Defensive tackle Ngata held out of game at last minute

CINCINNATI - In their rematch with Cedric Benson, the Ravens' worst-case scenario unfolded during pre-game warm-ups. That's when they decided to sit out defensive tackle Haloti Ngata and hope for the best against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Although Ngata's replacement, Justin Bannan, played well, Benson became just the second back to run for 100-plus yards against the Ravens twice in the same season. The first was Jerome Bettis with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1996.

Ngata tested his tender ankle in warm-ups and said he was "pretty close" to playing. "But the coaches decided they didn't want to risk making it worse," he said. "I could have been out longer if I hurt it again."

Coach John Harbaugh said the decision was made "right before the game. We tried to get him in, but he just couldn't play. Of course, we miss him. He's a great player. I thought Justin filled in nicely and played well, but of course, we want Haloti in there if we can."

As it stands, Ngata said he will play next Monday night against the Cleveland Browns.

Benson rushed for 80 yards in the first half (on 18 carries) and finished with 117 and one touchdown. The Bengals ground out 146 yards overall in a 17-7 triumph.

"Benson was very patient back there," said Bannan, who had four tackles. "He finds the crease and hits it. ... As a group, we all need to do better."

After a streak of 39 games without allowing a 100-yard rusher, the Ravens have been tattooed three times in four games.

Webb's time

After Fabian Washington limped off the field early in the second quarter with a thigh bruised when he tackled Bengals wide-out Chris Henry, rookie Lardarius Webb took over at left cornerback for the rest of the game.

It was Webb's most extensive playing time this season. And with six tackles, he was one of the few bright spots for the Ravens.

"He played well," Harbaugh said. "He flies around the ball and is a good tackler. He covered well and took advantage of his opportunity due to an injury."

Webb said he was ready for the playing time.

"I knew my time was going to come sooner or later," Webb said. "I study the game, study the receivers, and today my time came."

Webb also seemed unfazed about lining up against five-time Pro Bowl selection Chad Ochocinco.

"He's a great wide receiver," Webb said. "I'm just going out there and really not looking at who it is [lined up across from him].

"I respect him -- he's earned my respect. But I still have to go out there and play my ball."

At this time last season, Webb was playing for Football Championship Subdivision Nicholls State, where he was a two-time All-American. His size (5 feet 10, 175 pounds) and playmaking ability on special teams led the Ravens to select him in the third round, the 88th pick overall. Although it has taken him time to earn a spot on defense, he has taken over for Chris Carr as the main kickoff returner, and last week went 95 yards for a touchdown against the Broncos.

On Sunday, he returned four kicks for a 21.3-yard average.

'City deserves it'