Bengals' defense too much for Falcons

Published: Sep 14, 2014 at 10:12 AM

CINCINNATI -- Running back Giovani Bernard picked up a Bengals offense missing receiver A.J. Green on Sunday, turning short passes into big plays, and Cincinnati's defense held down yet another top quarterback for a 24-10 victory over the Atlanta Falcons.

The Bengals won their home opener and improved to 2-0 for the first time since 2006 despite losing several key players to injury, most notably Green.

The Pro Bowl receiver aggravated an injured toe on his right foot, which kept him out of practice last week. He left during the opening series and didn't catch a pass for the first time in his four-year career.

Cincinnati had more than enough left to handle the Falcons (1-1), who gave up nearly 500 yards for the second straight game. Matt Ryan was 24 of 44 for 231 yards with a touchdown, two sacks and three interceptions.

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