It’s been awhile since I’ve been able to catch a Bengals game as opposed to just seeing highlights, but this afternoon I watched the New York-Cincinnati game, and while it was a great game, I was completely enthralled by the beaver that appeared to be chasing Domata Peko’s head wherever it went. For some plays it had the feel of a frantic Clark Griswald in Christmas Vacation chasing the squirrel around his house, when the whole time it was comfortably positioned in the center of his back.

Anyway, as I said, it turned out to be a much better game than expected: Giants 26 Bengals 23 F/OT

The Bengals showed up to play with T. J. Houshmanzadeh busting out of his slow start in a big way, catching 12 balls for 146 yards and a TD. But the Giants won in overtime on a 22-yard John Carney field goal. The big play in OT was a 31-yard pass from Eli to Amani Toomer, who appeared to may or may not have his feet in bounds.

The Giants aren’t showing a whole lotta rust, at 3-0 the’re are off to their best start since 2000.

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Ronnie Brown 38 Patriots 13 F

So the Dolphins ended the Patriots’ record winning streak. Color me stupid. I figured New England would walk out of there winning something like 17-10, backed by solid defense and conservative but manageable play by the offense. This changes everything, but then again, the Pats get the Niners next week, so I’m sure they won’t be complaining much.

Ronnie Brown, a sure starter on your fantasy team, scored a team record five TDs. He threw one and rushed for the four others, which came on direct snaps.

Before the Patriots’ began their 21 straight regular-season winning streak, they lost 21-0 to who else, the Dolphins.