TD and settled for several Shane Graham field goals. LB Henderson suffered a season-ending wrist injury late in the game.
The third game was at the home of the Atlanta Falcons on a Monday night. The starting Bengals played until the 3rd quarter and scored two touchdowns to end their drought. Shayne Graham was injured on a kickoff during an attempted tackle and did not return to kick any PATs or kickoffs, which meant the Bengals made a conversion attempt on 4th down and attempted a 2 point try. Atlanta's starting team, led by Joey Harrington since Vick's legal troubles will keep him from the team, also managed two touchdowns. The Bengals went on to lose the game.
Their fourth and final game, also their only preseason win, took place on the 31st of August. Neither starting quarterback came prepared to play; though Palmer at least wore his uniform, while Manning dressed up in a Colts polo. Cincinnati scored 14 points in the 3rd quarter, with no score coming from the orange jerseys before or after that quarter. Indianapolis scored 6 in the 4th quarter, falling 8 points short of victory.
games for the first time ever. They will appear in nationally televised games up to four times this season (the fourth game, versus the Steelers, is set as a "flexible time" and depending on the predicted interest in the game may be moved to showcase other late-season playoff race games).
, with last year's top defense. In the first quarter, Cincinnati managed to cash in on a Raven fumble with QB Carson Palmer
completing a 39-yard TD pass to WR Chad Johnson (whose TD celebration was on the sideline, in the form of a Hall of Fame jacket.) Later, the Bengals managed to turn another fumble recovery into points as kicker Shayne Graham
kicked a 23-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Baltimore finally managed to score with RB Musa Smith
getting a 6-yard TD run. Cincinnati would respond with Graham kicking a 40-yard field goal, while Ravens kicker Matt Stover
ended the half with a 36-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Bengals defense struck big, as OLB Landon Johnson
recovered a McNair fumble and returned the ball 34 yards for a touchdown, along with the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Baltimore took the lead with Stover getting a 23-yard field goal, while Safety Ed Reed
returned a punt 63 yards for a touchdown. Fortunately, Cincinnati regained the lead by turning an interception into a huge score as Palmer completed a 7-yard TD pass to WR T. J. Houshmandzadeh
(followed by a successful 2-point conversion by RB Rudi Johnson
). After the Ravens managed to recover a Bengal fumble on Cincinnati's next drive, Balitimore had one final chance. Eventually, the Bengals held their ground and won.
The Bengals defense had a total of 6 takeaways while the offense only turned over the ball twice. The game was relatively close in score with the final chance to tie up the game coming with a bit more than one minute left on the game clock. The defense held Baltimore out successfully scoring the tying touchdown after they had "goal to go" for 8 consecutive plays (after penalties extended their opportunities). Two Bengals linemen, Willie Anderson and Levi Jones, did not play most of this game due to injuries.
With the win, Cincinnati began its season at 1–0.
to Chad Johnson (kick failed) (CIN 6–0)
Q1 – CIN – 4:07 – Shayne Graham
23 yard FG (CIN 9–0)
Q2 – BAL – 11:56 – Musa Smith
6 yard TD run (Matt Stover
kick) (CIN 9–7)
Q2 – CIN – 1:07 – Shayne Graham 40 yard FG (CIN 12–7)
Q2 – BAL – 0:06 – Matt Stover 36 yard FG (CIN 12–10)
Q3 – CIN – 8:57 – Landon Johnson
34 yard fumble return TD (Graham kick) (CIN 19–10)
Q4 – BAL – 14:05 – Matt Stover 23 yard FG (CIN 19–13)
Q4 – BAL – 12:25 – Ed Reed
63 yard punt return TD (Stover kick) (BAL 20–19)
Q4 – CIN – 8:53 – 7 yard TD pass from Carson Palmer to T. J. Houshmandzadeh
(Rudi Johnson
2 point conversion run) (CIN 27–20)
, the defense looked the exact opposite as they did in week one. Browns quarterback Derek Anderson
started and threw for 328 yards and five touchdowns. It was only the third time in NFL history that two quarterbacks had thrown at least five touchdown passes in the same game. Jamal Lewis
had 215 yards rushing with one touchdown and the Browns had two receivers with over 100 yards, Braylon Edwards
and Kellen Winslow
. The Bengals offense tried their best to keep the team in the game, however, as Carson Palmer
threw for 6 TD's and Chad Johnson caught for 209 yards.
The game started out slowly in the first quarter but the second quarter saw a combined 35 points scored. It was close in the end, when the Bengals started a drive with under one minute left. They managed to get the ball to the 50 yard line when Carson Palmer was intercepted by Leigh Bodden
on an intended pass for Chad Johnson. This game ended up being the eighth highest scoring game in NFL history, but not the highest scoring game between these two teams. In 2004, the Bengals beat the Browns 58–48 for the second-most combined points. The Redskins (72) and Giants (41) combined for 113 points in 1966 for the most.
to Rudi Johnson
(Shayne Graham
kick) (CIN 7–0)
Q1 – CLE – 5:02 – Phil Dawson
39 yard FG (CIN 7–3)
Q1 – CLE – 0:09 – Phil Dawson 39 yard FG (CIN 7–6)
Q2 – CLE – 11:02 – 17 yard TD pass from Derek Anderson
to Joe Jurevicius
(Dawson kick) (CLE 13–7)
Q2 – CIN – 7:40 – 23 yard TD pass from Carson Palmer to T. J. Houshmandzadeh
(Graham kick) (CIN 14–13)
Q2 – CLE – 6:37 – 9 yard TD pass from Derek Anderson to Joe Jurevicius (Dawson kick) (CLE 20–14)
Q2 – CIN – 3:12 – 22 yard TD pass from Carson Palmer to Chad Johnson (Graham kick) (CIN 21–20)
Q2 – CLE – 1:11 – 25 yard TD pass from Derek Anderson to Kellen Winslow
(Dawson kick) (CLE 27–21)
Q3 – CIN – 12:13 – Shayne Graham 20 yard FG (CLE 27–24)
Q3 – CLE – 8:24 – 34 yard TD pass from Derek Anderson to Braylon Edwards
(Dawson kick) (CLE 34–24)
Q3 – CIN – 6:18 – 14 yard TD pass from Carson Palmer to Chad Johnson (Graham kick) (CLE 34–31)
Q3 – CLE – 6:04 – Jamal Lewis
66 yard TD run (Dawson kick) (CLE 41–31)
Q3 – CIN – 0:53 – 5 yard TD pass from Carson Palmer to T. J. Houshmandzadeh (Graham kick) (CLE 41–38)
Q4 – CLE – 10:07 – 37 yard TD pass from Derek Anderson to Braylon Edwards (Dawson kick) (CLE 48–38)
Q4 – CLE – 5:47 – Phil Dawson 18 yard FG (CLE 51–38)
Q4 – CIN – 3:45 – 7 yard TD pass from Carson Palmer to Glenn Holt
(Graham kick) (CLE 51–45)
for an interconference fight with the Seattle Seahawks
. The Seahawks won the toss, opted to receive the ball, and then proceeded to return the opening kickoff deep into Cincinnati territory. Seahawk QB Matt Hasselbeck
completed a 18-yard TD pass to WR Bobby Engram
on that drive. Cincinnati responded with QB Carson Palmer
completing a 35-yard TD pass to WR T. J. Houshmandzadeh
. In the second quarter, the Bengals took the lead with kicker Shayne Graham
getting a 43-yard field goal. However, Seattle took the lead with Hasselbeck completing a 42-yard TD to WR Deion Branch
.
In the third quarter, Cincinnati would strike back with LB Lemar Marshall
sacked Hasselbeck in his own end zone for a safety, along with the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the Bengals would take the lead with Graham getting a 24-yard field goal. The Seahawks would respond with kicker Josh Brown getting a 23-yard field goal, while Cincinnati retook the lead with RB Kenny Watson
getting a 8-yard TD run (with a failed 2-point conversion). However, Seattle took the lead with Hasselbeck completing a 22-yard TD pass to WR Nate Burleson
. The Bengals' special teams unit tried to get Palmer and his offense decent field position, but WR Glenn Holt
fumbled the return at their own 29-yard line, allowing the Seahawks to recover the ball for the win.
Watson came into the game because Rudi Johnson was injured. Leon Hall got his first NFL interception. Houshmandzadeh and Chad Johnson both gained more than 125 yards each receiving. Levi Jones saw his most extensive playing time so far in the season after an injury to Stacey Andrews forced the offensive line to be reshuffled. T
With the loss, Cincinnati fell to 1–2.
. In the first quarter, Cincinnati trailed early as Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski
got a 31-yard field goal, while QB Tom Brady
completed a 1-yard TD pass to LB Mike Vrabel
. In the second quarter, the Bengals managed to get on the board with QB Carson Palmer
completing a 1-yard TD pass to WR T. J. Houshmandzadeh
. However, New England would respond with Brady completing a 7-yard TD pass to WR Randy Moss
. Near the end of the 2nd quarter, the Bengals had a chance to get closer to the Pats, but a miscommunication between Palmer and Chad Johnson resulted in a New England interception. Palmer and Johnson argued on the sidelines and all the way back to the locker room.
In the third quarter, Cincinnati continued to struggle as Patriots RB Sammy Morris
getting a 7-yard TD run. The Bengals' only response would be kicker Shayne Graham
nailing a 40-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, New England increased its lead with Gostkowski kicking a 36-yard field goal. Cincinnati's final response was Graham kicking a 48-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Patriots sealed the win with Brady and Moss hooking up with each other again on a 14-yard TD pass.
With their third-straight loss, the Bengals entered their bye week at 1–3. It also marked Cincinnati's 5th loss to New England in the last 6 meetings. After the game, Marvin Lewis was heard yelling at his players for their 1–3 record. He called a team meeting a few days later and said that "anyone who doesn't want to play shouldn't show up".
for a Week 6 duel with the Kansas City Chiefs
. In the first quarter, Cincinnati trailed early as Chiefs kicker Dave Rayner
kicked a 32-yard field goal. The Bengals would respond with QB Carson Palmer
completing a 42-yard TD pass to WR T. J. Houshmandzadeh
. However, Kansas City would respond with QB Damon Huard
completing a 3-yard TD pass to TE Tony Gonzalez. In the second quarter, Cincinnati continued to struggle as Chiefs RB Larry Johnson got an 8-yard TD run, along with Rayner ending the half with a 20-yard field goal.
After a scoreless third quarter, the Bengals would try to make a comeback in the fourth quarter as kicker Shayne Graham
got a 33-yard field goal. After Kansas City increased its lead with Huard and Gonzalez hooking up with each other again on a 26-yard TD pass, Cincinnati got within striking distance as Palmer and Houshmandzadeh hooked up with each other again on a 30-yard TD pass, along with Graham's 36-yard field goal. Unfortunately, the Chiefs would hold on to get the win.
