2010 Cincinnati Bengals season

2010 Cincinnati Bengals season
Head coach Marvin Lewis
Home field Paul Brown Stadium
Results
Record 4–12
Division Place 4th AFC North
Playoff finish did not qualify
Pro Bowlers 0
Uniform
Timeline
Previous season Next season
2009 2011

The 2010 Cincinnati Bengals season was the 41st season for the team in the National Football League (NFL), and their 43rd overall. The Bengals looked to improve on their 10–6 record in 2009, during which they swept the AFC North for the first time in team history and made the playoffs as division champions. At the conclusion of the season, however, the Bengals finished 4–12 and were unable to qualify for the playoffs.

Offseason

2010 Draft

2010 Cincinnati Bengals Draft Selections
Round Selection Player Position College
1 21 Jermaine Gresham TE Oklahoma
2 54 Carlos Dunlap DE Florida
3 84 Jordan Shipley WR Texas
96* Brandon Ghee CB Wake Forest
4 120 Geno Atkins DT Georgia
131* Roddrick Muckelroy LB Texas
5 152 Otis Hudson OL Eastern Illinois
6 191 Dezmon Briscoe WR Kansas
7 228 Reggie Stephens C Iowa State

* – Compensatory Selection

Staff and roster

Staff

Cincinnati Bengals 2010 staff
Front Office
  • President – Mike Brown
  • Executive Vice President – Katie Blackburn
  • Senior Vice President of Player Personnel – Pete Brown
  • Vice President of Player Personnel – Paul Brown
  • Director of Football Operations – Jim Lippincott
  • Director of Player Personnel – Duke Tobin

Head Coaches

  • Head Coach – Marvin Lewis
  • Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line – Paul Alexander

Offensive Coaches

 

Defensive Coaches

  • Defensive Coordinator – Mike Zimmer
  • Defensive Line – Jay Hayes
  • Linebackers – Jeff FitzGerald
  • Defensive Backs – Kevin Coyle
  • Assistant Defensive Backs – Louie Cioffi

Special Teams Coaches

Strength and Conditioning

  • Strength and Conditioning – Chip Morton
  • Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Jeff Friday

Coaching Assistants

  • Brayden Coombs, David Lippincott

Final roster

2010 Cincinnati Bengals roster
Quarterbacks

Running Backs

Wide Receivers

Tight Ends

Offensive Linemen

Defensive Linemen

Linebackers

Defensive Backs

Special Teams

Reserve Lists

Practice Squad

Rookies in italics
53 Active, 20 Inactive, 6 Practice Squad

Schedule

Preseason

On February 24, 2010, the NFL announced that the Bengals will face the Dallas Cowboys in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio. The game occurred on Sunday, August 8, 2010, and was aired by NBC.[1] The Bengals were the designated home team.

The Bengals' preseason opponents were on March 31, 2010.[2] The finalized dates and times were announced on April 9, 2010.[3]

Week Date Kickoff (EDT) Opponent Results Game site TV NFL.com
recap
Final score Team record
HOF 8 August (Sun) 8:00 p.m. Dallas Cowboys L 7–16 0–1 Fawcett Stadium (Canton, Ohio) NBC Recap
1 15 August (Sun) 7:00 p.m. Denver Broncos W 33–24 1–1 Paul Brown Stadium Local 12 WKRC* Recap
2 20 August (Fri) 8:00 p.m. Philadelphia Eagles W 22–9 2–1 Paul Brown Stadium Fox Recap
3 28 August (Sat) 6:30 p.m. at Buffalo Bills L 20–35 2–2 Ralph Wilson Stadium Local 12 WKRC* Recap
4 2 September (Thur) 7:00 p.m. at Indianapolis Colts W 30–28 3–2 Lucas Oil Stadium Local 12 WKRC* Recap
  *  Indicates that the game was broadcast locally in the Cincinnati television market on Local 12 WKRC. The game was also rebroadcast on the NFL Network later that week.

Regular season

Week Date Kickoff (ET) Opponent Results Game site TV NFL.com
recap
Final score Team record
1 September 12 1:00 p.m. at New England Patriots L 24–38 0–1 Gillette Stadium CBS Recap
2 September 19 1:00 p.m. Baltimore Ravens W 15–10 1–1 Paul Brown Stadium CBS Recap
3 September 26 1:00 p.m. at Carolina Panthers W 20–7 2–1 Bank of America Stadium CBS Recap
4 October 3 1:00 p.m. at Cleveland Browns L 20–23 2–2 Cleveland Browns Stadium CBS Recap
5 October 10 1:00 p.m. Tampa Bay Buccaneers L 21–24 2–3 Paul Brown Stadium Fox Recap
6 Bye
7 October 24 1:00 p.m. at Atlanta Falcons L 32–39 2–4 Georgia Dome CBS Recap
8 October 31 1:00 p.m. Miami Dolphins L 14–22 2–5 Paul Brown Stadium CBS Recap
9 November 8 8:30 p.m. Pittsburgh Steelers L 21–27 2–6 Paul Brown Stadium ESPN Recap
10 November 14 1:00 p.m. at Indianapolis Colts L 17–23 2–7 Lucas Oil Stadium CBS Recap
11 November 21 1:00 p.m. Buffalo Bills L 31–49 2–8 Paul Brown Stadium CBS Recap
12 November 25 8:20 p.m. at New York Jets L 10–26 2–9 New Meadowlands Stadium NFLN/WKRC Recap
13 December 5 1:00 p.m. New Orleans Saints L 30–34 2–10 Paul Brown Stadium Fox Recap
14 December 12 1:00 p.m. at Pittsburgh Steelers L 7–23 2–11 Heinz Field CBS Recap
15 December 19 1:00 p.m. Cleveland Browns W 19–17 3–11 Paul Brown Stadium CBS Recap
16 December 26 4:05 p.m.[4] San Diego Chargers W 34–20 4–11 Paul Brown Stadium CBS Recap
17 January 2 1:00 p.m. at Baltimore Ravens L 7–13 4–12 M&T Bank Stadium CBS Recap

