Editor: Joe Bryant. Game Recap Contributors: Mike Anderson, Michael Brown, Chris Burtt, J.D. Caldwell, David Dodds, Bobby Elder, Jim Enochs, Joel Faulhaber, Michael Flynn, Kevin Goldblum, Clayton Gray, Bob Harris, Fred Hebert, Jesse Hilsenrad, Drew Kendall, Jeff Lewis, Joey Matusek, Justin Oliver, Steve Prosapio, David Shick, Cody Smith, Scott Smith, Jeffrey Stout. Cincinnati 21 at Indianapolis 28 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Cincinnati Bengals: Jon Kitna was the starter, and he looked to WR Chad Johnson as his first read most of the day. Clearly Kitna is very comfortable with Johnson, and if he remains the starter as Coach Dick Lebeau has stated he will, Kitna looks to go to Johnson often. Kitna threw three interceptions, the last of which deflected off Chad Johnson's hands on a drive that could have tied the score in the closing seconds. Corey Dillon got loose today, rushing for 164 yards. "They gave me the opportunity to get out there and run a little bit," Dillon said. "Am I disappointed? Yes. But this game gives us something to build on." Indianapolis Colts: The Bengal's did everything in their power to stop James, daring the Colts to beat them in the air. James only scored once on his 3 opportunities within the Red Zone, getting stopped twice. James only averaged 2.7 yards a carry as his cut back lanes collapsed all day. It was James's first score in 34 quarters of Football, but it was the first time he didn't gain at least 100 yards in the last 11 games. After 4 weeks of play, it seems that James can no longer be automatically counted on to punch the ball in from close range. Tony Dungy said that the key to the game was big plays and the first 10 minutes of the game. The Colts answered that call jumping out to a 21 point lead. After that point, the Colts reverted to the conservative play calling of the last few weeks, and allowed the Bengals to get back in the game. The Bengals actually had the opportunity to tie the game in the closing seconds. "We've got to learn how to play when we're ahead," Dungy said. "We didn't do a good job of that today, but I think we'll learn from this." The Colts have displayed this conservative play calling and game planning all season. It is a far cry from the more explosive Colts of just a year ago. WHAT YOU OUGHT TO KNOW Cincinnati Bengals QB: Jon Kitna - 31 of 43 for 244 yards with a TD and 3 INTs. Kitna threw three interceptions, the last of which deflected off Chad Johnson's hands on a drive that could have tied the score in the closing seconds. One Kitna INT came on a quick slant to Chad Johnson into coverage that was picked off by Walt Harris. Another INT was to Westbrook who tipped the ball into the air for an INT. The Bengals again pulled within a touchdown when Kitna hooked up with Warrick on a 30-yard TD pass with 53 seconds left. All in all, he looked ok back there and it did appear the Bengals were glad to have at least a little stability at QB. RB: Corey Dillon - 23 carries for 164 yards and 2 rushing TDs. Added another 6 receptions for 21 yards. A number of big runs, including a 67 yard TD. Looked great, ran with power. Made first contact behind the line of scrimmage on at least half the rushing plays, but surged forward for gains time after time. Don't look for 164 yards every week, but if Kitna can create some semblance of a passing attack, he should continue to roll. Lorenzo Neal. Threw great lead blocks for Dillon all day. 1 carry for 9 yards and 2 receptions for 11 yards. Brandon Bennett - 3 Receptions for 7 yards. WR: Chad Johnson - 6 Receptions for 72 yards. Johnson was the first read of Kitna for the day, He seems very comfortable with him. Dropped an 8 yard gain on 3rd down. One Kitna INT came on a quick slant to Chad Johnson into coverage that was picked off by Walt Harris. Kitna threw three interceptions, the last of which deflected off Chad Johnson's hands on a drive that could have tied the score in the closing seconds. Peter Warrick - 4 Receptions for 54 yards and a TD. Peter Warrick muffed a punt that led to one