With their fourth-straight loss, the Bengals fell to 1–4. It also marked the first time in the Marvin Lewis era that Cincinnati had lost four-straight games.
for the first time in a decade. In the first quarter, Cincinnati trailed early as Jets QB Chad Pennington
completed a 57-yard TD pass to WR Laveranues Coles
. Fortunately, the Bengals would respond with kicker Shayne Graham
getting a 20-yard field goal. In the second quarter, New York increased its lead with kicker Mike Nugent
getting a 24-yard and a 35-yard field goal. Cincinnati would respond with RB Kenny Watson
getting a 3-yard TD run. The Jets would end the half with Pennington and Coles hooking up with each other again on a 36-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, New York added on to its lead with Nugent kicking a 43-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Bengals would respond with QB Carson Palmer
completing a 3-yard TD pass to WR T. J. Houshmandzadeh
. In the fourth quarter, Cincinnati's offense took over as Watson added a 1-yard and a 2-yard TD run on to his magnificent day. Afterwards, the Bengals defense sealed the win with CB Johnathan Joseph
returning an interception 42 yards for a touchdown. Afterwards, the Jets end the game with Pennington completing a 32-yard TD pass to WR Jerricho Cotchery
.
With their four-game skid snapped, Cincinnati kept its playoff hopes alive by improving to 2–4.
. In the first quarter, Cincinnati struck first with kicker Shayne Graham
getting a 31-yard field goal. However, the Steelers responded with QB Ben Roethlisberger
completing a 21-yard TD pass to WR Hines Ward
. In the second quarter, the Bengals struggled as Roethlisberger and Ward hooked up with each other again on a 6-yard TD pass. Cincinnati answered with Graham kicking a 20-yard field goal. Pittsburgh ended the first half with RB Willie Parker
getting a 1-yard TD run.
After a scoreless third quarter, the Bengals tried to come back as QB Carson Palmer
completed a 9-yard TD pass to WR T. J. Houshmandzadeh
in the fourth quarter. Pittsburgh sealed the win with kicker Jeff Reed nailing a 40-yard field goal.
With the loss, Cincinnati fell to 2–5.
for a Week 9 intraconference duel with the Buffalo Bills
. In the first quarter, Cincinnati trailed early as Bills QB J. P. Losman completed an 8-yard TD pass to WR Lee Evans
. Fortunately, the Bengals answered with QB Carson Palmer
completing a 15-yard TD pass to WR T. J. Houshmandzadeh
. In the second quarter, Buffalo retook the lead with kicker Rian Lindell
getting a 23-yard field goal. Immediately afterwards, Cincinnati would take the lead as WR/KR Glenn Holt
returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown. The Bills ended the half with Lindell getting a 21-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Buffalo regained the lead with Lindell kicking a 29-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Bengals went back into the lead with Palmer completing a 1-yard TD pass to FB Jeremi Johnson
. Unfortunately, Cincinnati's struggles continued with Lindell nailing a 38-yard field goal, along with RB Marshawn Lynch
completing an 8-yard TD pass to TE Robert Royal
& getting a 56-yard TD run.
With the loss, the Bengals fell to 2–6.
for an AFC North rematch with the Baltimore Ravens
. After a scoreless first quarter, Cincinnati drew first blood in the second quarter as kicker Shayne Graham
managed to get a 34-yard and a 19-yard field goal. Ravens quarterback Steve McNair continued to struggle, with an interception and several fumbles. In the third quarter, the Bengals increased its lead with Graham kicking a 22-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Cincinnati pulled away with Graham nailed two 35-yarders, a 21-yarder, and a 33-yard field goal. The Ravens managed to avoid a shutout loss with RB Willis McGahee
getting a 1-yard TD run.
With their season-sweep over Baltimore, the Bengals improved to 3–6.
Shayne Graham's 7 field goals would become a franchise-best.
. In the first quarter, Cincinnati struck first with QB Carson Palmer
completing a 19-yard TD pass to WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh
. The Cardinals would answer with CB Antrel Rolle
returning an interception 55 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, the Bengals regained the lead with kicker Shayne Graham
getting a 41-yard field goal. However, Arizona took the lead with QB Kurt Warner
completing a 44-yard TD pass to WR Anquan Boldin
. Cincinnati responded with Graham kicking a 38-yard field goal, but the Cardinals increased their lead with Warner completing a 5-yard TD pass to WR Larry Fitzgerald
.
In the third quarter, the Bengals trailed as RB Edgerrin James
gave Arizona a 3-yard TD run. Cincinnati tried to rally as Palmer completed a 37-yard TD pass to WR Chris Henry, while RB DeDe Dorsey
returned a blocked punt 19 yards for a touchdown. The Cardinals sealed the win with Rolle returning an interception 54 yards for a touchdown.
With the loss, the Bengals fell to 3–7.
. In the first quarter, Cincinnati pounced first with RB Rudi Johnson
getting a 5-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Titans answered with kicker Rob Bironas
getting a 28-yard field goal. Fortunately, the Bengals responded with QB Carson Palmer
completing a 10-yard TD pass to WR Chad Johnson. Tennessee would end the half with Bironas nailing a 23-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Cincinnati began to pull away as RB Kenny Watson
managed to get a 6-yard TD run, while Palmer hooked up with Chad Johnson on a 2-yard TD pass. In the fourth quarter, the Bengals sealed the victory with Palmer hooking up with Chad for the third time on a 3-yard TD pass.
With the win, Cincinnati improved to 4–7.
Chad Johnson (12 receptions for 103 yards and 3 touchdowns) ended the game as the Bengals' All-Time receptions leader with 531. Also, this marked the third time in his career that he caught 3 touchdown passes in one game.
for a Week 13 AFC North rematch with the Pittsburgh Steelers
. In the first quarter, Cincinnati took the early lead as RB Rudi Johnson
got a 1-yard TD run for the only score of the period. However, in the second quarter, the Steelers took the lead as QB Ben Roethlisberger
got a 6-yard TD run, along with kicker Jeff Reed getting a 21-yard field goal. Pittsburgh would end the half as Roethlisberger completed a 2-yard TD pass to WR Hines Ward
. In the third quarter, the Bengals tried to get back into the game as kicker Shayne Graham
nailed a 24-yard TD pass, yet Pittsburgh replied with Roethlisberger and Ward hooking up with each other again on an 8-yard TD pass.
With the loss, Cincinnati fell to 4–8.
For QB Carson Palmer
, one week after completing a career-best 84.2% of his passes against Tennessee, he would end this game completing a career-worst 38.6% of his passes.
. In the first quarter, Cincinnati drew first blood as RB Rudi Johnson
got a 1-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Bengals increased their lead with Kicker Shayne Graham
getting a 27-yard field goal for the only score of the period.
In the third quarter, the Rams would get on the board as CB Fakhir Brown
returned an interception 36 yards for a touchdown. Afterwards, Cincinnati responded with Graham kicking a 38-yard and a 32-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, St. Louis tried to come back as kicker Jeff Wilkins
kicked a 50-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Bengals ended the game with Graham nailing a 46-yard field goal.
With the win, Cincinnati improved to 5–8.
for a Saturday night interconference duel with the San Francisco 49ers
. After a scoreless first quarter, Cincinnati trailed early in the second quarter as 49ers QB Shaun Hill
got a 3-yard TD run. Afterwards, the Bengals would take the lead as kicker Shayne Graham
managed to get a 24-yard field goal, while QB Carson Palmer
completed a 52-yard TD pass to WR Chris Henry. San Francisco would end the half with Hill completing a 17-yard TD pass to TE Vernon Davis
.
In the third quarter, the 49ers increased their lead with kicker Joe Nedney
getting a 29-yard and a 38-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Cincinnati tried to respond as Graham kicked a 35-yard field goal. However, the 49ers' defense held on for the win.
With the loss, the Bengals fell to 5–9, securing Head Coach Marvin Lewis
' first losing season with Cincinnati.
. After a scoreless first quarter, Cincinnati slashed away in the second quarter as kicker Shayne Graham
nailed a 29-yard field goal and QB Carson Palmer
completing a 5-yard TD pass to WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh
, along with RB Kenny Watson
getting a 1-yard TD run.
In the third quarter, the Browns began to fight back as QB Derek Anderson
completing a 2-yard TD pass to WR Braylon Edwards
for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Cleveland drew closer with Anderson and Edwards hooking up with each other again on a 5-yard TD pass. Afterwards, the Bengals would hold on for the win.
With the win, Cincinnati improved to 6–9.
in a Week 17 intraconference duel with the Miami Dolphins
. In the first quarter, Cincinnati trailed early as Dolphins kicker Jay Feely
kicked a 49-yard field goal. The Bengals would respond with QB Carson Palmer
completing a 2-yard TD pass to WR Chad Johnson. In the second quarter, Miami took the lead with QB Cleo Lemon
completing a 5-yard TD pass to WR Ted Ginn, Jr.
, yet Cincinnati replied with Palmer and C. Johnson hooking up with each other again on a 70-yard TD pass, including a 4-yard TD pass to WR Antonio Chatman
.
In the third quarter, the Bengals increased their lead with Safety Chinedum Ndukwe
returning a fumble 54 yards for a touchdown, along with the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the Dolphins tried to come back as QB John Beck got a 2-yard TD run, yet Cincinnati pulled away with RB Kenny Watson
getting a 2-yard TD run and kicker Shayne Graham
nailing a 30-yard field goal. Miami would end the game with Beck completing a 22-yard TD pass to WR Derek Hagan
.
With the win, the Bengals closed out their season at 7–9.
49 yard FG (MIA 3–0)
Q1 – CIN – 3:53 – 2 yard TD pass from Carson Palmer
to Chad Johnson (Shayne Graham
kick) (CIN 7–3)
Q2 – MIA – 7:03 – 5 yard TD pass from Cleo Lemon
to Ted Ginn (Jay Feely kick) (MIA 10–7)
Q2 – CIN – 6:27 – 70 yard TD pass from Carson Palmer to Chad Johnson (Shayne Graham kick) (CIN 14–10)
Q2 – CIN – 0:04 – 4 yard TD pass from Carson Palmer to Antonio Chatman
(Shayne Graham kick) (CIN 21–10)
Q3 – CIN – 13:12 – Chinedum Ndukwe
54 yard fumble return TD (Shayne Graham kick) (CIN 28–10)
Q4 – MIA – 12:21 – John Beck 2 yard TD run (Jay Feely kick) (CIN 28–17)
Q4 – CIN – 10:03 – Kenny Watson
2 yard TD run (Shayne Graham kick) (CIN 35–17)
Q4 – CIN – 2:16 – Shayne Graham 30 yard FG (CIN 38–17)
Q4 – MIA – 0:28 – 22 yard TD pass from John Beck to Derek Hagan
(2 point conversion pass from John Beck to Derek Hagan) (CIN 38–25)
2007 NFL season
The 2007 NFL season was the 88th regular season of the National Football League.Regular-season play was held from September 6 to December 30....
Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL...
season was the 38th season for the team in the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
and their 40th overall season. The team attempted to improve upon their 8–8 record in 2006
2006 Cincinnati Bengals season
The 2006 Cincinnati Bengals season began with the team trying to improve on their 11–5 record in 2005, defending their AFC North Division Championship title, and progress further through the playoffs than they made in the 2005 season having lost to Pittsburgh in the 1st round after losing star...
and were looking to return to the playoffs after narrowly missing them. They failed to do so, finising with a 7–9 record.
Coaching changes
Head coach Marvin LewisMarvin Lewis
Marvin Ronald Lewis is the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League, a position he has held since January 14, 2003...
would be entering his fifth year with the Bengals. He was joined with offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski
Bob Bratkowski
Robert "Bob" Bratkowski is the quarterbacks coach for the NFL's Atlanta Falcons. Bratkowski was formerly the Cincinnati Bengals Offensive CoordinatorFrom 1975-77, Bratkowski played wide receiver at Washington State...
and defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan
Chuck Bresnahan
Charles "Chuck" Bresnahan is an American football coach. He is the current defensive coordinator for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League....
.
Departures
- Safety Kevin KaesviharnKevin KaesviharnKevin Robert Kaesviharn is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Iowa Barnstormers as a street free agent in 1998...
signed with the New Orleans SaintsNew Orleans SaintsThe New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League ....
.
- GuardGuard (American football)In American and Canadian football, a guard is a player that lines up between the center and the tackles on the offensive line of a football team....
Eric SteinbachEric SteinbachEric Steinbach is an American football player who currently plays for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round in the 2003 NFL draft. He played college football for the University of Iowa.-High School years:Steinbach is a...
signed with the Cleveland BrownsCleveland BrownsThe Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
- LinebackerLinebackerA linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen...
Brian SimmonsBrian SimmonsBrian Eugene Simmons is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals 17th overall in the 1998 NFL Draft...
signed with the New Orleans SaintsNew Orleans SaintsThe New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League ....
.
- Tight endTight endThe tight end is a position in American football on the offense. The tight end is often seen as a hybrid position with the characteristics and roles of both an offensive lineman and a wide receiver. Like offensive linemen, they are usually lined up on the offensive line and are large enough to be...
Tony StewartTony Stewart (American football)Tony Alexander Stewart is an American football tight end, who is currently a free agent.Stewart was originally drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 5th round of the 2001 NFL Draft out of Penn State....
signed with the Oakland RaidersOakland RaidersThe Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
- Linebacker Marcus WilkinsMarcus WilkinsMarcus Wesley Wilkins is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was originally signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2002. He played college football at Texas....
signed with the Atlanta FalconsAtlanta FalconsThe Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
- Wide receiverWide receiverA wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible...
Kelly Washington signed with the New England PatriotsNew England PatriotsThe New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
.
- Defensive tackle Shaun Smith signed with the Cleveland BrownsCleveland BrownsThe Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
- CenterCenter (American football)Center is a position in American football and Canadian football . The center is the innermost lineman of the offensive line on a football team's offense...
Rich BrahamRich BrahamRich Braham is a former National Football League center who played for the Cincinnati Bengals.-High school career:Braham attended University High School in Morgantown, West Virginia, where he lettered in both football and basketball...
retired at the end of the 2006 after recovering from an early-season injury.
- Cornerback Tory JamesTory JamesTory James is a former American football cornerback in the National Football League.James attended Archbishop Shaw High School before going to college at Louisiana State University, and was originally drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft...
signed with the New England PatriotsNew England PatriotsThe New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
.
- Defensive tackle Sam Adams was released and signed with the Denver BroncosDenver BroncosThe Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
- Linebacker A.J. Nicholson was released.
Signings
- Defensive tackle Michael MyersMichael Myers (American football)Michael Myers is an American football defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He played college football at the University of Alabama.-High school years:...
from the Denver BroncosDenver BroncosThe Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
- Linebacker Edgerton HartwellEdgerton HartwellEdgerton "Ed" Hartwell, II is a former NFL linebacker. Currently signed with the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
from the Atlanta FalconsAtlanta FalconsThe Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
- Cornerback Blue AdamsBlue AdamsDanny L. "Blue" Adams is a professional American football cornerback free agent. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
from the Tampa Bay BuccaneersTampa Bay BuccaneersThe Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football franchise based in Tampa, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League – they are the only team in the division not to come from the old NFC West...
2007 NFL Draft2007 NFL DraftThe 2007 National Football League Draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 28 and April 29, 2007. The draft was televised for the 28th consecutive year on ESPN and ESPN2. The NFL Network also broadcast coverage of the event, its second year doing so...
| Round | Overall | Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 18 | Leon Hall Leon Hall Leon Lastarza Hall is an American football defensive back who plays for the Cincinnati Bengals. He played college football at the University of Michigan. Hall was drafted by the Bengals with the 18th pick in the 2007 NFL Draft... |
Cornerback Cornerback A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position... |
Michigan University of Michigan The University of Michigan is a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan in the United States. It is the state's oldest university and the flagship campus of the University of Michigan... |
| 2 | 49 | Kenny Irons Kenny Irons Kenny Irons is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft... |
Running back Running back A running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running... |
Auburn Auburn University Auburn University is a public university located in Auburn, Alabama, United States. With more than 25,000 students and 1,200 faculty members, it is one of the largest universities in the state. Auburn was chartered on February 7, 1856, as the East Alabama Male College, a private liberal arts... |
| 4 | 114 | Marvin White Marvin White Marvin L. White is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL Draft... |
Safety | TCU Texas Christian University Texas Christian University is a private, coeducational university located in Fort Worth, Texas, United States and founded in 1873. TCU is affiliated with, but not governed by, the Disciples of Christ... |
| 5 | 151 | Jeff Rowe Jeff Rowe Jeff Rowe is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft... |
Quarterback Quarterback Quarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line... |
Nevada University of Nevada, Reno The University of Nevada, Reno , is a teaching and research university established in 1874 and located in Reno, Nevada, USA... |
| 6 | 187 | Matt Toeaina Matt Toeaina Matt Toeaina is an American football defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He is from Pago Pago, American Samoa and played college football at Oregon.-Cincinnati Bengals:Toeaina was... |
Defensive tackle | Oregon University of Oregon -Colleges and schools:The University of Oregon is organized into eight schools and colleges—six professional schools and colleges, an Arts and Sciences College and an Honors College.- School of Architecture and Allied Arts :... |
| 7 | 230 | Dan Santucci Dan Santucci Dan Santucci is an American football center for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft... |
Guard Guard (American football) In American and Canadian football, a guard is a player that lines up between the center and the tackles on the offensive line of a football team.... |
Notre Dame University of Notre Dame The University of Notre Dame du Lac is a Catholic research university located in Notre Dame, an unincorporated community north of the city of South Bend, in St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States... |
| 7 | 253 | Chinedum Ndukwe Chinedum Ndukwe Chinedum "Nedu" Ndukwe is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft... |
Safety | Notre Dame University of Notre Dame The University of Notre Dame du Lac is a Catholic research university located in Notre Dame, an unincorporated community north of the city of South Bend, in St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States... |
| compensatory selection |
Suspensions
Chris Henry, after repeated off-field run-ins with the law, was suspended for 8 games (½ the regular season) after a private meeting with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.Odell Thurman
Odell Thurman
Odell Lamar Thurman is an American football linebacker for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia....
, another NFL player currently under contract with the Bengals has had legal troubles and still appears to be in trouble with the Bengals as well. Generally speaking, head coach Marvin Lewis has repeatedly avoided or refused to speak about his status with the team after Thurman was suspended for the all of 2006. When he applied for reinstatement in July 2007 he was denied and was further suspended the entire 2007–08 season. The exact reason for the extension was not specified by the league but many suspect it had to do with a drunk-driving incident earlier that same month. His suspension prompted Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge John Burlew to call the NFL officials "Hypocrites" for promoting alcohol sales and consumption during games but punishing players for drinking.
Off-field incidents
Chris Henry was arrested for driving without a license and a seatbelt, which led to the meeting with Goodell and his subsequent suspension for 8 games. In May, it was reported he failed a drug test as part of his parole agreement but shortly after the announcement was made it was recanted by the Kentucky police department.Levi Jones was involved in an altercation with linebacker Joey Porter
Joey Porter
Joseph "Joey" Eugene Porter is an American football linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at Colorado State.A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Porter earned a...
of the Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. Allegedly Porter and some others ambushed Levi, physically assaulted and robbed him. Porter was charged with a misdemeanor for assault. Jones characterized the incident as a "cowardly assault".
AJ Nicholson was arrested for the second time in as many years but for domestic violence. His wife dropped the charges but due to statutory state laws the state continued to press charges. On the day his arrest was announced he was released a few hours later by the Bengals.
Odell Thurman, who was suspended for all of the previous season but still contractually bound to the Bengals, was reportedly involved in an assault at his home but the hearing was cancelled as no charges were leveled before the hearing date.
Long term and/or important injuries
David Pollack, injured last season with a broken neck vertabrae will spend this season in rehab with the hopes to return in the 2008–09 season.Kenny Irons, the 2nd round draft pick, experienced a serious knee injuring during the preseason putting him on Injured Reserve for his rookie year.
Chris Perry experienced another injury which threatens to keep him out the entire season. In August he was placed on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list meaning he will be out a minimum of 6 games.
Henderson fractured his wrist during the preseason and was put on Injured Reserve.
Preseason games
In the previous preseason the Bengals went 4–0. The Bengals 2007 preseason run ended at 1–3, with its final victory the game against IndianapolisIndianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League ....
in which neither Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...
nor Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning
Peyton Williams Manning is an American football quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League . Manning holds the record for most NFL MVP awards with four. He was drafted by the Colts as the first overall pick in 1998 after a standout college football career with the...
came prepared to play.
The preseason started off with a loss to the Detroit Lions at their dome. The big focus was the limited showdown and relationship between Palmer and his former mentor Jon Kitna. The Bengals' starting team did not score a touchdown in their possessions, walking away with 2 Shayne Graham field goals and a huge time of possession advantage before they were benched. The Lions' starters did not score a TD during their possessions during that same time. In this game the second-round draft pick, Kenny Irons, experienced his season-ending injury. Detroit went on to win the game.