COLOR KEY AND NOTES:

     Indicates that the game was blacked out locally due to low ticket sales.
The Bengals will not play a game outside of the Eastern Time Zone during the 2010 season, and based on opponents' 2009 records, have the 4th most difficult schedule in the NFL.

Standings

AFC North
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
z (2) Pittsburgh Steelers 12 4 0 .750 5–1 9–3 375 232 W2
x (5) Baltimore Ravens 12 4 0 .750 4–2 9–3 357 270 W4
Cleveland Browns 5 11 0 .313 1–5 3–9 271 332 L3
Cincinnati Bengals 4 12 0 .250 2–4 3–9 322 395 L1

Preseason results

Pro Football Hall of Fame Game – vs Dallas Cowboys
1 2 3 4 Total
Cowboys 3 3 3 7 16
Bengals 0 0 0 7 7

at Fawcett Stadium, Canton, Ohio

  • Date: August 8
  • Game weather: 80°F (26.7°C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 22,364
  • Recap
Preseason Week 1 – vs Denver Broncos
1 2 3 4 Total
Broncos 14 3 0 7 24
Bengals 0 17 6 10 33

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

  • Date: August 15
  • Game weather: 78°F (25.6°C), partly cloudy
  • Game attendance: 51,278
  • Recap
Preseason Week 2 – vs Philadelphia Eagles
1 2 3 4 Total
Eagles 0 6 3 0 9
Bengals 0 7 0 15 22

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

  • Date: August 20
  • Game weather: 83°F (28.3°C), fair
  • Game attendance: 55,702
  • Recap

Regular season results

Week 1: at New England Patriots

Week 1: Cincinnati Bengals at New England Patriots – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Bengals 0 3 14 7 24
Patriots 10 14 7 7 38

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Game information
1st quarter
  • NE – Wes Welker 9 yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), Patriots 7–0, Drive: 5 plays, 72 yards, 2:51.
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 32 yard field goal, Patriots 10–0, Drive: 11 plays, 56 yards, 5:30.
2nd quarter
  • NE – Wes Welker 4 yard pass from Tom Brady, (Stephen Gostkowski kick), Patriots 17–0, Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:01.
  • NE – Gary Guyton 59 yard interception return (Stephen Gostkowski kick), Patriots 24–0.
  • CIN – Mike Nugent 54 yard field goal, Patriots 24–3, Drive: 12 plays, 37 yards, 4:24.
3rd quarter
  • NE – Brandon Tate 97 yard kickoff return (Stephen Gostkowski kick), Patriots 31–3, Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:12.
  • CIN – Jermaine Gresham 1 yard pass from Carson Palmer (Mike Nugent kick), Patriots 31–10, Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 6:54.
  • CIN – Chad Ochocinco 28 yard pass from Carson Palmer (Mike Nugent kick), Patriots 31–17, Drive: 12 plays, 73 yards, 4:51.
4th quarter
  • NE – Rob Gronkowski 1 yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), Patriots 38–17, Drive: 14 plays, 81 yards, 7:41.
  • CIN – Cedric Benson 1 yard run (Mike Nugent kick), Patriots 38–24, Drive: 14 plays, 76 yards, 3:44.
Top passers
  • CIN – Carson Palmer – 34/50, 345 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
  • NE – Tom Brady – 25/35, 258 yards, 3 touchdowns
Top rushers
Top receivers
  • CIN – Chad Ochocinco – 12 receptions, 159 yards, 1 touchdown
  • NE – Wes Welker – 8 receptions, 64 yards, 2 touchdowns
Top tacklers

The Cincinnati Bengals began their season at Gillette Stadium for an AFC duel with the New England Patriots. In the first quarter, the Bengals trailed early when Patriots quarterback Tom Brady got a 9-yard TD pass to wide receiver Wes Welker, followed by kicker Stephen Gostkowski hitting a 32-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Bengals struggled further when Brady made a 4-yard TD pass to Wes Welker, followed by linebacker Gary Guyton returning an interception 59 yards for a touchdown. Then, the Bengals made their first score of the half when kicker Mike Nugent nailed a 54-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Patriots increased their lead when wide receiver Brandon Tate returned the second half's opening kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown. After that, the Bengals replied with quarterback Carson Palmer making a 1-yard TD pass to tight end Jermaine Gresham, followed by Palmer's 28 yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Chad Ochocinco. In the fourth quarter, the Patriots scored again with Brady making a 1-yard TD pass to tight end Rob Gronkowski. The Bengals replied with running back Cedric Benson making a 1 yard TD run, but Cincinnati couldn't get any closer to New England's lead.

With the loss, the Bengals began their season at 0–1.

