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Notes & Quotes —WR Chad Johnson earned high praise from teammates Sunday, even though he was limited to one catch for 11 yards in the 28-20 victory at Pittsburgh. Johnson did not complain and served as a decoy, attracting two and three Steelers defensive backs and opening room for other receivers. Johnson, a three-time Pro Bowl receiver, avoided a repeat of the emotional halftime meltdown he suffered against the Steelers in the wildcard playoff game Jan. 8.
"I am somewhat of a difference maker when I am out there, and it showed today," Johnson said. "I can help my team win in ways other than catching the ball. I'm glad we had a game like this to show the world, show everybody that we could win without me being out there. That's the way it's going to be all year." Johnson's teammates noticed: "I think Chad has grown up; he used to let things frustrate him and let these things get into his head," quarterback Carson Palmer said. "There are going to be games like this, and there are going to be games where he gets nine catches and two touchdowns. He knows the ball is going to come to him. It might be next week. It might be the next four games in a row. I think he has matured a lot." —The Bengals have allowed 10 sacks in the past two games and 11 this season after giving up 21 in all of 2005. —The Bengals have outscored opponents 85-47 but have been shutout 10-0 in the third quarter through three games. In the second quarter, the Bengals have a composite 34-0 edge. —Lewis old his players to stop talking about the "Who Dey/We-Dey" conversation involving the Steelers and their use of the Bengals slogan cheer. "It's over, just play football," Lewis said of his message. "And that was my point. (The Steelers) have a great tradition, we have a great tradition and our tradition is back and it's growing. And enjoy it and take advantage of it, but don't try to belittle somebody else's and make more of it than it is. Just play football." USA Today |