The second game was against the New Orleans Saints. Again, the starting Bengals offense failed to score a TD and settled for several Shane Graham field goals. LB Henderson suffered a season-ending wrist injury late in the game.
The third game was at the home of the Atlanta Falcons on a Monday night. The starting Bengals played until the 3rd quarter and scored two touchdowns to end their drought. Shayne Graham was injured on a kickoff during an attempted tackle and did not return to kick any PATs or kickoffs, which meant the Bengals made a conversion attempt on 4th down and attempted a 2 point try. Atlanta's starting team, led by Joey Harrington since Vick's legal troubles will keep him from the team, also managed two touchdowns. The Bengals went on to lose the game.
Their fourth and final game, also their only preseason win, took place on the 31st of August. Neither starting quarterback came prepared to play; though Palmer at least wore his uniform, while Manning dressed up in a Colts polo. Cincinnati scored 14 points in the 3rd quarter, with no score coming from the orange jerseys before or after that quarter. Indianapolis scored 6 in the 4th quarter, falling 8 points short of victory.
Preseason schedule
| Week | Date | Opponent | Time/Result | Game Site | TV | Final Score | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | August 9, 2007 | Detroit Lions Detroit Lions The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and... |
7:30 PM EDT | Ford Field Ford Field Ford Field is an indoor American football stadium located in Detroit, Michigan, USA, that is the current home field of the NFL's Detroit Lions. It is owned by the Detroit/Wayne County Stadium Authority. It regularly seats 65,000, though it is expandable up to 70,000 for football and 80,000 for... |
TBA | L 26–27 | 0–1 |
| 2 | August 18, 2007 | New Orleans Saints New Orleans Saints The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League .... |
7:30 PM EDT | Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium is an American sports stadium located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is the home venue of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. It opened on August 19, 2000. The stadium was named after Bengals' founder Paul Brown. The stadium is located on approximately of land and... |
TBA | L 19–27 | 0–2 |
| 3 | August 27, 2007 | Atlanta Falcons Atlanta Falcons The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
8 PM EDT | Georgia Dome Georgia Dome The Georgia Dome is a domed stadium located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, between downtown to the east and Vine City to the west. It is primarily the home stadium for the NFL Atlanta Falcons and the NCAA Division I FCS Georgia State Panthers football team. It is owned and operated by the... |
ESPN Monday Night Football Monday Night Football is a live broadcast of the National Football League on ESPN. From to it aired on ABC. Monday Night Football was, along with Hallmark Hall of Fame, and the Walt Disney anthology television series, one of the longest running prime time commercial network television series... |
L 19–24 | 0–3 |
| 4 | August 31, 2007 | Indianapolis Colts Indianapolis Colts The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League .... |
7:30 PM EDT | Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium is an American sports stadium located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is the home venue of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. It opened on August 19, 2000. The stadium was named after Bengals' founder Paul Brown. The stadium is located on approximately of land and... |
TBA | W 14–6 | 1–3 |
Regular season schedule
The 2007 Bengals' schedule includes two Monday Night FootballMonday Night Football
Monday Night Football is a live broadcast of the National Football League on ESPN. From to it aired on ABC. Monday Night Football was, along with Hallmark Hall of Fame, and the Walt Disney anthology television series, one of the longest running prime time commercial network television series...
games for the first time ever. They will appear in nationally televised games up to four times this season (the fourth game, versus the Steelers, is set as a "flexible time" and depending on the predicted interest in the game may be moved to showcase other late-season playoff race games).
| Week | Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | Game Site | TV | Final Score | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 10, 2007 | Baltimore Ravens Baltimore Ravens The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his... |
7:00 PM | Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium is an American sports stadium located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is the home venue of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. It opened on August 19, 2000. The stadium was named after Bengals' founder Paul Brown. The stadium is located on approximately of land and... |
ESPN Monday Night Football Monday Night Football is a live broadcast of the National Football League on ESPN. From to it aired on ABC. Monday Night Football was, along with Hallmark Hall of Fame, and the Walt Disney anthology television series, one of the longest running prime time commercial network television series... |
W 27–20 | 1–0 |
| 2 | September 16, 2007 | Cleveland Browns Cleveland Browns The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
1:00 PM | Cleveland Browns Stadium Cleveland Browns Stadium -See also:* List of current National Football League stadiums* Chronology of home stadiums for current National Football League teams* List of American football stadiums by capacity* List of U.S. stadiums by capacity* List of North American stadiums by capacity... |
CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
L 51–45 | 1–1 |
| 3 | September 23, 2007 | Seattle Seahawks Seattle Seahawks The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team... |
4:05 PM | Qwest Field Qwest Field CenturyLink Field is a multi-purpose stadium in Seattle, Washington, United States. It serves as the home field for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League and Seattle Sounders FC of Major League Soccer... |
CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
L 24–21 | 1–2 |
| 4 | October 1, 2007 | New England Patriots New England Patriots The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National... |
8:30 PM | Paul Brown Stadium | ESPN Monday Night Football Monday Night Football is a live broadcast of the National Football League on ESPN. From to it aired on ABC. Monday Night Football was, along with Hallmark Hall of Fame, and the Walt Disney anthology television series, one of the longest running prime time commercial network television series... |
L 34–13 | 1–3 |
| 5 | Bye | ||||||
| 6 | October 14, 2007 | Kansas City Chiefs Kansas City Chiefs The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a... |
1:00 PM | Arrowhead Stadium Arrowhead Stadium Arrowhead Stadium is a stadium located in Kansas City, Missouri and home to the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs.... |
CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
L 27–20 | 1–4 |
| 7 | October 21, 2007 | New York Jets New York Jets The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
4:05 PM | Paul Brown Stadium | CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
W 38–31 | 2–4 |
| 8 | October 28, 2007 | Pittsburgh Steelers Pittsburgh Steelers The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC... |
1:00 PM | Paul Brown Stadium | CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
L 24–13 | 2–5 |
| 9 | November 4, 2007 | Buffalo Bills Buffalo Bills The Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
1:00 PM | Ralph Wilson Stadium Ralph Wilson Stadium Ralph Wilson Stadium is a football stadium, located in the town of Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo, New York. It is the home for the Buffalo Bills, of the NFL... |
CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
L 33–21 | 2–6 |
| 10 | November 11, 2007 | Baltimore Ravens | 4:05 PM | M&T Bank Stadium M&T Bank Stadium M&T Bank Stadium is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Baltimore, Maryland. It is the home of the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. The stadium is immediately adjacent to Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the home of the Baltimore Orioles. Served by the Hamburg Street station of... |
CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
W 21–7 | 3–6 |
| 11 | November 18, 2007 | Arizona Cardinals Arizona Cardinals The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
1:00 PM | Paul Brown Stadium | Fox NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
L 35–27 | 3–7 |
| 12 | November 25, 2007 | Tennessee Titans Tennessee Titans The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter... |
1:00 PM | Paul Brown Stadium | CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
W 35–6 | 4–7 |
| 13 | December 2, 2007 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 8:15 PM | Heinz Field Heinz Field Heinz Field is a stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It primarily serves as the home to the Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh Panthers American football teams, members of the National Football League and National Collegiate Athletic Association respectively... |
NBC NBC Sunday Night Football NBC Sunday Night Football is a weekly television broadcast of Sunday evening National Football League games on NBC that began airing on Sunday, August 6, 2006 with the pre-season opening Hall of Fame Game. Al Michaels serves as the play-by-play announcer, with Cris Collinsworth as the color... |
L 24–10 | 4–8 |
| 14 | December 9, 2007 | St. Louis Rams St. Louis Rams The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,... |
1:00 PM | Paul Brown Stadium | Fox NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
W 19–10 | 5–8 |
| 15 | December 15, 2007 | San Francisco 49ers San Francisco 49ers The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and... |
8:15 PM | Monster Park Monster Park Candlestick Park is an outdoor sports and entertainment stadium located in San Francisco, California, in the Bayview Heights area. The stadium was originally built as the home of Major League Baseball's San Francisco Giants, who played there from 1960 until moving into Pacific Bell Park in 2000... |
NFLN NFL Network NFL Network is an American television specialty channel owned and operated by the National Football League . It was launched November 4, 2003, only eight months after the league's 32 team owners voted unanimously to approve its formation... |
L 20–13 | 5–9 |
| 16 | December 23, 2007 | Cleveland Browns | 1:00 PM | Paul Brown Stadium | CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
W 19–14 | 6–9 |
| 17 | December 30, 2007 | Miami Dolphins Miami Dolphins The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
1:00 PM | Dolphin Stadium Dolphin Stadium Sun Life Stadium is an American football stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, a suburb of Miami. It is the home stadium of the Miami Dolphins National Football League team, and the University of Miami Hurricanes football team. It also hosts the Orange Bowl, an annual college football bowl game. It... |
CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
W 38–25 | 7–9 |
Week 1: vs. Baltimore Ravens
Game summary
In their very first Monday Night home opener, the Bengals and their offensive firepower began their 40th Anniversary season in Game 1 of the Monday Night Football doubleheader against the defending AFC North champion Baltimore RavensBaltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
, with last year's top defense. In the first quarter, Cincinnati managed to cash in on a Raven fumble with QB Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...
completing a 39-yard TD pass to WR Chad Johnson (whose TD celebration was on the sideline, in the form of a Hall of Fame jacket.) Later, the Bengals managed to turn another fumble recovery into points as kicker Shayne Graham
Shayne Graham
Michael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
kicked a 23-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Baltimore finally managed to score with RB Musa Smith
Musa Smith
-Baltimore Ravens:Smith was drafted with the 13th pick of the third round in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played sparingly for much of 2003 and 2004. However, during a Week 11 game with the Dallas Cowboys in 2004, Smith suffered a compound fracture of his right tibia while being horse-collar tackled...
getting a 6-yard TD run. Cincinnati would respond with Graham kicking a 40-yard field goal, while Ravens kicker Matt Stover
Matt Stover
John Matthew "Matt" Stover is a former American Football placekicker. As of the start of the 2009 NFL season, he was the third most accurate kicker in the history of the National Football League. He is of Greek origin. He has played for the New York Giants, the Cleveland Browns, and the Baltimore...
ended the half with a 36-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Bengals defense struck big, as OLB Landon Johnson
Landon Johnson
Landon Tremone Johnson is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
recovered a McNair fumble and returned the ball 34 yards for a touchdown, along with the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Baltimore took the lead with Stover getting a 23-yard field goal, while Safety Ed Reed
Ed Reed
Edward Earl Reed Jr. is an American football free safety for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Ravens 24th overall in the 2002 NFL Draft...
returned a punt 63 yards for a touchdown. Fortunately, Cincinnati regained the lead by turning an interception into a huge score as Palmer completed a 7-yard TD pass to WR T. J. Houshmandzadeh
T. J. Houshmandzadeh
T. J. Houshmandzadeh, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who currently plays for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State. Houshmandzadeh is of mixed...