Week 2: vs. Baltimore Ravens

Week 2: Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Ravens 0 0 7 3 10
Bengals 0 6 3 6 15

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

Game information
1st quarter
2nd quarter
  • CIN – Mike Nugent 36 yard field goal, Bengals 3–0, Drive: 13 plays, 54 yards, 6:14.
  • CIN – Mike Nugent 30 yard field goal, Bengals 6–0, Drive: 6 plays, 23 yards, 3:35.
3rd quarter
  • BAL – Derrick Mason 31 yard pass from Joe Flacco (Billy Cundiff kick), Ravens 7–6, Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:14.
  • CIN – Mike Nugent 46 yard field goal, Bengals 9–7, Drive: 13 plays, 34 yards, 5:09.
4th quarter
  • BAL – Billy Cundiff 38 yard field goal, Ravens 10–9, Drive: 8 plays, 52 yards, 3:49.
  • CIN – Mike Nugent 38 yard field goal, Bengals 12–10, Drive: 4 plays, 21 yards, 1:12.
  • CIN – Mike Nugent 25 yard field goal, Bengals 15–10, Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 1:31.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Patriots the Bengals played on home ground for an AFC North rivalry match against the Ravens. In the 2nd quarter Cincinnati took the early lead as kicker Mike Nugent hit a 36 and a 30-yard field goal. In the third quarter the Ravens replied and took the lead with QB Joe Flacco completing a 31-yard TD pass to WR Derrick Mason. The Bengals replied wihen Nugent hit a 46-yard field goal. The Bengals fell behind again in the fourth quarter when kicker Billy Cundiff got a 38 yard field goal, but they pulled the win with Nugent making a 38 and a 25-yard field goal, giving the Bengals the win.

With the win, the Bengals improved to 1–1 and have picked up their 8th straight division victory.

Week 3: at Carolina Panthers

Week 3: Cincinnati Bengals at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Bengals 7 3 0 10 20
Panthers 0 0 7 0 7

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

Game information
1st quarter
2nd quarter
  • CIN – Mike Nugent 33 yard field goal, Bengals 10–0, Drive: 9 plays, 27 yards, 4:13.
3rd quarter
4th quarter
  • CIN – Mike Nugent 50 yard field goal, Bengals 13–7, Drive: 7 plays, 18 yards, 2:51.
  • CIN – Cedric Benson 7 yard pass from Carson Palmer, Bengals 20–7, Drive: 3 plays, 37 yards, 0:53.
Top passers
  • CIN – Carson Palmer – 19/37, 195 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions
  • CAR – Jimmy Clausen – 16/33, 188 yards, 1 interception
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Coming off their divisional home win over the Ravens, the Bengals flew to Bank of America Stadium for a Week 3 interconference duel with the Carolina Panthers. Cincinnati would strike first in the opening half as running back Cedric Benson got a 1-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, while kicker Mike Nugent got a 33-yard field goal. The Panthers would answer in the third quarter as running back Jonathan Stewart got a 1-yard touchdown run, yet the Bengals would close out the game in the fourth quarter as Nugent nailed a 50-yard field goal, followed by quarterback Carson Palmer finding Benson on a 7-yard touchdown pass.

With the win, Cincinnati improved to 2–1.

Week 4: at Cleveland Browns

Week 4: Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Bengals 0 10 3 7 20
Browns 3 10 10 0 23

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Game information
1st quarter
  • CLE – Phil Dawson 30 yard field goal, Browns 3–0, Drive: 9 plays, 39 yards, 3:20.
2nd quarter
  • CLE – Evan Moore 24 yard pass from Seneca Wallace (Phil Dawson kick), Browns 10–0, Drive: 8 plays, 87 yards, 4:45.
  • CIN – Mike Nugent 24 yard field goal, Browns 10–3, Drive: 8 plays,61 yards, 3:48.
  • CIN – Terrel Owens 78 yard pass from Carson Palmer (Mike Nugent kick), Tied 10–10, Drive: 2 plays, 75 yards, 0:59.
  • CLE – Phil Dawson 31 yard field goal, Browns 13–10, Drive: 8 plays, 53 yards, 1:31.
3rd quarter
  • CLE – Peyton Hillis 1 yard run (Phil Dawson kick), Browns 20–10, Drive: 11 plays, 64 yards, 6:06.
  • CLE – Phil Dawson 22 yard field goal, Browns 23–10, Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 1:32.
  • CIN – Mike Nugent 25 yard field goal, Browns 23–13, Drive: 10 plays, 76 yards, 5:18.
4th quarter
  • CIN – Brian Leonard 3 yard pass from Carson Palmer (Mike Nugent kick), Browns 23–20, Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:05.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Coming off their road win over the Panthers, the Bengals flew to Cleveland Browns Stadium for their Week 4 AFC North duel with the Cleveland Browns in Round 1 of 2010's Battle of Ohio. Cincinnati would trail early in the first quarter as Browns kicker Phil Dawson made a 30-yard field goal. Cleveland would add onto their lead in the second quarter as quarterback Seneca Wallace completed a 24-yard touchdown pass to tight end Evan Moore. Afterwards, the Bengals tied the game as kicker Mike Nugent got a 24-yard field goal, followed by quarterback Carson Palmer completing a 78-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Terrell Owens. The Browns would close out the half with Dawson getting a 31-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Cleveland responded with running back Peyton Hillis' 1-yard touchdown run, followed by Dawson nailing a 22-yard field goal. Afterwards, Cincinnati came right back with Nugent's 25-yard field goal. The Bengals tried to rally in the fourth quarter as Palmer found running back Brian Leonard on a 3-yard touchdown pass, but the Browns' defense would prevent any further progress.

