Bengals score .... ho hum

OK, I ran into some computer issues late in the second half and wasn't able to post the halftime update. The Pats were leading 24-3.

But before I could even get back online, they scored again to make it 31-3, and the Bengals marched down the field to cut it to 31-10. Needless to say, though, this one appears to be a laugher.

Much credit needs to go to the defense, which allowed just 156 total yards in the first half (51 of those came on a last-second, meaningless hail mary at the end of the half). Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco, who have been blanketed by rookie Devin McCourty and second-year man Darius Butler, combined for seven receptions for 53 yards in the first 30 minutes.

Perhaps the most telling stat is third-down efficiency. The Patriots have held the opposition to 2-for-7 on those opportunities. Pretty good for a very young and inexperienced defense.

But there's still 20 minutes to go, and the Bengals have the ball again at their own 22-yard line.