(followed by a successful 2-point conversion by RB Rudi Johnson
Rudi Johnson
Burudi Ali "Rudi" Johnson is a former American football running back who played professionally from 2001 - 2008. Rudi was born in Petersburg, Virginia approximately 30 miles south of Richmond. His first name "Burudi" is Swahili and means "cool'" and his middle name "Ali" represented his family's...
). After the Ravens managed to recover a Bengal fumble on Cincinnati's next drive, Balitimore had one final chance. Eventually, the Bengals held their ground and won.
The Bengals defense had a total of 6 takeaways while the offense only turned over the ball twice. The game was relatively close in score with the final chance to tie up the game coming with a bit more than one minute left on the game clock. The defense held Baltimore out successfully scoring the tying touchdown after they had "goal to go" for 8 consecutive plays (after penalties extended their opportunities). Two Bengals linemen, Willie Anderson and Levi Jones, did not play most of this game due to injuries.
With the win, Cincinnati began its season at 1–0.
Scoring summary
Q1 – CIN – 8:38 – 39 yard TD pass from Carson PalmerCarson Palmer
Carson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...
to Chad Johnson (kick failed) (CIN 6–0)
Q1 – CIN – 4:07 – Shayne Graham
Shayne Graham
Michael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
23 yard FG (CIN 9–0)
Q2 – BAL – 11:56 – Musa Smith
Musa Smith
-Baltimore Ravens:Smith was drafted with the 13th pick of the third round in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played sparingly for much of 2003 and 2004. However, during a Week 11 game with the Dallas Cowboys in 2004, Smith suffered a compound fracture of his right tibia while being horse-collar tackled...
6 yard TD run (Matt Stover
Matt Stover
John Matthew "Matt" Stover is a former American Football placekicker. As of the start of the 2009 NFL season, he was the third most accurate kicker in the history of the National Football League. He is of Greek origin. He has played for the New York Giants, the Cleveland Browns, and the Baltimore...
kick) (CIN 9–7)
Q2 – CIN – 1:07 – Shayne Graham 40 yard FG (CIN 12–7)
Q2 – BAL – 0:06 – Matt Stover 36 yard FG (CIN 12–10)
Q3 – CIN – 8:57 – Landon Johnson
Landon Johnson
Landon Tremone Johnson is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
34 yard fumble return TD (Graham kick) (CIN 19–10)
Q4 – BAL – 14:05 – Matt Stover 23 yard FG (CIN 19–13)
Q4 – BAL – 12:25 – Ed Reed
Ed Reed
Edward Earl Reed Jr. is an American football free safety for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Ravens 24th overall in the 2002 NFL Draft...
63 yard punt return TD (Stover kick) (BAL 20–19)
Q4 – CIN – 8:53 – 7 yard TD pass from Carson Palmer to T. J. Houshmandzadeh
T. J. Houshmandzadeh
T. J. Houshmandzadeh, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who currently plays for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State. Houshmandzadeh is of mixed...
(Rudi Johnson
Rudi Johnson
Burudi Ali "Rudi" Johnson is a former American football running back who played professionally from 2001 - 2008. Rudi was born in Petersburg, Virginia approximately 30 miles south of Richmond. His first name "Burudi" is Swahili and means "cool'" and his middle name "Ali" represented his family's...
2 point conversion run) (CIN 27–20)
Week 2: at Cleveland Browns
Playing in their second game of the season, the Cincinnati Bengals had a lot of things go wrong. Playing Ohio state rivals Cleveland BrownsCleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, the defense looked the exact opposite as they did in week one. Browns quarterback Derek Anderson
Derek Anderson (American football)
Derek Matthew Anderson is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
started and threw for 328 yards and five touchdowns. It was only the third time in NFL history that two quarterbacks had thrown at least five touchdown passes in the same game. Jamal Lewis
Jamal Lewis
Jamal Lafitte Lewis is a former American football running back in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens fifth overall in the 2000 NFL Draft...
had 215 yards rushing with one touchdown and the Browns had two receivers with over 100 yards, Braylon Edwards
Braylon Edwards
-Cleveland Browns:-2005:Edwards began his rookie season as Cleveland's third wide receiver – he would have started higher, but a hold-out caused him to miss the beginning of training camp. Early in the season Edwards revealed that he had a staph infection, and missed a few weeks as a result of it....
and Kellen Winslow
Kellen Winslow II
Kellen Boswell Winslow, II is an American football tight end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns sixth overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
. The Bengals offense tried their best to keep the team in the game, however, as Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...
threw for 6 TD's and Chad Johnson caught for 209 yards.
The game started out slowly in the first quarter but the second quarter saw a combined 35 points scored. It was close in the end, when the Bengals started a drive with under one minute left. They managed to get the ball to the 50 yard line when Carson Palmer was intercepted by Leigh Bodden
Leigh Bodden
Leigh Edmond Bodden is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was originally signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2003. He played college football at Duquesne....
on an intended pass for Chad Johnson. This game ended up being the eighth highest scoring game in NFL history, but not the highest scoring game between these two teams. In 2004, the Bengals beat the Browns 58–48 for the second-most combined points. The Redskins (72) and Giants (41) combined for 113 points in 1966 for the most.
Scoring summary
Q1 – CIN – 10:40 – 13 yard TD pass from Carson PalmerCarson Palmer
Carson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...
to Rudi Johnson
Rudi Johnson
Burudi Ali "Rudi" Johnson is a former American football running back who played professionally from 2001 - 2008. Rudi was born in Petersburg, Virginia approximately 30 miles south of Richmond. His first name "Burudi" is Swahili and means "cool'" and his middle name "Ali" represented his family's...
(Shayne Graham
Shayne Graham
Michael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
kick) (CIN 7–0)
Q1 – CLE – 5:02 – Phil Dawson
Phil Dawson
Philip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
39 yard FG (CIN 7–3)
Q1 – CLE – 0:09 – Phil Dawson 39 yard FG (CIN 7–6)
Q2 – CLE – 11:02 – 17 yard TD pass from Derek Anderson
Derek Anderson (American football)
Derek Matthew Anderson is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
to Joe Jurevicius
Joe Jurevicius
Joseph Michael Jurevicius is a retired American football wide receiver. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the second round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played college football at Penn State....
(Dawson kick) (CLE 13–7)
Q2 – CIN – 7:40 – 23 yard TD pass from Carson Palmer to T. J. Houshmandzadeh
T. J. Houshmandzadeh
T. J. Houshmandzadeh, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who currently plays for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State. Houshmandzadeh is of mixed...
(Graham kick) (CIN 14–13)
Q2 – CLE – 6:37 – 9 yard TD pass from Derek Anderson to Joe Jurevicius (Dawson kick) (CLE 20–14)
Q2 – CIN – 3:12 – 22 yard TD pass from Carson Palmer to Chad Johnson (Graham kick) (CIN 21–20)
Q2 – CLE – 1:11 – 25 yard TD pass from Derek Anderson to Kellen Winslow
Kellen Winslow II
Kellen Boswell Winslow, II is an American football tight end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns sixth overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
(Dawson kick) (CLE 27–21)
Q3 – CIN – 12:13 – Shayne Graham 20 yard FG (CLE 27–24)
Q3 – CLE – 8:24 – 34 yard TD pass from Derek Anderson to Braylon Edwards
Braylon Edwards
-Cleveland Browns:-2005:Edwards began his rookie season as Cleveland's third wide receiver – he would have started higher, but a hold-out caused him to miss the beginning of training camp. Early in the season Edwards revealed that he had a staph infection, and missed a few weeks as a result of it....
(Dawson kick) (CLE 34–24)
Q3 – CIN – 6:18 – 14 yard TD pass from Carson Palmer to Chad Johnson (Graham kick) (CLE 34–31)
Q3 – CLE – 6:04 – Jamal Lewis
Jamal Lewis
Jamal Lafitte Lewis is a former American football running back in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens fifth overall in the 2000 NFL Draft...
66 yard TD run (Dawson kick) (CLE 41–31)
Q3 – CIN – 0:53 – 5 yard TD pass from Carson Palmer to T. J. Houshmandzadeh (Graham kick) (CLE 41–38)
Q4 – CLE – 10:07 – 37 yard TD pass from Derek Anderson to Braylon Edwards (Dawson kick) (CLE 48–38)
Q4 – CLE – 5:47 – Phil Dawson 18 yard FG (CLE 51–38)
Q4 – CIN – 3:45 – 7 yard TD pass from Carson Palmer to Glenn Holt
Glenn Holt
Glenn Holt, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
(Graham kick) (CLE 51–45)
Week 3: at Seattle Seahawks
Following their embarrassing divisional road loss, the Bengals flew to Qwest FieldQwest Field
CenturyLink Field is a multi-purpose stadium in Seattle, Washington, United States. It serves as the home field for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League and Seattle Sounders FC of Major League Soccer...
for an interconference fight with the Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team...
. The Seahawks won the toss, opted to receive the ball, and then proceeded to return the opening kickoff deep into Cincinnati territory. Seahawk QB Matt Hasselbeck
Matt Hasselbeck
Matthew Michael Hasselbeck is a National Football League quarterback for the Tennessee Titans. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 1998 NFL Draft, and traded to Seattle in 2001. After becoming the starter in 2003, Hasselbeck led Seattle to six playoff appearances and...
completed a 18-yard TD pass to WR Bobby Engram
Bobby Engram
Simon J. "Bobby" Engram III is currently the offensive assistant coach for the San Francisco 49ers of the NFL. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft...
on that drive. Cincinnati responded with QB Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...
completing a 35-yard TD pass to WR T. J. Houshmandzadeh
T. J. Houshmandzadeh
T. J. Houshmandzadeh, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who currently plays for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State. Houshmandzadeh is of mixed...
. In the second quarter, the Bengals took the lead with kicker Shayne Graham
Shayne Graham
Michael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
getting a 43-yard field goal. However, Seattle took the lead with Hasselbeck completing a 42-yard TD to WR Deion Branch
Deion Branch
Anthony Deion Branch, Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the New England Patriots of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Patriots in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Louisville.He has also played for the Seattle Seahawks...
.