With the loss, not only did Cincinnati fall to 2–2. The Browns also improve to 1–3 and prevented the Bengals from a 9th straight division rival win.

Week 5: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 5: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Buccaneers 0 7 7 10 24
Bengals 7 3 3 8 21

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

Game information
1st quarter
2nd quarter
  • TB – Cody Grimm 11 yard interception return (Connor Barth kick), Tied 7–7.
  • CIN – Mike Nugent 31 yard field goal, Bengals 10–7, Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards, 2:19.
3rd quarter
  • TB – Earnest Graham 1 yard run (Connor Barth kick), Buccaneers 14–10, Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 5:10.
  • CIN – Mike Nugent 35 yard field goal, Buccaneers 14–13, Drive: 9 plays, 55 yards, 3:59.
4th quarter
  • CIN – Jermaine Gresham 1 yard pass from Carson Palmer (Cedric Benson run), Bengals 21–14, Drive: 7 plays, 29 yards, 4:12.
  • TB – Mike Williams 20 yard pass from Josh Freeman (Connor Barth kick), Tied 21–21, Drive: 5 plays, 50 yards, 0:52.
  • TB – Connor Barth 31 yard field goal, Buccaneers 24–21, Drive: 2 plays, 21 yards, 0:13.
Top passers
  • TB – Josh Freeman – 20/33, 280 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
  • CIN – Carson Palmer – 21/36, 209 yards, 2 touchdowns, 3 interceptions
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

The Bengals' 5th game was an Interconference duel with the Buccaneers at home. In the 1st quarter Cincinnati took the early lead as QB Carson Palmer made a 43-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens. The Buccaneers replied in the 2nd quarter with FS Cody Grimm returning an interception 11 yards for a touchdown. Then kicker Mike Nugent made a 31-yard field goal to put the Bengals up 10–7. In the 3rd quarter the Bengals fell behind as FB Earnest Graham made a 1-yard TD run; but they replied with Nugent making a 35-yard field goal. The Bengals took the lead with Palmer finding TE Jermaine Gresham on a 1-yard TD pass (With a successful 2-point conversion as RB Cedric Benson ran to the endzone), but the lead didn't last very long as QB Josh Freeman completed a 20-yard TD pass to WR Mike Williams. The decision was made when kicker Connor Barth made a 31-yard field goal to give the Bengals another loss.

With the loss, the Bengals went into their bye week at 2–3.

Week 7: at Atlanta Falcons

Week 7: Cincinnati Bengals at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Bengals 3 0 22 7 32
Falcons 7 17 0 15 39

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

Game information
1st quarter
2nd quarter
  • ATL – Matt Bryant 45 yard field goal, Falcons 10–3, Drive: 7 plays, 54 yards, 1:52.
  • ATL – Roddy White 11 yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), Falcons 17–3, Drive: 5 plays, 79 yards, 1:52.
  • ATL – Michael Turner 2 yard run (Matt Bryant kick) Falcons 24–3, Drive: 11 plays, 83 yards, 5:31.
3rd quarter
  • CIN – Mike Nugent 33 yard field goal, Falcons 24–6, Drive: 11 plays, 59 yards, 5:26.
  • CIN – Terrel Owens 19 yard pass from Carson Palmer (Mike Nugent kick), Falcons 24–13, Drive: 6 plays, 88 yards, 3:18.
  • CIN – Jordan Shipley 64 yard pass from Carson Palmer (pass failed), Falcons 24–19, Drive: 3 plays, 62 yards, 1:19.
  • CIN – Adam Jones 59 fumble return (pass failed), Bengals 25–24.
4th quarter
  • ATL – Roddy White 11 yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Ryan – Roddy White pass), Falcons 32–25, Drive: 8 plays, 74 yards, 3:14.
  • ATL – Michael Turner 3 yard run (Matt Bryant kick), Falcons 39–25, Drive: 10 plays, 48 yards, 5:04.
  • CIN – Chad Ochocinco 8 yard pass from Carson Palmer (Mike Nugent kick), Falcons 39–32, Drive: 11 plays, 86 yards, 3:00.
Top passers
  • CIN – Carson Palmer – 36/50, 412 yards, 3 touchdowns
  • ATL – Matt Ryan – 24/33, 299 yards, 3 touchdowns, 1 interceptions
Top rushers
Top receivers
  • CIN – Jordan Shipley – 6 receptions, 131 yards, 1 touchdowns
  • ATL – Roddy White – 11 receptions, 201 yards, 2 touchdowns
Top tacklers

Coming off their bye week the Bengals played at Georgia Dome for an interconference duel with the Falcons. In the first quarter the Bengals trailed early as QB Matt Ryan made a 3-yard TD pass to WR Brian Finneran. But they replied with kicker Mike Nugent making a 20-yard field goal. The Bengals struggled in the second quarter with kicker Matt Bryant hitting a 45-yard field goal. Then Ryan found WR Roddy White on a 43-yard TD pass, followed by RB Michael Turner getting a 2-yard TD run. The Bengals took control in the third quarter with Nugent nailing a 33-yard field goal, followed by QB Carson Palmer completing a 19-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens. Then Palmer found WR Jordan Shipley on a 64-yard TD pass. Then DB Adam Jones returned a fumble 59 yards to the endzone for a touchdown (With a failed two-point conversion). The Falcons pulled away in the fourth quarter with Ryan making an 11-yard TD pass to White. (With the 2-point conversion successful as Ryan passed to White) This was followed by Turner getting a 3-yard TD run. The Bengals tried to tie the game, but only came away witb one touchdown after Palmer found WR Chad Ochocinco on an 8-yard TD pass.

