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Johnson leads Bengals to fourth straight win

Dec 10, 2006 - 9:05 PM CINCINNATI (Ticker) -- Rudi Johnson and the Cincinnati Bengals clearly did not overlook the Oakland Raiders.

Johnson rushed for 117 yards and two touchdowns as the Bengals cruised to a 27-10 triumph over the Oakland Raiders.

It was the fourth consecutive victory for Cincinnati (8-5), which has climbed back into postseason contention in the crowded AFC.

With important road matchups against Indianapolis and Denver looming over the next two weeks, the Bengals could easily have looked past the hapless Raiders (2-11).

But other than Carson Palmer's season-high three interceptions, the Bengals moved the ball at will, accumulating 439 yards of total offense.

"We played good enough to win but we didn't play our best," Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis said. "We have to fix the turnovers and we have things to work on. We did some good things but had to create our own excitement."

After building a 14-point lead in the first quarter, the Bengals controlled the clock thanks to yet another strong outing from their workhorse Johnson, who had a season-high 30 carries.

"We ran the ball well, which is what we needed to do," said Lewis, whose team had possession for nearly 36 minutes. "People don't realize that every team has quality football players. If you don't play well, you get beat."

"Rudi doesn't get worn down," Palmer added. "He had a fumble today. I believe it was his first one. When he gets the holes he got today, he'll beat you."

Palmer completed 20-of-28 passes for 297 yards and two TDs. His favorite target was T.J. Houshmanzadeh, who hauled in eight receptions for 118 yards and a score. Chad Johnson had another productive performance, collecting 101 yards on five catches.

"We knew before we took the field that Oakland had a good defense," Palmer said. "We knew though that if we came out and executed, we'd have success."

After getting off to a slow start this season, Chad Johnson has come alive over the last five games, recording 37 catches for 765 yards. The brash wide receiver notched his 21st career 100-yard game Sunday, breaking Isaac Curtis' franchise record.

"It's cool but it's old news," he said. "My work ethic and the hard work I'm putting in is showing up. We're peaking at the right time."

Cincinnati took the lead for good with 8:34 remaining in the opening quarter when Palmer hooked up with Chris Henry for an eight-yard TD pass to make it 7-0. Rudi Johnson reeled off a nine-yard TD run six minutes later to give the Bengals a 14-0 cushion.

Oakland pulled within 14-3 on Sebastian Janikowksi's 33-yard field goal with 22 seconds left in the first half, but Cincinnati went ahead 21-3 when Rudi Johnson powered his way for a six-yard TD to cap a 13-play, 88-yard drive midway through the third quarter.

"We have to give Cincinnati credit," Raiders coach Art Shell said. "They were very efficient in what they were trying to do. We didn't get any pressure on the quarterback. Therefore, he was able to complete some passes. We couldn't get stops that we normally get with our defensive unit."

Aaron Brooks went 23-of-39 for 199 yards, one TD and one interception. Ronald Curry enjoyed his finest performance of the year, hauling in season highs of eight receptions for 99 yards and a TD.

"On offense, we are getting close," Shell said. "But close isn't good enough. We are moving the ball, but once you get into the red zone you have to get the ball in the end zone. You can't have turnovers when you get down there."