Quick Take: Bengals run all over Chiefs, win 41-10
Thigpen pays the price for holding on to the ball a little too long
It was over when...
Shayne Graham connected on a 39 yard FG with just over 5 minutes left in the fourth quarter, giving the Bengals a 27-10 lead and effectively putting the game out of the Chiefs' reach. With Kansas City's defense unable to stop the Bengals' running game, and its offense anaemic for most of the day, it was clear that the Chiefs would not come back from 3 scores down.
Game ball
Cincinnati's offensive line had a field day, opening up huge holes that the Bengals' RBs exploited for 387 rushing yards on 45 attempts. The Chiefs' front seven spent most of the day flat on their backs, as the Bengals' line registered 34 pancakes, and only allowed 1 sack.
Key stat
Cedric Benson led the Bengals' ground attack with 34 runs for 234 yards and 2 TDs, including a 56-yard rumble at the end of the third quarter. Chris Perry and Kenny Watson also scored a TD apiece, and even Carson Palmer, who is definitely not know for being fleet footed, picked up a couple of first downs while running with the ball.
Noteworthy
The Bengals' defense held Larry Johnson to 63 yards rushing on 16 attempts... Tony Gonzalez did not register a single catch... The Chiefs' only TD came on a 99 yards kickoff return by rookie Kevin Robinson just before halftime... Bengals DT Domata Peko got to Tyler Thigpen twice, and now has 5 sacks for the season.