With the loss, the Bengals fell to 2–4.

Week 8: vs. Miami Dolphins

Week 8: Miami Dolphins at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Dolphins 3 9 3 7 22
Bengals 7 7 0 0 14

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

Game information
1st quarter
2nd quarter
  • MIA – Dan Carpenter 42 yard field goal, Bengals 7–6, Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 5:17.
  • CIN – Terrel Owens 37 yard pass from Carson Palmer (Mike Nugent kick), Bengals 14–6, Drive: 1 plays, 37 yards, 0:07.
  • MIA – Dan Carpenter 24 yard field goal, Bengals 14–9, Drive: 7 plays, 39 yards, 1:51.
  • MIA – Dan Carpenter 54 yard field goal, Bengals 14–12, Drive: 4 plays, 13 yards, 0:21.
3rd quarter
  • MIA – Dan Carpenter 31 yard field goal, Dolphins 15–14, Drive: 15 plays, 81 yards, 7:29.
4th quarter
  • MIA – Ricky Williams 1 yard run (Dan Carpenter kick), Dolphins 22–14, Drive: 6 plays, 96 yards, 2:49.
Top passers
  • MIA – Chad Henne – 24/37, 217 yards, 1 interception
  • CIN – Carson Palmer – 17/38, 156 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Hoping to break their current losing streak the Bengals played on home ground for an AFC duel with the Dolphins. In the first quarter the Bengals took the lead as QB Carson Palmer got a 7-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens. The Dolphins replied with kicker Dan Carpenter hitting a 38 and a 42 yard field goal. The Bengals increased their lead with Palmer finding Owens again on a 37-yard TD pass. The Dolphins caught up and eventually took the lead with Carpenter hitting a 24, 54, and a 31-yard field goal in the third quarter to put the Dolphins up 15–14. The Bengals fell further behind with RB Ricky Williams making a 1-yard TD run.

With the loss, the Bengals fell to 2–5.

Week 9: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 9: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Steelers 10 10 0 7 27
Bengals 0 7 0 14 21

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

Game information
1st quarter
  • PIT – Rashard Mendenhall 1 yard run (Jeff Reed kick), Steelers 7–0, Drive: 4 plays, 25 yards, 1:55.
  • PIT – Jeff Reed 25 yard field goal, Steelers 10–0, Drive: 6 plays, 23 yards, 2:17.
2nd quarter
  • CIN – Terrel Owens 19 yard pass from Carson Palmer (Mike Nugent kick), Steelers 10–7, Drive: 4 plays, 38 yards, 2:05.
  • PIT – Hines Ward 8 yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Jeff Reed kick), Steelers 17–7, Drive: 6 plays, 52 yards, 3:03.
  • PIT – Jeff Reed 53 yard field goal, Steelers 20–7, Drive: 5 plays, 24 yards, 0:40.
3rd quarter
4th quarter
  • PIT – Mike Wallace 39 yard pass from Antwaan Randle El (Jeff Reed kick), Steelers 27–7, Drive: 5 plays, 56 yards, 2:40.
  • CIN – Terrel Owens 27 yard pass from Carson Palmer (Mike Nugent kick), Steelers 27–14, Drive: 5 plays, 66 yards, 1:38.
  • CIN – Cedric Benson 1 yard run (Mike Nugent kick), Steelers 27–21, Drive: 2 plays, 36 yards, 1:01.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
  • PIT – Mike Wallace – 5 receptions, 110 yards, 1 touchdown
  • CIN – Terrel Owens – 10 receptions, 141 yards, 2 touchdowns
Top tacklers

Trying to snap a four-game losing streak, the Bengals stayed at home for a Week 9 AFC North duel with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night. Cincinnati trailed early as Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall got a 1-yard touchdown run, followed by kicker Jeff Reed getting a 25-yard field goal. The Bengals answered in the second quarter as quarterback Carson Palmer found wide receiver Terrell Owens on a 19-yard touchdown pass, but Pittsburgh responded with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger completing an 8-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Hines Ward, followed by a 53-yard field goal from Reed. After a scoreless third quarter, Cincinnati's deficit increased as wide receiver Antwaan Randle El completed a 39-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Mike Wallace. The Bengals tried to rally as Palmer hooked up with Owens again on a 27-yard touchdown pass, followed by a 1-yard touchdown run from running back Cedric Benson. However, the Steelers' defense held on to preserve the win.

With the loss, Cincinnati fell to 2–6 and matched their 2009 loss total.

Week 10: at Indianapolis Colts

Week 10: Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Bengals 0 10 0 7 17
Colts 10 10 0 3 23