Colts touchdown. The Bengals again pulled within a touchdown when Kitna hooked up with Warrick on a 30-yard TD pass with 53 seconds left. Ron Dugans - 7 catches for 48 yards. TJ Houshmandzadeh - 1 Reception for 16 yards. TE: Matt Schobel - 2 Receptions for 15 yards. Bengal's Pass Defense - CB Artrell Hawkins intercepted Manning once. No Sacks for the unit. Manning had all day to pick apart the Defense facing almost no pass rush pressure. Played single coverage and Zone on the day, as they swarmed the line of scrimmage and James. Clearly the game plan was to force the Colts to beat them in the air. Bengal's Rush Defense - Was able to hold down the Colt's rushing attack moderately well. Did stop James inside the red Zone on one series, but allowed him to score in another. Swarmed to James all day, taking away his cut back lanes. The Bengals game plan was certainly to make the Colts beat then in the air. Bengal's Special Teams: K: Neil Rackers - 3 of 3 XPs. P: Nick Harris - 5 Punts, never pinning the Colts inside their own 20. PR: Peter Warrick muffed a punt that led to one Colts touchdown /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/** Indianapolis Colts QB: Payton Manning - 21 of 34 for 224 yards, with 2 TDs and an INT. 2 Carries for 10 yards and another TD. The first carry was a 11 yard TD on a Designed QB draw.. Was not sacked. Had all day to pick apart the Bengal's Defense, and they concentrated on stopping the run. Had another possible TD to Pollard knocked away from him inside the Endzone. Threw another TD to Detron Smith in the Endzone that was taken away on an Ineligible receiver call. Manning went for the Home run ball to Ismail for a 40 yard TD that was dropped. Manning overthrew Harrison in the end zone for what would have been a TD after he beat Burris. On the very next play, with the Colts on 3rd down on the 5, Manning threw the ball to Harrison in the front of the End zone who tipped it up for a Hawkins' INT in the back of the End Zone. RB: Edgerrin James -22 Carries for 60 yards and a TD. 3 Receptions for 10 yards. Scored in the Red Zone, but was swarmed all day by the Bengal's Defense. Stopped on 1st and 2nd down from 4 yards out that resulted in a Harrison TD. Stopped from 5 yards out on another series. Detron Smith - Crushing lead blocks for James. 1 Reception for 14 yards. Caught a TD in the endzone that was taken away on an ineligible receiver call. WR: Marvin Harrison - 9 Receptions for 145 yards and a TD. Former Teammate Jeff Burris had single coverage on Harrison most of the day. Played him soft, trying to not allow the big play. Harrison handled him with some ease. Harrison got behind Burris for a 69 yard reception. Manning overthrew Harrison in the end zone for what would have been a TD after he beat Burris. On the very next play, with the Colts on 3rd down on the 5, Manning threw the ball to Harrison in the front of the End zone who tipped it up for a Hawkins' INT in the back of the End Zone. Qadry Ismail - 6 Catches for 42 yards. Clearly the #2 receiving option for the Colts. Manning went for the Home run ball to Ismail for a 40 yard TD that was dropped. Reggie Wayne - No Receptions. Troy Walters - 4th WR and Punt/KO returner. No Receptions, but became the first Colt other than Manning or James to carry the ball this season with his End around reverse for 17 yards. TE: Marcus Pollard - 1 Reception for a 3 Yard TD. Had another TD reception knocked away from him inside the Endzone. Jermaine Wiggins - No Receptions. Joe Dean Davenport - 1 Reception for 10 yards. Colts Pass Defense - Dwight Freeney got a sack. Walt Harris picked off Kitna twice, and Bashir brought in another Kitna INT. Colts Rush Defense - Held Dillon early, until he got on track in the second half. Colts Special Teams - KO Returner Troy Walters had 3 KO returns, averaging just over 22 yards on returns, also had 2 punt returns of 18 and 14 yards. Provided the Colts with great field position all day. P: Hunter Smith had 7 punts, pinning the Bengals inside their own 20 only twice. K: Mike Vanderjagt - 4 XPs.