By NFL standards, the Ravens dispatched the Cincinnati Bengals relatively early, sealing the eventual 38-27 victory Sunday by opening an 18-point lead midway through the fourth quarter.

The win, though, could have been easier if not for some poor play from the Ravens' kickoff team, which allowed a 94-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the first quarter and set up other Bengals scores.

Cincinnati started possessions at its 38- and 32-yard line, and the Ravens' 42 in the first half, in part because of short kickoffs by J.R. Jenkins.

Three of Jenkins' kicks landed at the 20, 15 and 24. There was talk yesterday about Jenkins' future with the Ravens, although the team made no move as of last night.

"The kickoffs were atrocious, absolutely atrocious," said Ravens coach Brian Billick. "You can't leave yourself at risk that way. Secondly, and by no way of excuse, we have a lot of guys that had been on kickoff team that are now starters and had to play a lot more."

Bengals kickoff returner Brandon Bennett averaged 38.0 yards on six returns, 17 yards higher than his average heading into the game.

"It's something that we have to do better," said defensive end Adalius Thomas. "It's things that we can control. A lot of things just fell apart as far as getting out of lanes, staying on blocks, not getting a good kick. All those things factor in."

Of their seven drives coming from a kickoff, the Bengals started just once inside their 30-yard line, but they converted just 13 points on them.

Lesson learned

Despite the win placing the Ravens (4-5) in the middle of a congested AFC playoff picture, safety Ed Reed's fumble remained the most attractive topic.

Reed intercepted quarterback Jon Kitna in the first quarter at the Bengals' 46-yard line. As Reed neared the end zone, he held the ball like a trophy. Receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh stripped him of it at the Bengals' 8, and Cincinnati recovered.

"We talked about it is as team, and Ed is fully cognizant of what he did and the vulnerability he put his team in," Billick said. "I am satisfied that he understands that. ... Except for the last 6 yards of that play, he had an incredible game, special teams included."

Brightful sees green

Billick is increasingly optimistic about Lamont Brightful returning punts and kickoffs full time for the rest of the season.

Brightful had a 95-yard punt return for a touchdown against the Bengals, the longest in team history. He also had a 54-yard kickoff return.

"That's his role, and hopefully he can fulfill it the rest of the way," Billick said.

Boning up

The Ravens ran what amounted to an inverted wishbone, with Jamal Lewis, Alan Ricard and Sam Gash all in the backfield together in the first half against the Bengals. Ricard and Gash were split off from each other in front of Lewis.

"The idea was to get both Sam and Alan in there, both excellent lead blockers, and put them in a configuration so they have to figure which way we are going to go because we have a hell of a lead blocker either way," Billick said.

End zone

James Trapp, who suffered a shoulder sprain attempting to recover Reed's fumble, is listed as doubtful, but his status could be elevated to questionable tomorrow for Sunday's game in Miami. Tight end John Jones, out with a knee injury against Cincinnati, should be back. ... Maake Kemoeatu, Todd Heap, Edwin Mulitalo, Chris Redman, Matt Stover and Trapp will assist Wellwood International School's live and silent auction on Tuesday evening. Peter Boulware, Robert Tate, Shannon Taylor and Brightful will also make visits to local schools.