By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

The Bengals showed up to work Monday, a day after winning their first game in eight starts, relieved but realistic.

There was no chest thumping or talk of playoffs.

"Why would you be joyful? We're 1-7," said Bengals quarterback Jon Kitna, who threw a career-high four touchdown passes in a 38-3 road victory over the Houston Texans. "Did we win a prize or something?"

Bengals wide receiver Peter Warrick had his best game of the season with seven receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown.

"We're like 1-7," Warrick said. "It makes us think why, dawg, why ain't we been doing this."

The Bengals scored 38 points in one game, 34 percent of their season total through eight games.

Bengals president Mike Brown enjoyed Sunday's offensive production.

"It seems to be (heading) upward," he said, "but it's only one game."

The Bengals face the Ravens in Baltimore on Sunday. The Ravens have lost three of four, but have enjoyed great success against the Bengals at home. They've shut out the Bengals in three consecutive seasons by a combined 75-0.

Asked what he told his team Monday, Bengals coach Dick LeBeau said, "To enjoy this one today, but we have to go to work. We have a big challenge ahead, going on the road. `Baltimore' should be all I have to say to them."

The Bengals will face their former quarterback Jeff Blake, who has thrown for 527 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions in one-plus games.

"He's given a little spurt to their offense, and they're scoring with him," LeBeau said. "We know he still has good mobility, and those of us around here are aware of the strength of his arm. We've seen him rain that ball down the field and make big plays."

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