The Bengals were outgained by 179 yards Sunday. But a Cincinnati offense that wasn't explosive certainly was effective, and that paid off in its 21-10 victory over Baltimore.

        Chief in its success was the offensive line, which neutralized the vaunted Ravens defense and gave quarterback Jon Kitna time to find open receivers. He completed 19 of 30 passes — connecting with eight different receivers — for 154 yards and a touchdown.

        His passer rating of 87.4 Sunday far outclassed the 52.7 rating Ravens quarterback Elvis Grbac managed.

        “A lot of people don't talk about the offensive line, but I think it's the strength of our team,” Kitna said.

        Returning starters Willie Anderson, Matt O'Dwyer, Rich Braham and Mike Goff have meshed quickly with new left tackle Richmond Webb. Through two games, they have allowed only three sacks, a pace that will be a giant improvement on last year's total of 52 allowed.

        “Everybody was alarmed the first two preseason games (because of new blocking schemes), but we're OK,” Kitna said.

        The Bengals capitalized on Ravens turnovers, scoring touchdowns on successive drives at the beginning of the second half, and their 21 points were more than all but two teams scored last year against the Super Bowl champs. Their 136 net passing yards and 67 rushing yards were an improvement on last year, when they averaged 110 passing yards and 24 rushing yards in their two losses to Baltimore.

        “We got effective yards; we got them when we needed them,” Anderson said.

        Last year, Cincinnati ranked second in the league in rushing average (144.6 yards) but last in passing (121.6), 30 yards behind No.30 Cleveland. Sunday suggested better balance this fall.

        The linemen said offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski's calls kept Baltimore off-balance. For example: From the Baltimore 2, he spread the field but then had Kitna run a QB draw from a shotgun formation. Kitna scored easily.

        “We know our forte is running the ball,” Anderson said. “But we're trying to be a complete line, not a run line that gives up 50 sacks a year. The passing game was there today.”

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