[Stardust]

Poor showing against a playoff team, a team that you would expect to be able to compete against if you are a Division leader.

Stat of the day: 11 Penalties for 85 yards. You probably can know where the game is headed when you have four penalties on their first drive before they even punt.

Defense did not play as bad as the score dictated. Cornerbacks Joseph and Hall played outstanding football today. Yet another Bengal defender goes down to injury as they lose Crocker. Though the Defense gave up over 130 yards rushing, most of it was on two plays that Peterson broke free on.

Chad caught his TD, but did not do any celebrating that could have added to his already $65,000 in fines so far this season. In a tremendous shot that he took in the 3rd quarter, Chad was the recipient of a nasty looking broken nose. Chad finished with 3 catches for 27 yards and 1 TD.

Carson, just looks worse every week he steps out on the field. Up to the 3:00 minute mark in the game, Carson was 15-25 for 94 yards. Missing receivers bad, and not making good decisions.

Still no deep threat. The longest reception was for 15 yards.

Benson got 96 yards on 16 carries. Not bad against the Vikings who only give up 87 yards rushing per game. Larry Johnson, who was supposed to get more reps this week, look sluggish on the 3 carries he did get, for 4 yards.

The Bengals came into the season with three away games on their schedule in locations that they have never won. The Raiders, where the Bengals lost a few weeks ago. A loss in Minnesota today. Now they head to San Diego next week where they are winless.

Are the Bengals a legit playoff team, or frauds?