CINCINNATI — Done with all the drama, the Bengals are grinding their way into the playoff conversation.
Cedric Benson topped 100 yards again Sunday and the Bengals scored on their first three possessions, setting up a 17-7 victory over Baltimore that kept surprising Cincinnati atop the AFC North and un-defeated against division foes.
With a win next Sunday in Pittsburgh, the Bengals (6-2) would be in position to make the playoffs for only the second time in the past 19 years. They won the division in 2005.
“That’s pretty cool,” said Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco said. “Today was a statement game. I want every game to be a statement game.”
The Ravens have frittered away every advantage they gained by starting the season 3-0.
“We’re not in a great spot,” said Joe Flacco, who was frustrated all afternoon and threw a pair of interceptions.
They have been at their worst against the Bengals, who took advantage of three Ravens penalties to pull off a last-minute touchdown in Baltimore on Oct. 11, a 17-14 victory.
Benson was coming off the best game of his NFL career: 189 yards against his former team, the Bears, a performance that sent Cincinnati into its bye week on an upbeat note.
Now the Ravens (4-4) have allowed a 100-yard rusher in three of the past four games.
“None of us played well,” said Ravens defensive end Trevor Pryce. “And they are a physical team — don’t let anybody tell you they aren’t.”
