They came within 2 minutes and 20 seconds of recording back-toback shutouts for the first time in the 41-year history of the franchise before settling for a 16-6 seasonending victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in front of 63,984 spectators at Paul Brown Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 28.

The Bengals scored the fewest points in the NFL this year - 204 for a 12.75 average. But they finished 2008 with a three-game winning streak and 4-11-1 record, good for third place in the AFC North Division. K.C.'s record (2-14) is the worst in Chiefs' history.

"I wish we were still playing," Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said. "You don't do this job and be glad the season is over."

Cedric Benson rushed for 111 yards and a touchdown, and Shayne Graham kicked field goals of 38, 30 and 43 yards to propel the Bengals, who cranked out a season-high 204 rushing yards; won the total-yardage battle, 329-220; and hogged the ball for 37 minutes, 39 seconds.

Ocho Cinco (hamstring) and Houshmandzadeh (back) were sidelined with injuries, but quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick completed 18 passes to eight receivers for 129 yards.

Stars of the game

With 171 yards at Cleveland last week and 111 on Sunday, Benson became the first Bengal to top 100 yards rushing in back-to-back games since Rudi Johnson accomplished the feat in 2005 (Dec. 11-18).

Rookie wide receiver Andre Caldwell picked up the slack in the absence of Ocho Cinco and Houshmandzadeh with 83 all-purpose yards (49 rushing and a team-high 34 receiving).

Goat of the game

Chiefs tailback Larry Johnson was held to 18 yards on 10 carries, then trashed his team.

"Hopefully, my future is not with this organization," he said. "My role definitely diminished. They shifted their powers to other players. I feel as though my time is up in this city and this program."

Turning point

On first and 10 at K.C.'s 47-yard line, Fitzpatrick launched a pass toward Chris Henry down the right sideline. Chiefs cornerback Brandon Carr was flagged for interference at the 16. Two plays later, Benson scored from 2 yards out, giving the Bengals a 10-0 lead at 10:57 of the second quarter.

Quote machine

"Finishing strong at 3-0 ... one word: Liberation. It's very liberating. We deserve it because we work hard. We had a lot of balls that bounced the other way, but finishing this way shows that the guys who are here are fighting to win." - Bengals right guard Bobbie Williams

? Caldwell steps into spotlight, B3