"Hines Ward was Hines Ward."

“Hines Ward was Hines Ward tonight,” said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin in his post-game comments. That’s not the first time we’ve heard Tomlin make that statement this season, and it encapsulates perfectly what we have come to expect from the stout, stocky, stalwart Ward, who established a new franchise record for touchdown receptions by catching two to surpass Hall of Famer John Stallworth. Congrats, Hines.

Yes, Hines Ward is Hines Ward, and Ben Roethlisberger was Ben Roethlisberger -- tough, resourceful, poised and determined. A standup guy.

And Carson Palmer was Carson Palmer: Stiff, skittish, mentally, emotionally fragile. Overrated. In his career vs. Roethlisberger, Palmer is 2-7.

What is it with this guy? Seriously, does anybody really believe anymore that Carson Palmer is a premier quarterback in this league, or for that matter better than Roethlisberger? For the night, Palmer completed just 17 of 44 pass attempts for a 30 percent completion rate, a mere 183 yards, and an abysmal 51.6 quarterback rating. He made only 11 of his last 37 pass attempts. Put another way, he misfired on 26 of his last 37, including 4 of 7 on third down, and zero for three on fourth down.

He didn’t throw any interceptions but, as one Cincinnati writer noted, “He didn’t even get it close enough to get intercepted."

The loss guarantees the 4-8 Bengals won't have a winning season under coach Marvin Lewis for the fourth time in his five seasons. Palmer’s been their “leader” at quarterback that entire time.

Loser.

The Bengals stink. Out loud. Still.