CINCINNATI — Bengals Win Battle Of Ohio Over Browns, 16-7
Larry Johnson rush for more than 100 yards. The game was a persoThe Bengals offensive line loomed large, helping newly-minted Bengal nal milestone for Johnson’s career.
Johnson rushed for 107 yards in Cincinnati’s conservative approach Sunday, and the Bengals completed their first division sweep with a 16-7 victory in their one-sided intrastate rivalry.
The Bengals (8-3) went 6-0 in the division with a retooled run-first offense and a stout defense that has carried them into first place. They rushed for 210 yards on Sunday, with Johnson — signed less than two weeks ago as insurance — subbing for Cedric Benson, out for the second straight week with an injured hip.
The Browns (1-10) reached double-digit losses for the eighth time in their 11 years as an expansion team.
Cleveland was fraught with injuries during the game.
Browns defensive lineman Shaun Rogers suffered a leg injury when a teammate was blocked into him in the closing minutes of a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
Rogers lay on his back for several minutes after the pileup. He was taken off the field on a cart, with teammates coming over to offer encouragement.
Rogers also was involved in the game’s most notable play. His horse-collar tackle on Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer with no time left in the first half resulted in a penalty and an extra play.
Palmer was running for the sideline with the clock running out when Rogers grabbed him from behind and yanked him down onto his back. Palmer hit the ground hard, rolled over and lay face-down for several seconds, then got up and slowly walked off.
The personal foul gave the Bengals an extra play, and Shayne Graham kicked a 53-yard field goal for a 13-0 lead. A pass interference penalty against Cleveland last week gave Detroit an extra play and a chance for the winning touchdown at the end of regulation.