In the third quarter, Cincinnati would strike back with LB Lemar Marshall
Lemar Marshall
Lemar Willie Marshall is a former American football linebacker. He was originally signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 1999. He played college football at Michigan State....
sacked Hasselbeck in his own end zone for a safety, along with the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the Bengals would take the lead with Graham getting a 24-yard field goal. The Seahawks would respond with kicker Josh Brown getting a 23-yard field goal, while Cincinnati retook the lead with RB Kenny Watson
Kenny Watson
Kenneth Dwight Watson is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent in 2001...
getting a 8-yard TD run (with a failed 2-point conversion). However, Seattle took the lead with Hasselbeck completing a 22-yard TD pass to WR Nate Burleson
Nate Burleson
Nathaniel Burleson is an American football player, who currently plays wide receiver for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League . Burleson played college football for the University of Nevada Wolf Pack, and was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round of the 2003 NFL...
. The Bengals' special teams unit tried to get Palmer and his offense decent field position, but WR Glenn Holt
Glenn Holt
Glenn Holt, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
fumbled the return at their own 29-yard line, allowing the Seahawks to recover the ball for the win.
Watson came into the game because Rudi Johnson was injured. Leon Hall got his first NFL interception. Houshmandzadeh and Chad Johnson both gained more than 125 yards each receiving. Levi Jones saw his most extensive playing time so far in the season after an injury to Stacey Andrews forced the offensive line to be reshuffled. T
With the loss, Cincinnati fell to 1–2.
| Scoring summary | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q | Team | Time | Scoring play | Score |
Week 4: vs. New England Patriots
Trying to stop a two-game skid, the Bengals went home for their second Monday Night game of the year. They would wear their alternate uniforms as they played against the New England PatriotsNew England Patriots
The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
. In the first quarter, Cincinnati trailed early as Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski
Stephen Gostkowski
Stephen Carroll Gostkowski is a placekicker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League...
got a 31-yard field goal, while QB Tom Brady
Tom Brady
Thomas Edward Patrick "Tom" Brady, Jr. is an American football quarterback for the New England Patriots of the National Football League . After playing college football at Michigan, Brady was drafted by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft.He has played in four Super Bowls,...
completed a 1-yard TD pass to LB Mike Vrabel
Mike Vrabel
Michael George "Mike" Vrabel is an assistant coach at Ohio State. He is a retired American football linebacker in the National Football League. Vrabel spent 14 seasons in the NFL, having played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots and most recently, the Kansas City Chiefs...
. In the second quarter, the Bengals managed to get on the board with QB Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...
completing a 1-yard TD pass to WR T. J. Houshmandzadeh
T. J. Houshmandzadeh
T. J. Houshmandzadeh, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who currently plays for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State. Houshmandzadeh is of mixed...
. However, New England would respond with Brady completing a 7-yard TD pass to WR Randy Moss
Randy Moss
Randy Gene Moss is a former American football wide receiver. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft...
. Near the end of the 2nd quarter, the Bengals had a chance to get closer to the Pats, but a miscommunication between Palmer and Chad Johnson resulted in a New England interception. Palmer and Johnson argued on the sidelines and all the way back to the locker room.
In the third quarter, Cincinnati continued to struggle as Patriots RB Sammy Morris
Sammy Morris
Samuel "Sammy" Morris III is an American football running back who is a free agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fifth round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
getting a 7-yard TD run. The Bengals' only response would be kicker Shayne Graham
Shayne Graham
Michael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
nailing a 40-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, New England increased its lead with Gostkowski kicking a 36-yard field goal. Cincinnati's final response was Graham kicking a 48-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Patriots sealed the win with Brady and Moss hooking up with each other again on a 14-yard TD pass.
With their third-straight loss, the Bengals entered their bye week at 1–3. It also marked Cincinnati's 5th loss to New England in the last 6 meetings. After the game, Marvin Lewis was heard yelling at his players for their 1–3 record. He called a team meeting a few days later and said that "anyone who doesn't want to play shouldn't show up".
| Scoring summary | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q | Team | Time | Scoring play | Score |
Week 6: at Kansas City Chiefs
Coming off of their bye week with hopes to turn their season around, the Bengals flew to Arrowhead StadiumArrowhead Stadium
Arrowhead Stadium is a stadium located in Kansas City, Missouri and home to the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs....
for a Week 6 duel with the Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
. In the first quarter, Cincinnati trailed early as Chiefs kicker Dave Rayner
Dave Rayner
David Michael "Dave" Rayner is an American football placekicker who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
kicked a 32-yard field goal. The Bengals would respond with QB Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...
completing a 42-yard TD pass to WR T. J. Houshmandzadeh
T. J. Houshmandzadeh
T. J. Houshmandzadeh, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who currently plays for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State. Houshmandzadeh is of mixed...
. However, Kansas City would respond with QB Damon Huard
Damon Huard
Damon Paul Huard is a former American football quarterback. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 1996. He played college football at Washington....
completing a 3-yard TD pass to TE Tony Gonzalez. In the second quarter, Cincinnati continued to struggle as Chiefs RB Larry Johnson got an 8-yard TD run, along with Rayner ending the half with a 20-yard field goal.
After a scoreless third quarter, the Bengals would try to make a comeback in the fourth quarter as kicker Shayne Graham
Shayne Graham
Michael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
got a 33-yard field goal. After Kansas City increased its lead with Huard and Gonzalez hooking up with each other again on a 26-yard TD pass, Cincinnati got within striking distance as Palmer and Houshmandzadeh hooked up with each other again on a 30-yard TD pass, along with Graham's 36-yard field goal. Unfortunately, the Chiefs would hold on to get the win.
With their fourth-straight loss, the Bengals fell to 1–4. It also marked the first time in the Marvin Lewis era that Cincinnati had lost four-straight games.
| Scoring summary | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q | Team | Time | Scoring play | Score |
Week 7: vs. New York Jets
Trying to snap a four-game skid, the Bengals went home for a Week 7 intraconference duel, as they hosted the New York JetsNew York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
for the first time in a decade. In the first quarter, Cincinnati trailed early as Jets QB Chad Pennington
Chad Pennington
James Chadwick "Chad" Pennington is an American football quarterback who played in the National Football League for ten years. He is currently a football analyst with FOX Sports though he plans to return to playing after recovering from an injury...
completed a 57-yard TD pass to WR Laveranues Coles
Laveranues Coles
Laveranues Leon Coles is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State University....
. Fortunately, the Bengals would respond with kicker Shayne Graham
Shayne Graham
Michael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
getting a 20-yard field goal. In the second quarter, New York increased its lead with kicker Mike Nugent
Mike Nugent
Mike Nugent is an American football placekicker for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
getting a 24-yard and a 35-yard field goal. Cincinnati would respond with RB Kenny Watson
Kenny Watson
Kenneth Dwight Watson is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent in 2001...
getting a 3-yard TD run. The Jets would end the half with Pennington and Coles hooking up with each other again on a 36-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, New York added on to its lead with Nugent kicking a 43-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Bengals would respond with QB Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...
completing a 3-yard TD pass to WR T. J. Houshmandzadeh
T. J. Houshmandzadeh
T. J. Houshmandzadeh, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who currently plays for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State. Houshmandzadeh is of mixed...
. In the fourth quarter, Cincinnati's offense took over as Watson added a 1-yard and a 2-yard TD run on to his magnificent day. Afterwards, the Bengals defense sealed the win with CB Johnathan Joseph
Johnathan Joseph
Johnathan Joseph is an American football cornerback with the Houston Texans, drafted 24th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals out of South Carolina.-College career:...
returning an interception 42 yards for a touchdown. Afterwards, the Jets end the game with Pennington completing a 32-yard TD pass to WR Jerricho Cotchery
Jerricho Cotchery
Cotchery was selected by the New York Jets in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL draft.-New York Jets:In 2004, Cotchery caught 6 passes for 60 yards in 12 games as the team's 5th receiver...
.
With their four-game skid snapped, Cincinnati kept its playoff hopes alive by improving to 2–4.
Week 8: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Coming off their home win over the Jets, the Bengals stayed at home for an AFC North clash with the Pittsburgh SteelersPittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
. In the first quarter, Cincinnati struck first with kicker Shayne Graham
Shayne Graham
Michael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
getting a 31-yard field goal. However, the Steelers responded with QB Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger
Benjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
completing a 21-yard TD pass to WR Hines Ward
Hines Ward
Hines E. Ward, Jr. is an American football player who currently plays the wide receiver position for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, where he is the longest-tenured current player on the team. He was voted MVP of Super Bowl XL. He played college football at the University of Georgia...
. In the second quarter, the Bengals struggled as Roethlisberger and Ward hooked up with each other again on a 6-yard TD pass. Cincinnati answered with Graham kicking a 20-yard field goal. Pittsburgh ended the first half with RB Willie Parker
Willie Parker
"Fast" Willie Everette Parker Jr. is an American football running back for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at North Carolina...
getting a 1-yard TD run.
After a scoreless third quarter, the Bengals tried to come back as QB Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...
completed a 9-yard TD pass to WR T. J. Houshmandzadeh
T. J. Houshmandzadeh
T. J. Houshmandzadeh, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who currently plays for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State. Houshmandzadeh is of mixed...
in the fourth quarter. Pittsburgh sealed the win with kicker Jeff Reed nailing a 40-yard field goal.
With the loss, Cincinnati fell to 2–5.
Week 9: at Buffalo Bills
Hoping to rebound from their divisional home loss to the Steelers, the Bengals flew to Ralph Wilson StadiumRalph Wilson Stadium
Ralph Wilson Stadium is a football stadium, located in the town of Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo, New York. It is the home for the Buffalo Bills, of the NFL...
for a Week 9 intraconference duel with the Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Cincinnati trailed early as Bills QB J. P. Losman completed an 8-yard TD pass to WR Lee Evans
Lee Evans (American football)
-Buffalo Bills:Evans was initially assigned the jersey number 84. Evans, as a reference to his full name, had always worn the number 3 in college, a number that was not allowed to be used in professional football for wide receivers...
. Fortunately, the Bengals answered with QB Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...
completing a 15-yard TD pass to WR T. J. Houshmandzadeh
T. J. Houshmandzadeh
T. J. Houshmandzadeh, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who currently plays for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State. Houshmandzadeh is of mixed...
