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Chiefs wrap up franchise-worst season vs. Bengals

Dec 23, 2008 - 4:40 PM Kansas City (2-13) at Cincinnati (3-11-1), 1:00 pm EST

CINCINNATI (Ticker) -- The Kansas City Chiefs conclude the worst season in the 49-year history of the franchise on Sunday when they visit the Cincinnati Bengals, who look to close their forgettable campaign with a third straight win.

The Chiefs are in disarray on and off the field. Kansas City, which is 2-22 in its last 24 games, relinquished another huge fourth-quarter lead in a 38-31 loss to Miami last week.

One week after blowing an 11-point lead in the final period in a loss to San Diego, the Chiefs surrendered a 14-point lead to Miami. The setback came just six days after the resignation of general manager Carl Peterson.

Peterson's resignation has cast even more doubt on the future of head coach Herm Edwards, who said he saw some good things in the loss. Kansas City fell behind, 10-0, but rallied to take a 28-24 halftime lead.

"This game didn't start off real well, but the way they fought back says a lot about who they are, and their character," said Edwards, who apparently still has the players' support.

"A lot of coaches in a situation like this would be looking for the door, would be looking for a way out," Pro Bowl guard Brian Waters said. "Herm's right there in the front, ready to take on all comers."

The Bengals have won two straight for the first time since closing last season with back-to-back victories.

Cedric Benson ran for a career-high 171 yards on 38 carries and Leon Hall returned one of his three interceptions 50 yards for a score in a 14-0 win over Cleveland last week. It was the first road win of the season for the Bengals.

"It feels awesome," said Benson, a former first-round pick of the Bears who was released by Chicago following two offseason arrests involving alcohol. "That was some smash-mouth football right there. When you can run the ball like that, it's a momentum builder."