By Mark Curnutte
Enquirer staff writer

Brian Simmons made a dramatic return to the Bengals defense on Sunday night, scoring the team's first touchdown on a 50-yard interception return of an A.J. Feeley pass.

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Photos of Sunday's game

On the Dolphins' first possession of the second half, Feeley threw for wide receiver Chris Chambers on the left side of the defense.

"Just reading the quarterbacks eyes," Simmons said of the interception. "I saw in the film that he has the tendency to stare at his receivers."

Simmons had eight total tackles, four solo, and played a big part in the improved run defense against an undermanned Miami run offense. The Dolphins had just 25 rushing yards on 20 carries and did not have a first down on the ground.

"Obviously, having Brian back makes a big difference, a sense of calmness," Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said after the Bengals' 16-13 victory.

It was Simmons' sixth career interception and second returned for a touchdown. He also has one career touchdown on a fumble return.

Simmons started at weak-side linebacker after missing the opener. He had arthroscopic knee surgery on Aug. 30.

Simmons played an active part in helping the Bengals improve against the run. He had four total tackles, three solos, in the first half alone.

Miami, though, was playing without its top two running backs - Travis Minor and Sammy Morris - both out with injuries. Lamar Gordon rushed 11 times in the first half for 17 yards. The Dolphins had a total of 20 rushing yards on 12 carries in the first half.

Simmons also had one pass break up and added two more assists in the third quarter.

Simmons' last interception return for a touchdown prior to Sunday night came in 2002 against Tampa Bay.

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E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

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