--RB Brian Leonard continued his role as the third-down back and had two receptions for 25 yards.

--WR Quan Cosby was used on a couple of offensive series and had a reverse for minus-2 yards.

--LG Nate Livings looks like he has taken over the starting spot from Evan Mathis.

--RT Andre Smith continued to see extensive action as a backup, mainly in unbalanced line sets.

REPORT CARD VS. LIONS

PASSING OFFENSE: C -- It was another roller coaster game for Carson Palmer. He was a workmanlike 17 of 29 for 220 yards, and his 36-yard touchdown to Chad Ochocinco was the longest pass play of the year. However, for the second consecutive week, he started off extremely slow. He also threw two interceptions for the first time since Week 2 at Green Bay. Both were off target and intended for Laveranues Coles.

RUSHING OFFENSE: B-plus -- If there were any lingering doubts about whether Cedric Benson would return to his spot as the top running back, that was erased with a 110-yard, 36-carry day. Benson averaged only 3.1 yards per carry with many of the yards hard to come by. Larry Johnson was in for only one series and had two carries for 4 yards.

PASS DEFENSE: B-minus -- The Bengals were able to get pressure and record three sacks, but Detroit's Calvin Johnson beat safeties Chinedum Ndukwe and Chris Crocker for the first touchdown and also beat CB Johnathan Joseph on a couple of deep routes.

RUSH DEFENSE: B-minus -- Lots of bad tackling, particularly from the linebackers, as Kevin Smith was able to run for 75 yards.

SPECIAL TEAMS: B -- Shayne Graham has made six consecutive field goals, and Quan Cosby had a nice day on punt returns with three for 54 yards.

COACHING: B-minus -- Marvin Lewis tied Paul Brown for second on the franchise win list. Offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski admitted being a little too conservative in the red zone on first- and second-down plays, which will be something to watch over the last four weeks.