David Kohl / AP

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis stands on the sidelines in the second half the Bengals' 34-13 loss to the Patriots.

The Bengals have some defensive talent with Justin Smith, John Thornton, Johnathan Joseph and Madieu Williams, but they have no defensive identity. If the Bengals can’t force turnovers -- and a lot of them -- they simply can’t stop anyone.

All New England needed to win the game was a vanilla running game with their second- and third-team running backs. If they had had Maroney at their disposal or if Belichick had chosen to air it out, the Pats might have been able to put 50 on the board.

Lewis has to know that his team is in serious trouble and not just because of the regular appearances players have made on the Cincinnati police blotter.

The Bengals are simply a team that can put points on the board and make highlight-film plays but they don’t really do much more than march in place. They have excuses aplenty, but they are basically a one-dimensional team who really can’t compete with the best the AFC has to offer.

So, the dry run continues in Cincinnati. The Bengals have had exactly one playoff appearance in 17 years and haven’t won a playoff game since 1990. Until they get a defense that can hold up its end of the bargain, their next postseason victory probably won’t occur for quite a while.

More news

NBC Sports

What's up with Alex and Cam?

  SportsTalk: 49ers quarterback Alex Smith rips on Panthers' second-year QB Cam Newton.

NBC Sports

Sanchez looking over his shoulder at Tebow?

  SportsTalk: Is Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez concerned about being benched for Tim Tebow? It's possible.

Headlines

• Label

PFT: Williams tape may hinder 'Hard Knocks'

PFT Live: Cardinals' DB Campbell is excited

PFT: Polamalu thinks kids should play football

PFT: Vanderjagt attacks kid for 'wide left' taunt?

PFT: Charlie Sheen says he didn't buy LT's ring

PFT Live: Is Cowboys' title window closing?

How does Nicks' injury affect Giants' offense?

SportsTalk: Which teams are under pressure?