at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

  • Date: November 14
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 46° F (Sunny – retractable roof closed on turf)
  • Game attendance: 67,404
  • Referee: Walt Anderson
  • TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf
  • Recap
Game information
1st quarter
  • IND – Adam Vinatieri 28 yard field goal, Colts 3–0, Drive: 14 plays, 82 yards, 6:25.
  • IND – Kelvin Hayden 31 yard interception return (Adam Vinatieri kick), Colts 10–0.
2nd quarter
  • IND – Javarris James 3 yard run (Adam Vinatieri kick), Colts 17–0, Drive: 7 plays, 25 yards, 2:55.
  • CIN – Mike Nugent 27 yard field goal, Colts 17–3, Drive: 8 plays, 55 yards, 4:28.
  • CIN – Chad Ochocinco 5 yard pass from Carson Palmer (Mike Nugent kick), Colts 17–10, Drive: 9 plays, 85 yards, 5:00.
  • IND – Adam Vinatieri 47 yard field goal, Colts 20–10, Drive: 10 plays, 54 yards, 1:06.
3rd quarter
4th quarter
  • IND – Adam Vinatieri 23 yard field goal, Colts 23–10, Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:12.
  • CIN – Jermaine Gresham 19 yard pass from Carson Palmer (Mike Nugent kick), Colts 23–17, Drive: 8 plays, 73 yards, 2:10.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Trying to break a five-game losing streak the Bengals flew to Lucas Oil Stadium for an AFC duel with the Colts. In the first quarter the Bengals had problems when kicker Adam Vinatieri got a 28-yard field goal, followed by QB Carson Palmer's pass being intercepted by CB Kelvin Hayden and returned 31 yards for a touchdown. This was followed in the second quarter by RB Javarris James getting a 3-yard TD run. They eventually scored with kicker Mike Nugent nailing a 27-yard field goal, foloowed by Palmer finding WR Chad Ochocinco on a 5-yard TD pass. The Bengals fell further behind when Vinatieri made a 47-yard field goal, followed in the fourth quarter by his 23-yard field goal. The Bengals only came back with 1 touchdown when Palmer connected to TE Jermaine Gresham on a 19-yard TD pass.

With the loss, Cincinnati fell to 2–7 and surpassed their 2009 loss total.

Week 11: vs. Buffalo Bills

Week 11: Buffalo Bills at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Bills 7 7 14 21 49
Bengals 7 24 0 0 31

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

Game information
1st quarter
2nd quarter
  • CIN – Terrel Owens 4 yard pass from Carson Palmer (Aaron Pettrey kick), Bengals 14–7, Drive: 6 plays, 78 yards, 2:54.
  • CIN – Cedric Benson 1 yard run (Aaron Pettrey kick), Bengals 21–7, Drive: 4 plays, 34 yards, 2:18.
  • CIN – Johnathan Joseph 21 yard interception return (Aaron Pettrey kick), Bengals 28–7,
  • BUF – Donald Jones 28 yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Rian Lindell kick), Bengals 28–14, Drive: 4 plays, 56 yards, 1:21.
  • CIN – Aaron Pettrey 19 yard field goal, Bengals 31–14, Drive: 6 plays, 59 yards, 1:17.
3rd quarter
  • BUF – Steve Johnson 28 yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Rian Lindell kick), Bengals 31–21, Drive: 9 plays, 68 yards, 4:17.
  • BUF – Drayton Florence 27 yard fumble return (Rian Lindell kick), Bengals 31–28,
4th quarter
  • BUF – Steve Johnson 11 yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Rian Lindell kick), Bills 35–31, Drive: 8 plays, 49 yards, 3:47.
  • BUF – Steve Johnson 32 yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Rian Lindell kick), Bills 42–31, Drive: 3 plays, 49 yards, 1:29.
  • BUF – Fred Jackson 30 yard run (Rian Lindell kick), Bills 49–31, Drive: 2 plays, 36 yards, 0:38.
Top passers
  • BUF – Ryan Fitzpatrick – 21/34, 316 yards, 4 touchdowns, 2 interceptions
  • CIN – Carson Palmer – 19/34, 230 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

The Bengals' tenth game was an AFC duel with the Bills. In the first quarter the Bengals took the lead when QB Carson Palmer completed a 2-yard TD pass to WR Chad Ochocinco. The Bills replied with RB Fred Jackson getting a 7-yard TD run. The Bengals pulled ahead with Palmer completing a 4-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens, and with RB Cedric Benson getting a 1-yard TD run, followed by CB Johnathan Joseph returning an interception 21 yards for a touchdown. The lead was narrowed when Fitzpatrick made a 28-yard TD pass to WR Donald Jones, but the Bengals increased their lead with kicker Aaron Pettrey nailing a 19-yard field goal. The lead was narrowed again in the third quarter with Fitzpatrick completing a 28-yard TD pass to WR Steve Johnson, and with CB Drayton Florence recovering a fumble and returning the ball 27 yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter the Bengals fell behind with Fitzpatrick finding Johnson again on an 11 and a 32-yard TD pass. This was followed by Jackson getting a 30-yard TD run.

With the loss, the Bengals fell to 2–8.

Week 12: at New York Jets (Thanksgiving Classic)

Week 12: Cincinnati Bengals at New York Jets – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Bengals 0 7 0 3 10
Jets 0 3 14 9 26

at New Meadowlands Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Game information
1st quarter
2nd quarter
3rd quarter
  • NYJ – Brad Smith 53 yard run (Nick Folk kick), Jets 10–7, Drive: 2 plays, 69 yards, 0:47.
  • NYJ – Santonio Holmes 13 yard pass from Mark Sanchez (Nick Folk kick), Jets 17–7, Drive: 2 plays, 14 yards, 0:48.
4th quarter
  • CIN – Aaron Pettrey 28 yard field goal, Jets 17–10, Drive: 6 plays, 15 yards, 2:17.
  • NYJ – Brad Smith 89 yard kickoff return (Nick Folk kick), Jets 24–10, Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:15.
  • NYJ – Carson Palmer sacked in end zone by Trevor Pryce for a Safety, Jets 26–10.
Top passers
  • CIN – Carson Palmer – 17/38, 135 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions
  • NYJ – Mark Sanchez – 16/28, 166 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Trying to snap a seven-game losing streak, the Bengals flew to New Meadowlands Stadium for a Week 12 Thanksgiving duel with the New York Jets. After a scoreless first quarter, Cincinnati trailed in the second quarter as Jets kicker Nick Folk got a 27-yard field goal. The Bengals would take the lead as quarterback Carson Palmer found wide receiver Jordan Shipley on a 5-yard touchdown pass.