. In the second quarter, Buffalo retook the lead with kicker Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell is an American football placekicker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
getting a 23-yard field goal. Immediately afterwards, Cincinnati would take the lead as WR/KR Glenn Holt
Glenn Holt
Glenn Holt, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown. The Bills ended the half with Lindell getting a 21-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Buffalo regained the lead with Lindell kicking a 29-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Bengals went back into the lead with Palmer completing a 1-yard TD pass to FB Jeremi Johnson
Jeremi Johnson
Jeremi Ray Johnson is currently a free agent American football fullback in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bengals in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
. Unfortunately, Cincinnati's struggles continued with Lindell nailing a 38-yard field goal, along with RB Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Terrell Lynch is an American football running back for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. In his rookie year, Lynch became the Bills' first 1,000-yard rookie rusher since Greg Bell in 1984...
completing an 8-yard TD pass to TE Robert Royal
Robert Royal
Robert Shelton Royal is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the fifth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
& getting a 56-yard TD run.
With the loss, the Bengals fell to 2–6.
Week 10: at Baltimore Ravens
Trying to snap a two-game losing skid, the Bengals flew to M&T Bank StadiumM&T Bank Stadium
M&T Bank Stadium is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Baltimore, Maryland. It is the home of the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. The stadium is immediately adjacent to Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the home of the Baltimore Orioles. Served by the Hamburg Street station of...
for an AFC North rematch with the Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
. After a scoreless first quarter, Cincinnati drew first blood in the second quarter as kicker Shayne Graham
Shayne Graham
Michael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
managed to get a 34-yard and a 19-yard field goal. Ravens quarterback Steve McNair continued to struggle, with an interception and several fumbles. In the third quarter, the Bengals increased its lead with Graham kicking a 22-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Cincinnati pulled away with Graham nailed two 35-yarders, a 21-yarder, and a 33-yard field goal. The Ravens managed to avoid a shutout loss with RB Willis McGahee
Willis McGahee
Willis Andrew McGahee III is an American football running back for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
getting a 1-yard TD run.
With their season-sweep over Baltimore, the Bengals improved to 3–6.
Shayne Graham's 7 field goals would become a franchise-best.
Week 11: vs. Arizona Cardinals
Coming off their season-sweep over the Ravens, the Bengals went home a Week 11 interconference duel with the Arizona CardinalsArizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Cincinnati struck first with QB Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...
completing a 19-yard TD pass to WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh
T. J. Houshmandzadeh
T. J. Houshmandzadeh, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who currently plays for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State. Houshmandzadeh is of mixed...
. The Cardinals would answer with CB Antrel Rolle
Antrel Rolle
Antrel Rocelious Rolle is an American football safety for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Miami...
returning an interception 55 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, the Bengals regained the lead with kicker Shayne Graham
Shayne Graham
Michael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
getting a 41-yard field goal. However, Arizona took the lead with QB Kurt Warner
Kurt Warner
Kurtis Eugene "Kurt" Warner is a retired American football player. He played quarterback for three National Football League teams: the St. Louis Rams, the New York Giants, and the Arizona Cardinals. He was originally signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 1994 after playing...
completing a 44-yard TD pass to WR Anquan Boldin
Anquan Boldin
-Arizona Cardinals:As a rookie Boldin set an NFL record for most receiving yards by a rookie in his first game , tied Billy Sims for most yards from scrimmage by a rookie in his first game , and holds the NFL record for most receptions in the first 26 games of an NFL career...
. Cincinnati responded with Graham kicking a 38-yard field goal, but the Cardinals increased their lead with Warner completing a 5-yard TD pass to WR Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Darnell Fitzgerald, Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League, and currently ranks fourth all-time in league history in receiving yards per game for a career , behind Andre Johnson, Torry Holt, and Marvin Harrison...
.
In the third quarter, the Bengals trailed as RB Edgerrin James
Edgerrin James
Edgerrin Tyree James is a former American football running back. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts fourth overall in the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Miami....
gave Arizona a 3-yard TD run. Cincinnati tried to rally as Palmer completed a 37-yard TD pass to WR Chris Henry, while RB DeDe Dorsey
DeDe Dorsey
DeDe Dorsey is an American football running back for the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
returned a blocked punt 19 yards for a touchdown. The Cardinals sealed the win with Rolle returning an interception 54 yards for a touchdown.
With the loss, the Bengals fell to 3–7.
Week 12: vs. Tennessee Titans
Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Cardinals, the Bengals stayed at home, donned their alternate uniforms, and played a Week 12 duel with the Tennessee TitansTennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter...
. In the first quarter, Cincinnati pounced first with RB Rudi Johnson
Rudi Johnson
Burudi Ali "Rudi" Johnson is a former American football running back who played professionally from 2001 - 2008. Rudi was born in Petersburg, Virginia approximately 30 miles south of Richmond. His first name "Burudi" is Swahili and means "cool'" and his middle name "Ali" represented his family's...
getting a 5-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Titans answered with kicker Rob Bironas
Rob Bironas
James Robert Douglas "Rob" Bironas is an American football placekicker for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2002. He played college football at Auburn University and Georgia Southern.Bironas was an All-Pro...
getting a 28-yard field goal. Fortunately, the Bengals responded with QB Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...
completing a 10-yard TD pass to WR Chad Johnson. Tennessee would end the half with Bironas nailing a 23-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Cincinnati began to pull away as RB Kenny Watson
Kenny Watson
Kenneth Dwight Watson is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent in 2001...
managed to get a 6-yard TD run, while Palmer hooked up with Chad Johnson on a 2-yard TD pass. In the fourth quarter, the Bengals sealed the victory with Palmer hooking up with Chad for the third time on a 3-yard TD pass.
With the win, Cincinnati improved to 4–7.
Chad Johnson (12 receptions for 103 yards and 3 touchdowns) ended the game as the Bengals' All-Time receptions leader with 531. Also, this marked the third time in his career that he caught 3 touchdown passes in one game.
Week 13: at Pittsburgh Steelers
Coming off their dominating home win over the Titans, the Bengals flew to Heinz FieldHeinz Field
Heinz Field is a stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It primarily serves as the home to the Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh Panthers American football teams, members of the National Football League and National Collegiate Athletic Association respectively...
for a Week 13 AFC North rematch with the Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
. In the first quarter, Cincinnati took the early lead as RB Rudi Johnson
Rudi Johnson
Burudi Ali "Rudi" Johnson is a former American football running back who played professionally from 2001 - 2008. Rudi was born in Petersburg, Virginia approximately 30 miles south of Richmond. His first name "Burudi" is Swahili and means "cool'" and his middle name "Ali" represented his family's...
got a 1-yard TD run for the only score of the period. However, in the second quarter, the Steelers took the lead as QB Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger
Benjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
got a 6-yard TD run, along with kicker Jeff Reed getting a 21-yard field goal. Pittsburgh would end the half as Roethlisberger completed a 2-yard TD pass to WR Hines Ward
Hines Ward
Hines E. Ward, Jr. is an American football player who currently plays the wide receiver position for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, where he is the longest-tenured current player on the team. He was voted MVP of Super Bowl XL. He played college football at the University of Georgia...
. In the third quarter, the Bengals tried to get back into the game as kicker Shayne Graham
Shayne Graham
Michael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
nailed a 24-yard TD pass, yet Pittsburgh replied with Roethlisberger and Ward hooking up with each other again on an 8-yard TD pass.
With the loss, Cincinnati fell to 4–8.
For QB Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...
, one week after completing a career-best 84.2% of his passes against Tennessee, he would end this game completing a career-worst 38.6% of his passes.
Week 14: vs. St. Louis Rams
Hoping to rebound from their divisional road loss to the Steelers, the Bengals went home for a Week 14 interconference duel with the St. Louis RamsSt. Louis Rams
The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,...
. In the first quarter, Cincinnati drew first blood as RB Rudi Johnson
Rudi Johnson
Burudi Ali "Rudi" Johnson is a former American football running back who played professionally from 2001 - 2008. Rudi was born in Petersburg, Virginia approximately 30 miles south of Richmond. His first name "Burudi" is Swahili and means "cool'" and his middle name "Ali" represented his family's...
got a 1-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Bengals increased their lead with Kicker Shayne Graham
Shayne Graham
Michael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
getting a 27-yard field goal for the only score of the period.
In the third quarter, the Rams would get on the board as CB Fakhir Brown
Fakhir Brown
Fakhir Hamin Brown is an American football cornerback for the Florida Tuskers of the United Football League. He was signed by the Toronto Argonauts as an undrafted free agent in 1998. He played college football at Grambling.Brown has also been a member of the San Diego Chargers, Oakland Raiders,...
returned an interception 36 yards for a touchdown. Afterwards, Cincinnati responded with Graham kicking a 38-yard and a 32-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, St. Louis tried to come back as kicker Jeff Wilkins
Jeff Wilkins
For the American basketball player, see Jeff Wilkins .Jeffrey Allen Wilkins nicknamed "Money" is a former American football placekicker in the National Football League for the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles and St Louis Rams. He played college football at Youngstown State University...
kicked a 50-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Bengals ended the game with Graham nailing a 46-yard field goal.
With the win, Cincinnati improved to 5–8.
Week 15: at San Francisco 49ers
Coming off their home win over the Rams, the Bengals flew to Bill Walsh Field at Monster ParkMonster Park
Candlestick Park is an outdoor sports and entertainment stadium located in San Francisco, California, in the Bayview Heights area. The stadium was originally built as the home of Major League Baseball's San Francisco Giants, who played there from 1960 until moving into Pacific Bell Park in 2000...
for a Saturday night interconference duel with the San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...
. After a scoreless first quarter, Cincinnati trailed early in the second quarter as 49ers QB Shaun Hill
Shaun Hill
Shaun Hill is an American football quarterback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2002...
got a 3-yard TD run. Afterwards, the Bengals would take the lead as kicker Shayne Graham
Shayne Graham
Michael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
managed to get a 24-yard field goal, while QB Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...
completed a 52-yard TD pass to WR Chris Henry. San Francisco would end the half with Hill completing a 17-yard TD pass to TE Vernon Davis
Vernon Davis
-2006 rookie season:Vernon's first reception in the NFL was a 31-yard touchdown catch, against the Arizona Cardinals on September 10, 2006. He added a career-long 52-yard touchdown against the Green Bay Packers on December 10 with a short catch followed by a long run. Davis played in ten games in...
.
In the third quarter, the 49ers increased their lead with kicker Joe Nedney
Joe Nedney
Joseph Thomas Nedney is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent. Born and raised in San Jose, California, Nedney played college football at San Jose State and signed as an undrafted player with the Miami Dolphins in 1996...
getting a 29-yard and a 38-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Cincinnati tried to respond as Graham kicked a 35-yard field goal. However, the 49ers' defense held on for the win.
With the loss, the Bengals fell to 5–9, securing Head Coach Marvin Lewis
Marvin Lewis
Marvin Ronald Lewis is the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League, a position he has held since January 14, 2003...
' first losing season with Cincinnati.
