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When your record is 0-6, the schedule usually doesn’t do you any favors. And so it goes for the Bengals, who dropped a 26-14 decision at the Jets on Sunday and now have to gear up for 4-1 Pittsburgh, a team that has won in its last seven trips to Cincinnati. The Bengals again will be without QB Carson Palmer, who will miss the Pittsburgh game as he rests an injured right elbow for the third time in four games. Both Palmer and the Bengals insist the injury does not involve structural damage to the elbow, but another week off is in order for the Bengals' offensive leader. Ryan Fitzpatrick replaced Palmer on Sunday and completed 20-of-33 yards for 152 yards. He also led the club in rushing yards, carrying six times for 23 yards. Yes, these are tough times for the Bengals.
The PFW spin
Lost in the shuffle of yet another losses were some positive signs for the Bengals, who were only trailing by six points until 2:22 left in the game. Here are two areas on which the Bengals can build:
 The run defense was solid vs. the Jets. RB Thomas Jones scored a pair of short rushing touchdowns (and caught another) but his longest run was eight yards, and he racked up only 65 yards on 17 carries. If the Bengals play that well against the Steelers and nemesis Willie Parker, who has had some of his biggest games vs. Cincinnati, perhaps they can keep it close.
The play of the secondary. Young safeties Corey Lynch and Chinedum Ndukwe intercepted Jets QB Brett Favre, and overall, the Bengals held Favre to only 189 yards passing on 25-of-33 completions. This is a secondary that has struggled allowing big plays this season, but acquitted itself well in Week Six. Ndukwe, a second-year player from Notre Dame, also scored on a 15-yard fumble return, and he continues to show impressive instincts for the position.
Now, a look at some of the Bengals’ biggest problems:
About that running game … The Bengals’ running game is broken. Starter Chris Perry rushed for 14 yards on 11 carries against the Jets. Cedric Benson, who could start to push for Perry’s job, had only six yards on four carries. The Bengals’ longest running play by a running back went for four yards.
No big plays in the passing game. Part of the problem with the running game is, well, the passing game. Defenses know Fitzpatrick doesn’t have a strong arm, and it’s also clear Palmer can’t cut it loose like he normally does. Also, the Bengals’ pass protection has been a trouble spot for much of the season. Put it all together, and this means safeties can creep closer to the line of scrimmage and that cornerbacks can jump routes a little more easily.
You can’t just point the finger at WRs T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chad Ocho Cinco. Nor can you just say that Palmer’s injury has sidetracked the offense. There are a number of issues that have come together, and it’s a situation not easily remedied, especially during the course of a season.
Our fantasy take
Houshmandzadeh, who’s such a capable possession receiver, deserves consideration as a No. 2 WR or “flex” player in Week Seven. Ocho Cinco is a tougher call; the Steelers typically play him tough. Fitzpatrick and the Bengals' RBs are unlikely to be starting options in many leagues.
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