New York regained the lead in the third quarter with wide receiver/quarterback Brad Smith getting a 53-yard touchdown run, followed by quarterback Mark Sanchez completing a 13-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Santonio Holmes. Cincinnati tried to rally in the fourth quarter with a 28-yard field goal from rookie kicker Aaron Pettrey, but the Jets came right back with Smith's 89-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, followed by defensive end Trevor Pryce sacking Palmer in the endzone for safety.

With the loss, the Bengals fell to 2–9, and were officially eliminated from postseason contention with other results in Week 12.

Week 13: vs. New Orleans Saints

Week 13: New Orleans Saints at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Saints 3 10 7 14 34
Bengals 0 6 6 18 30

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

Game information
1st quarter
  • NO – Garrett Hartley 48 yard field goal, Saints 3–0, Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 4:21.
2nd quarter
  • CIN – Clint Stitser 29 yard field goal, Tied 3–3, Drive: 13 plays, 42 yards, 7:08.
  • NO – Chris Ivory 55 yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 10–3, Drive: 3 plays, 68 yards, 1:01.
  • CIN – Clint Stitser 23 yard field goal, Saints 10–6, Drive: 4 plays, 50 yards, 2:21.
  • NO – Garrett Hartley 24 yard field goal, Saints 13–6, Drive: 11 plays, 88 yards, 3:15.
3rd quarter
  • NO – Chris Ivory 1 yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 20–6, Drive: 11 plays, 66 yards, 5:54.
  • CIN – Terrell Owens 5 yard pass from Carson Palmer (kick failed, wr), Saints 20–12, Drive: 9 plays, 60 yards, 5:12.
4th quarter
  • CIN – Cedric Benson 1 yard run (Clint Stitser kick), Saints 20–19, Drive: 7 plays, 46 yards, 3:36.
  • NO – Robert Meachem 52 yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 27–19, Drive: 3 plays, 69 yards, 1:25.
  • CIN – Cedric Benson 4 yard run (Carson Palmer – Jermaine Gresham pass), Tied 27–27, Drive: 8 plays, 59 yards, 4:05.
  • CIN – Clint Stitser 47 yard field goal, Bengals 30–27, Drive: 5 plays, 15 yards, 1:38.
  • NO – Marques Colston 3 yard pass from Drew Brees (Garret Hartley kick), Saints 34–30, Drive: 7 plays, 68 yards, 3:54.
Top passers
  • NO – Drew Brees – 24/29, 313 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
  • CIN – Carson Palmer – 23/33, 249 yards, 1 touchdown
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Trying to break an eight-game losing streak the Bengals played on home ground for an interconference duel with the Saints. In the first quarter, the Bengals trailed early as kicker Garrett Hartley nailed a 48-yard field goal. They replied with kicker Clint Stitser hitting a 29-yard field goal, but the Saints scored again with RB Chris Ivory getting a 55-yard TD run, with the Bengals responding as Stitser made a 23-yard field goal. They struggled further as Hartley made a 24-yard field goal, followed by Ivory getting a 1-yard TD run. The Bengals narrowed the lead as QB Carson Palmer made a 5-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens (With a failed PAT as the kick went wide right), followed by RB Cedric Benson getting a 1-yard TD run. The Saints responded as QB Drew Brees completed a 52-yard TD pass to WR Robert Meachem, but the Bengals fought back to take the lead for the first time with Benson gettingt a 4-yard TD run (With a successful 2-point conversion as Palmer passed to TE Jermaine Gresham), followed by Stitser making a 47-yard field goal. They failed to maintain this lead after Brees threw a 3-yard TD pass to WR Marques Colston.

With the loss, the Bengals fell to 2–10.

Week 14: at Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 14: Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Bengals 7 0 0 0 7
Steelers 0 10 3 10 23

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Game information
1st quarter
2nd quarter
  • PIT – Troy Polamalu 45 yard interception return (Shaun Suisham kick), Tied 7–7.
  • PIT – Shaun Suisham 23 yard field goal, Steelers 10–7, Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 2:00.
3rd quarter
  • PIT – Shaun Suisham 35 yard field goal, Steelers 13–7, Drive: 10 plays, 54 yards, 6:26.
4th quarter
  • PIT – LaMarr Woodley 14 yard interception return (Shaun Suisham kick), Steelers 20–7.
  • PIT – Shaun Suisham 41 yard field goal, Steelers 23–7, Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 4:16.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Trying to snap a nine-game losing streak, the Bengals flew to Heinz Field for a Week 14 AFC North rematch with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the first quarter, Cincinnati delivered the game's opening strike in the first quarter as quarterback Carson Palmer found offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth on a 1-yard touchdown pass. In the second quarter, the Steelers answered with safety Troy Polamalu returning an interception 45 yards for a touchdown; followed by kicker Shaun Suisham nailing a 23-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Pittsburgh added onto their lead with Suisham getting a 35-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Steelers pulled away with linebacker LaMarr Woodley returning an interception 14 yards for a touchdown, followed by Suisham making a 41-yard field goal.

With the loss, the Bengals fell to 2–11.

