Following Sunday's win over the Steelers, the Bengals were greeted with long-sleeve shirts in the locker room with the initials "N.D.C.Q". Coach Marvin Lewis refused to say what the meaning was, but a theme of the linebackers this year is -- Not Dead Can't Quit.
Rey Maualuga has talked about the theme repeatedly during the season.
After the last win over Pittsburgh in Week 3, Lewis had the players practice in numberless jerseys for three weeks.
"This is a little bit of a family thing, we try to keep our issues in house, positive and negative," Lewis said. "I think that's a good thing, they've done a good job of that. You just move on. It's a focus point for them, a reminder, because we want to keep reminding them that the work you've put forth to date gives you an opportunity for more work."
Bernard Scott's 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown during the first quarter also featured a great individual effort from Quan Cosby, who made three huge blocks downfield.
"In my 13 years in the NFL that's the single biggest effort play I've seen," special teams coach Darrin Simmons said. "He blocked a guy coming down the field first and then he's behind the play and chases everyone down and almost bypasses everyone to a great block on a safety and then peels back and blocks somebody right at the end."
Scott replaced Andre Caldwell as the primary kick returner and averaged 41.2 yards on five returns.
PLAYER NOTES
OG Evan Mathis could play on Sunday at Oakland after missing the game in Pittsburgh with an ankle injury.
C Kyle Cook suffered a mild concussion during the game at Pittsburgh. He was evaluated Wednesday and should be good to go.
FB Jeremi Johnson continues to struggle with a chest injury but should be ready for the Oakland game.
FS Chris Crocker might get some rest on Thursday for his lower legs. He kept coming in and out of the Pittsburgh game with cramps.
LB Keith Rivers could miss his second straight game with a calf injury.