Used to be, not too long ago in Cincinnati, Steelers week actually meant something. From Marvin Lewis' arrival in 2003, when he elevated expectations to actually winning games instead of just being competitive, the Bengals presented a challenge to Pittsburgh. Games were additionally interesting because, well, the Bengals actually were a playoff contender and even won the division in 2005.

But this season, the bottom dropped out. The Bengals head to Pittsburgh with a 1-8-1 record following their 13-13 tie Sunday against the Eagles.

After the 75-minute game, the Bengals are a little banged up on the offensive line. Left tackle Levi Jones left with a bad leg but had to return in the second half when his replacement—starting left guard Andrew Whitworth—sustained...

Donovan McNabb expected to keep playing until someone scored, no matter how long it took. Mercifully, the NFL's rules set a time limit on terrible play. Eagles 13, Bengals 13. It couldn't have ended any other way. McNabb fumbled and threw three interceptions in regulation Sunday, and the Bengals botched the only scoring chance in overtime, leaving the equally inept teams with the NFL's first tied...

With seven games left, there's no indication that Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer will play in any of them. The Bengals acknowledged on Monday that Palmer will miss his fifth straight game because of an injured passing elbow. Ryan Fitzpatrick will start in his place against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.