Bengals 7, Steelers 0

Notes:

-- The Bengals have three offensive players making their first career starts. That includes third-year wideout Glenn Holt. Holt is in the lineup because the Bengals suspended star-crossed receiver Chad Johnson before the game. Several media outlets, including ESPN.com, reported that Johnson was suspended for violating team rules. Johnson had played in 113 straight games.

-- Paul Ernster's first two punts covered 33 and 28 yards, and the fans booed. The third went only 23 yards, but that's because Ernster was trying to angle it toward the sideline. It went out of bounds at the Cincinnati 17. The fans still booed. Seriously, would they rather have 36-year-old Mitch Berger and his two bad hammies?

-- Holt's touchdown catch was his first reception of the season. He ran straight toward the end zone camera and pointed to the one and the six on the front his jersey. Can you say diez y seis?

-- Mike Tomlin has been raving about Gary Russell. Russell made another big play tonight, returning the kickoff 43 yards to the Steelers 46 after the Bengals scored. But the Steelers couldn't capitalize. After getting a first down, Ben Roethlisberger threw too long for Santonio Holmes on third-and-long and they punted.

-- The Steelers have now gone eight quarters without a touchdown. They might be pressing a little. Roethlisberger has missed Santonio Holmes twice. And the running game is producing nothing. Willie Parker has four yards on five carries. The defense might have to come up big again tonight.

-- John Dudley