The Bengals finally got on the scoreboard early in the fourth quarter when Carson Palmer found Jerome Simpson in the corner of the end zone for an 11-yard touchdown pass. The Ravens still lead, 13-7, but blowing another double-digit lead isn't out of the question, especially if Ravens coach John Harbaugh finally sits down some of his starters. Oh well, no biggie.
Harbaugh said a few days ago that he would be going for the win on Sunday, but the Ravens have nothing to play for anymore -- thanks for nothing, Cleveland -- and it seems foolish to risk an injury at this point. Having a healthy team is more important than having a 12-win team.
I could understand leaving the defensive starters in the game in the hopes of preserving a shutout. You want those guys feeling as confident as possible heading into wild-card round, especially with Peyton Manning and the Colts potentially looming on the schedule. But now that the Bengals are on the board, veterans such as Ray Lewis and Ed Reed should be on the bench.
Harbaugh better hope none of these guys get hurt because he will hear about it all week. And if he loses someone such as Reed or Haloti Ngata, he will be hearing about it for a lot longer than that.
