Pittsburgh, PA (Sports Network) - Shayne Graham kicked four field goals, including two in the final eight minutes, as the Cincinnati Bengals took sole possession of first place in the AFC North with an 18-12 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field.
The Bengals (7-2) swept the season series against their division rival for the first time since 1998 despite starting running back Cedric Benson leaving the game early with a hip strain.
Bernard Scott scored the only touchdown of the game on a 96-yard kickoff return for the Bengals, who have won three straight. The rookie also led the club in rushing with 33 yards on 13 carries.
Carson Palmer had a subpar outing in victory, throwing for 178 yards on 18- of-30 efficiency, while Chad Ochocinco had just two catches for 29 yards.
Ben Roethlisberger was pressured throughout and threw four straight incompletions during Pittsburgh's final drive to end the comeback bid. The QB finished with 174 yards and an interception, while Rashard Mendenhall was held to 36 yards on 13 carries for the Steelers (6-3), who had their eight-game home winning streak snapped.
Steelers safety Troy Polamalu only played one series, as he appeared to aggravate the same knee injury that caused him to miss four games earlier this year.