Immediate Reaction: Bengals Beat The Browns 34-17

The Bengals won the battle today, but I'm hoping they didn't lose the war.

David Pollack, Rich Braham, Dexter Jackson, Tab Perry, and Chad Johnson were all injured (to various degrees of severity) today, which is terrible timing heading into Steelers week. Hopefully all of these injuries won't be too severe, but it's to think that Dexter and Rich won't both be missing some time after seeing them spend minutes on the ground injured.

Quick thoughts:

There were times the Bengals looked sloppy, but they have far more talent than the Browns so it just didn't matter. Rudi Johnson had a monster game, even behind an offensive line with two non-starters playing significant time. He finished with 145 yards (5.6 avg) and two touchdowns.
Carson looked pretty sharp. One of his two interceptions was off a tipped ball, and so wasn't really his fault. The first two touchdowns featured a lot of no huddle, and he looked masterful as always. He completed passes to seven different receivers, which is even more incredible when you remember that T.J. didn't suit up.
I said before the game that Chris Henry needed to step up, and he did big time. He was all over the place today, and finished with 113 yards. Kelley Washington also had some big catches and a big day, finishing with a touchdown and 77 yards.
Chad Johnson did the Chicken Dance after his touchdown, despite being in some pain. If you didn't catch it, I'm sure it'll be replayed endlessly in all the usual places.

Pretty solid effort, and I'm proud of the guys for not overlooking Cleveland with Pittsburgh coming up next. These next two weeks are going to be brutal with Pittsburgh on the road and New England at home. A part of me feels like the real start of the season is next Sunday.

WHO DEY!