CINCINNATI — The brightest spot for the Cincinnati Bengals so far isn’t the improving play of rookie quarterback Andy Dalton or the spectacular catches by rookie A.J. Green. It’s the defense, which is going places that few others have visited.

The Bengals’ defense is ranked No. 1 in the NFL this week, the first time it’s been at the top since the end of the 1983 season. They moved into the top spot after becoming the first team to slow down the high-scoring Buffalo Bills, setting up a 23-20 win on Sunday.

Cincinnati (2-2) has used a lot of draft picks trying to upgrade its defensive line. The Bengals also overhauled their linebacker group in the offseason.

It’s working so far, heading into a game Sunday in Jacksonville (1-3).

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CINCINNATI (AP)—The brightest spot for the Cincinnati Bengals so far isn’t
the improving play of rookie quarterback Andy Dalton(notes) or the spectacular catches
by rookie A.J. Green(notes). It’s the defense, which is going places that few others
have visited.

The Bengals’ defense is ranked No. 1 in the NFL this week, the first time
it’s been at the top since the end of the 1983 season. They moved into the top
spot after becoming the first team to slow down the high-scoring Buffalo Bills,
setting up a 23-20 win on Sunday.

Cincinnati (2-2) has used a lot of draft picks trying to upgrade its
defensive line. The Bengals also overhauled their linebacker group in the
offseason.

It’s working so far, heading into a game Sunday in Jacksonville (1-3).

The NFL trading deadline will arrive on Oct. 18 and it’s looking like it’ll pass without Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer(notes) moving on to another team, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Palmer, of course, hasn’t played a down for the Bengals this season since he said in the offseason that he’s done playing for Cincy and will retire if the team doesn’t trade him. No trade or retirement papers have appeared yet — and neither appears to be on the horizon, either.

Bengals owner Mike Brown(notes) has said that he doesn’t plan on giving in to Palmer. And it’s looking like he’s a man of his word.

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Source: Cincinnati Enquirer

Related: Carson Palmer, Cincinnati Bengals

The NFL trading deadline will arrive on Oct. 18 and it’s looking like it’ll pass without Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer(notes) moving on to another team, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Palmer, of course, hasn’t played a down for the Bengals this season since he said in the offseason that he’s done playing for Cincy and will retire if the team doesn’t trade him. No trade or retirement papers have appeared yet — and neither appears to be on the horizon, either.

Bengals owner Mike Brown(notes) has said that he doesn’t plan on giving in to Palmer. And it’s looking like he’s a man of his word.

Follow Scoop du Jour on Twitter or Facebook.

Source: Cincinnati Enquirer

Related: Carson Palmer, Cincinnati Bengals

Read More: Plaxico Burress (WR – NYJ), New York Jets

Plaxico Burress will make his debut for the New York Jets on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Burress missed the team’s first preseason game with an ankle injury, and was only able to return to practice last Wednesday. He’ll be in the starting lineup, according to coach Rex Ryan.

Burress, as you should know by now, hasn’t played in a live game in over two years. Any game action is invaluable at this point. Ryan confirmed that all starters will play into the second quarter, though Burress could play more. Ryan added that the plan was to leave Burress “in there and let him play a bunch.” 

The Jets receiving corps should be able to survive with Santonio Holmes and Derrick Mason while Burress readjusts to life in the NFL. If he can return to full speed, Burress could prove to be one of the steals of the offseason. He hasn’t seen action in an NFL game since Nov. 23, 2008, however.

For more on the Jets, head over to the SB Nation blog Gang Green Nation.