CINCINNATI — With newcomer Larry Johnson leading the way, the Bengals ran the table in the AFC North by running all over the Cleveland Browns.
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 intra-state rivalry.
“I’m just glad they trust me to go in there, especially with the division and the playoffs on the line,” said Johnson, who was released by Kansas City after a suspension. “I just came here for a second chance.”
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. Cincinnati rushed for 210 yards overall, its second time topping the 200-yard mark this season.
Johnson, signed less than two weeks ago as insurance, subbed for Cedric Benson, who was out for a second consecutive week with an injured hip. Johnson had 22 carries, averaging 4.9 yards per try.
The Browns, who managed only 169 yards overall, fell to 1-10, reaching double-digit losses for the eighth time in their 11 years as an expansion team.
