Oct 11, 2009 6:54 pm US/Eastern
Benson Thwarts Impressive Streak By Ravens Defense
BALTIMORE (AP) ―
The last time the Baltimore Ravens allowed an opposing player to rush for 100 yards, Cincinnati running back Cedric Benson was a second-year player who hadn't yet topped that plateau in a single game.
Benson's 120-yard effort in the Bengals' 17-14 victory over the Ravens on Sunday marked the first time since Dec. 1, 2006 that Baltimore had yielded 100 yards on the ground.
Kansas City's Larry Johnson was the last to do it, and Benson's big day halted that streak at 39 games.
What had become a source of pride to the Ravens defense, however, was quickly dismissed in the wake of a second straight defeat.
"The 100-yard thing, it just didn't matter. ... He did a great job of finding the holes and breaking tackles. We have to do a better job of tackling and closing those holes," defensive tackle Haloti Ngata said.
Linebacker Terrell Suggs said Benson did a masterful job of finding the openings in the Ravens' normally impenetrable defense.
The Bengals outgained Baltimore on the ground, 142 yards to 82.
"They did a good job of the chess match, putting those guys in situations where they can be successful," Suggs said. "We just didn't play like ourselves."
Bengals coach Marvin Lewis, Baltimore's defensive coordinator from 1996 to 2001, understood the significance of Benson's accomplishment.
"This team doesn't give up 100-yard rushers," Lewis said. "Believe me, I know that. It's a tradition and it's prideful. What our offensive group and Cedric did today has been unmatched for a long time."
Even Benson was a little in awe after the sixth 100-yard game of his career and second this season.
"That's a big achievement. I can't really express, it's hard to put into words how it feels to achieve something like that. ... What a tremendous honor for me personally. A big thank you to the guys up from for helping make it happen," Benson said.
(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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