Week 16: vs. Cleveland Browns
Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the 49ers, the Bengals played their final home game of the year in a Week 16 AFC North rematch with the Cleveland BrownsCleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. After a scoreless first quarter, Cincinnati slashed away in the second quarter as kicker Shayne Graham
Shayne Graham
Michael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
nailed a 29-yard field goal and QB Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...
completing a 5-yard TD pass to WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh
T. J. Houshmandzadeh
T. J. Houshmandzadeh, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who currently plays for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State. Houshmandzadeh is of mixed...
, along with RB Kenny Watson
Kenny Watson
Kenneth Dwight Watson is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent in 2001...
getting a 1-yard TD run.
In the third quarter, the Browns began to fight back as QB Derek Anderson
Derek Anderson (American football)
Derek Matthew Anderson is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
completing a 2-yard TD pass to WR Braylon Edwards
Braylon Edwards
-Cleveland Browns:-2005:Edwards began his rookie season as Cleveland's third wide receiver – he would have started higher, but a hold-out caused him to miss the beginning of training camp. Early in the season Edwards revealed that he had a staph infection, and missed a few weeks as a result of it....
for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Cleveland drew closer with Anderson and Edwards hooking up with each other again on a 5-yard TD pass. Afterwards, the Bengals would hold on for the win.
With the win, Cincinnati improved to 6–9.
Week 17: at Miami Dolphins
Coming off their home victory over the Browns, the Bengals closed out their season at Dolphin StadiumDolphin Stadium
Sun Life Stadium is an American football stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, a suburb of Miami. It is the home stadium of the Miami Dolphins National Football League team, and the University of Miami Hurricanes football team. It also hosts the Orange Bowl, an annual college football bowl game. It...
in a Week 17 intraconference duel with the Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Cincinnati trailed early as Dolphins kicker Jay Feely
Jay Feely
Thomas James "Jay" Feely is an American football placekicker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. Jay played for the Temple Terrace Spirit Soccer team that won the National Championships when he was 16....
kicked a 49-yard field goal. The Bengals would respond with QB Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...
completing a 2-yard TD pass to WR Chad Johnson. In the second quarter, Miami took the lead with QB Cleo Lemon
Cleo Lemon
Cleo "Cleonardo" Lemon, Jr. is a Canadian football quarterback in the Canadian Football League who is currently a free agent. He most recently played for the Toronto Argonauts. He was signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2002...
completing a 5-yard TD pass to WR Ted Ginn, Jr.
Ted Ginn, Jr.
-College career:OSU track coach Russ Rogers recruited Ginn to run track, believing that he could qualify for the 2008 Olympics. However, his track career was put on hold in order to focus on football. Ginn was recruited as a defensive back by Ohio State....
, yet Cincinnati replied with Palmer and C. Johnson hooking up with each other again on a 70-yard TD pass, including a 4-yard TD pass to WR Antonio Chatman
Antonio Chatman
Antonio Tavaras Chatman is an American football wide receiver and punt returner for the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League. He was signed by the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2002...
.
In the third quarter, the Bengals increased their lead with Safety Chinedum Ndukwe
Chinedum Ndukwe
Chinedum "Nedu" Ndukwe is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
returning a fumble 54 yards for a touchdown, along with the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the Dolphins tried to come back as QB John Beck got a 2-yard TD run, yet Cincinnati pulled away with RB Kenny Watson
Kenny Watson
Kenneth Dwight Watson is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent in 2001...
getting a 2-yard TD run and kicker Shayne Graham
Shayne Graham
Michael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
nailing a 30-yard field goal. Miami would end the game with Beck completing a 22-yard TD pass to WR Derek Hagan
Derek Hagan
Derek Steven Hagan, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currently a wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. Hagan most recently played for the Oakland Raiders of National Football League. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the third round of the 2006...
.
With the win, the Bengals closed out their season at 7–9.
Scoring summary
Q1 – MIA – 11:16 – Jay FeelyJay Feely
Thomas James "Jay" Feely is an American football placekicker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. Jay played for the Temple Terrace Spirit Soccer team that won the National Championships when he was 16....
49 yard FG (MIA 3–0)
Q1 – CIN – 3:53 – 2 yard TD pass from Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...
to Chad Johnson (Shayne Graham
Shayne Graham
Michael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
kick) (CIN 7–3)
Q2 – MIA – 7:03 – 5 yard TD pass from Cleo Lemon
Cleo Lemon
Cleo "Cleonardo" Lemon, Jr. is a Canadian football quarterback in the Canadian Football League who is currently a free agent. He most recently played for the Toronto Argonauts. He was signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2002...
to Ted Ginn (Jay Feely kick) (MIA 10–7)
Q2 – CIN – 6:27 – 70 yard TD pass from Carson Palmer to Chad Johnson (Shayne Graham kick) (CIN 14–10)
Q2 – CIN – 0:04 – 4 yard TD pass from Carson Palmer to Antonio Chatman
Antonio Chatman
Antonio Tavaras Chatman is an American football wide receiver and punt returner for the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League. He was signed by the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2002...
(Shayne Graham kick) (CIN 21–10)
Q3 – CIN – 13:12 – Chinedum Ndukwe
Chinedum Ndukwe
Chinedum "Nedu" Ndukwe is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
54 yard fumble return TD (Shayne Graham kick) (CIN 28–10)
Q4 – MIA – 12:21 – John Beck 2 yard TD run (Jay Feely kick) (CIN 28–17)
Q4 – CIN – 10:03 – Kenny Watson
Kenny Watson
Kenneth Dwight Watson is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent in 2001...
2 yard TD run (Shayne Graham kick) (CIN 35–17)
Q4 – CIN – 2:16 – Shayne Graham 30 yard FG (CIN 38–17)
Q4 – MIA – 0:28 – 22 yard TD pass from John Beck to Derek Hagan
Derek Hagan
Derek Steven Hagan, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currently a wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. Hagan most recently played for the Oakland Raiders of National Football League. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the third round of the 2006...
(2 point conversion pass from John Beck to Derek Hagan) (CIN 38–25)
Roster
| Cincinnati Bengals 2007 final roster | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
|
Offensive Linemen
Stacy Andrews Stacy Dewayne Andrews is an American football offensive guard for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Mississippi.Andrews has also played for the Philadelphia Eagles... G/T Levi Jones Levi J. Jones is an American football offensive tackle for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals 10th overall in the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arizona State.-College career:Jones attended Arizona State University... T Scott Kooistra Daniel Scott Kooistra [KOI-struh] is an American football offensive tackle for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2003 NFL Draft... T Nate Livings Nathaniel Joseph Livings is an American football guard for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was signed by the Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2006... G Dan Santucci Dan Santucci is an American football center for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft... C/G Alex Stepanovich Aleksandar Stepanovich is an American football center who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft... C Andrew Whitworth Andrew Whitworth is an American football offensive lineman for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Louisiana State University.-Early years:Whitworth was rated by CNNSI.com as the sixth-best... G/T Bobbie Williams Bobbie Joe Williams, Jr. is an American football guard for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2000 NFL Draft... G Defensive Linemen
|
Linebackers
Rashad Jeanty Rashad Jeanty is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League after he went undrafted in 2002. After playing four seasons with the Eskimos, he signed with the Cincinnati Bengals of the NFL in 2006. He was a... OLB Landon Johnson Landon Tremone Johnson is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft... ILB Dhani Jones Dhani Makalani Jones is a former American football linebacker who played for eleven seasons in the National Football League. He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines, earning All-Big Ten honors for three straight seasons. He was selected by the New York Giants in the sixth round of... OLB Roy Manning Lee Roy Manning, Jr. is an American football coach and former player in the United States. He played linebacker in the National Football League. Manning was originally signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He also played for the Houston Texans, Buffalo Bills,... OLB Jim Maxwell (American football) James Maxwell is an American football linebacker for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League. He was signed by the NFL New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2004... OLB Corey Mays Corey Lemard Mays is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at Notre Dame... OLB Anthony Schlegel Anthony Schlegel is a former American Football linebacker. He was originally drafted by the New York Jets in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at the Ohio State University after transferring from the United States Air Force Academy... ILB Defensive Backs
Special Teams
|
Reserve Lists
Ahmad Brooks Ahmad Brooks is an American football linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round of the 2006 NFL Supplemental Draft. He played college football at Virginia.He is the son of late NFL defensive tackle Perry... ILB (IR)  Dan Burks Dan Burks is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was originally signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football at UAB.... RB (IR) DeDe Dorsey DeDe Dorsey is an American football running back for the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2006... RB (IR) Aaron Elling Aaron John Elling is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2002... K (IR) Eric Ghiaciuc Eric M. Ghiaciuc [GUY-check] is an American football offensive lineman of Romanian descent who is currently a Free Agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft... C (IR) Eric Henderson Eric Charles Henderson is an American football defensive end for the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2006... OLB (IR) Kenny Irons Kenny Irons is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft... RB (IR) Herana-Daze Jones Herana-Daze Lavalle Jones is an American football safety for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2005... FS (IR) Adam Kieft Adam Kieft is a former American football offensive lineman for the Cincinnati Bengals of the NFL. Kieft attended Rockford High School in Rockford, Michigan. He was selected with the 17th pick of the fifth round of the 2005 NFL Draft out of Central Michigan University... OT (IR) Ethan Kilmer Ethan Michael Kilmer is a former American football safety of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft... FS (IR) Lemar Marshall Lemar Willie Marshall is a former American football linebacker. He was originally signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 1999. He played college football at Michigan State.... OLB (IR) Caleb Miller Caleb Miller is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft... OLB (IR) Tab Perry Tab Wilson Perry is an American football wide receiver for the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft... WR (IR) David Pollack -Injury:In the Bengals' September 17, 2006 game against in-state rival Cleveland Browns, Pollack suffered what was later determined to be a broken sixth cervical vertebrae on a first quarter tackle on running back Reuben Droughns. He reportedly suffered no paralysis, but was taken off the field on... OLB (IR) Odell Thurman Odell Lamar Thurman is an American football linebacker for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia.... LB (Susp.) Jimmy Verdon Jimmy Verdon is an American football defensive end who is a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He was originally drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft... DE (NFLE NF-Inj.) Brandon Williams (cornerback) Brandon Williams is a professional Canadian football cornerback free agent. He was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2003... CB (IR) Madieu Williams Madieu Mohammed Williams is an American football safety for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft... FS (IR) Practice Squad
Rookies in italics |
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Coaching staff
| Cincinnati Bengals 2007 coaching staff | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Front Office
Head Coaches
Offensive Coaches
|
Defensive Coaches
Special Teams Coaches
Strength and Conditioning
|
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