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Winless Bengals host rested Steelers

Oct 16, 2008 - 11:06 AM Pittsburgh (4-1) at Cincinnati (0-6), 1:00 pm EDT

CINCINNATI (Ticker) -- The Cincinnati Bengals are in danger of losing their first seven games of the season - something that happens to this franchise far too often.

Looking to avoid starting the season 0-7 for the fifth time in the last 18 years, the Bengals host the AFC North-leading Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.

Cincinnati, which also opened the season with seven losses in 1991, 1993, 1994 and 2002, is coming off a 26-14 loss to the New York Jets last week. Without star quarterback Carson Palmer for the second time in three games, the Bengals offense continued its futility.

In place of Palmer, Ryan Fitzpatrick completed 20-of-33 for 152 yards. He also led Cincinnati's anemic ground game with 23 yards on six carries. The Bengals had 171 yards of total offense, as Fitzpatrick was sacked five times.

"As a whole, we're just not getting it done," Cincinnati left guard Andrew Whitworth said. "The defense is playing good enough to win, but we're not. It's not lack of effort, it's just lack of execution."

The Steelers, who are coming off a bye week, do not share the Bengals' problems. Pittsburgh is seeking its third straight win and is hoping to extend its division lead, which is already at two full games.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger shouldered the load in the Steelers' last contest with a patchwork backfield.

Roethlisberger hit Hines Ward for a go-ahead touchdown with 1:53 left to lift Pittsburgh to a 26-21 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 5.

Pittsburgh entered the game without running backs Willie Parker and rookie Rashard Mendenhall, but received a huge game from Roethlisberger, who completed 26-of-41 passes for 309 yards with three touchdowns and an interception.

Roethlisberger, who has been bothered by a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder, had his first 300-yard game since accomplishing the feat against Denver on November 6, 2006.

"There's a lot of banged up guys out here, it was a heavyweight fight," Roethlisberger said. "I'm sore, but no more sore than anyone else I'm sure."

Third-string running back Mewelde Moore ran for 99 yards on 17 carries. He also broke off a key 27-yard run on the game-winning drive.

Even if Parker returns this week from his knee injury, Moore should receive plenty of touches as the backup. Mendenhall is out for the season.