Week 15: vs. Cleveland Browns

Week 15: Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Browns 7 0 0 10 17
Bengals 0 10 6 3 19

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

Game information
1st quarter
2nd quarter
  • CIN – Cedric Benson 18 yard run (Clint Stitser kick), Tied 7–7, Drive: 10 plays, 91 yards, 6:15.
  • CIN – Clint Stitser 25 yard field goal, Bengals 10–7, Drive: 13 plays, 68 yards, 7:27.
3rd quarter
  • CIN – Clint Stitser 39 yard field goal, Bengals 13–7, Drive: 8 plays, 39 yards, 3:49.
  • CIN – Clint Stitser 34 yard field goal, Bengals 16–7, Drive: 10 plays, 37 yards, 5:26.
4th quarter
  • CLE – Phil Dawson 23 yard field goal, Bengals 16–10, Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 4:27.
  • CIN – Clint Stitser 20 yard field goal, Bengals 19–10, Drive: 9 plays, 77 yards, 4:08.
  • CLE – Brian Robiskie 46 yard pass from Colt McCoy (Phil Dawson kick), Bengals 19–17, Drive: 5 plays, 88 yards, 1:53.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Hoping to break a 10-game losing streak the Bengals played on home ground for an AFC North rivalry rematch against the Browns. In the first quarter the Bengals trailed early as QB Colt McCoy threw a 20-yard TD pass to TE Robert Royal; but they rallied to get the lead back with RB Cedric Benson getting an 18-yard TD run, followed by kicker Clint Stitser nailing a 25, 39 and a 34-yard field goal. The lead was narrowed with kicker Phil Dawson making a 23-yard field goal, but the Bengals rebuilt their 9-point lead with Stitser making a 20-yard field goal. The lead was narrowed again with McCoy completing a 46-yard TD pass to WR Brian Robiskie, but the Bengals defense was solid enough to hold them on for the win.

With the close win, Cincinnati improved to 3–11.

Week 16: vs. San Diego Chargers

Week 16: San Diego Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Chargers 0 3 7 10 20
Bengals 7 6 0 21 34

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

  • Date: December 26
  • Game time: 4:05 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 25° F (Cloudy with flurries)
  • Game attendance: 54,194
  • Referee: Gene Steratore
  • TV announcers (CBS): Gus Johnson and Steve Tasker (blacked out locally)
  • Recap
Game information
1st quarter
2nd quarter
  • CIN – Jerome Simpson 10 yard pass from Carson Palmer (kick failed, wl), Bengals 13–0, Drive: 8 plays, 59 yards, 4:47.
  • SD – Nate Kaeding 20 yard field goal, Bengals 13–3, Drive: 12 plays, 73 yards, 6:19.
3rd quarter
  • SD – Ryan Mathews 23 yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), Bengals 13–10, Drive: 8 plays, 86 yards, 4:47.
4th quarter
  • CIN – Jordan Shipley 3 yard pass from Carson Palmer (Clint Stitser kick), Bengals 20–10, Drive: 4 plays, 21 yards, 2:00.
  • SD – Nate Kaeding 28 yard field goal, Bengals 20–13, Drive: 12 plays, 47 yards, 5:42.
  • CIN – Jerome Simpson 59 yard pass from Carson Palmer (Clint Stitser kick), Bengals 27–13, Drive: 3 plays, 62 yards, 0:53.
  • CIN – Bernard Scott 10 yard run (Clint Stitser kick), Bengals 34–13, Drive: 3 plays, 26 yards, 1:33.
  • SD – Kelley Washington 5 yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), Bengals 34–20, Drive: 9 plays, 72 yards, 2:27.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Coming off their win over the Browns the Bengals played on home ground for an AFC duel with the Chargers. In the first quarter the Bengals took the lead with QB Carson Palmer throwing a 3-yard TD pass to TE Jermaine Gresham. Then Palmer found WR Jerome Simpson on a 10-yard TD pass (PAT failed, wide left). The Chargers got on the board with kicker Nate Kaeding hitting a 20-yard field goal, followed by RB Ryan Mathews getting a 23-yard TD run, but the Bengals put more points up with Palmer getting a 3-yard TD pass to WR Jordan Shipley. The lead was narrowed with Kaeding making a 28-yard field goal, but the Bengals increased their lead after Palmer connected to Simpson on a 59-yard TD pass, followed by RB Bernard Scott getting a 10-yard TD run. The Chargers tried to come back after QB Philip Rivers made a 5-yard TD pass to WR Kelley Washington, but the Bengals defense prevented any more scoring chances, giving themselves the win.

With the win, the Bengals improved to 4–11.

Week 17: at Baltimore Ravens

Week 17: Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Bengals 0 0 0 7 7
Ravens 3 3 7 0 13

at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

Game information
1st quarter
2nd quarter
3rd quarter
4th quarter
Top passers
  • CIN –
  • BAL –
Top rushers
  • CIN –
  • BAL –
Top receivers
  • CIN –
  • BAL –
Top tacklers
  • CIN –
  • BAL –

The Bengals' final game was a division rivalry rematch against the Ravens. The Bengals trailed throughout the game as kicker Billy Cundiff hit a 25 and a 47-yard field goal. This was followed by Ray Rice getting a 7-yard TD run. The lead was only narrowed with QB Carson Palmer throwing an 11-yard TD pass to WR Jerome Simpson, but the Bengals couldn't do any more, snapping their two-game winning streak and thus ending the season on a 4–12 record.

References

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