Bengals outlast Ravens

CINCINNATI -- With wounded players shuffling off in waves, what was left of the Cincinnati Bengals rallied for a win.

Steve McNair’s interception set up Carson Palmer’s fourth-quarter touchdown pass, and Cincinnati’s defense pulled off a goal-line stand Monday night that preserved a 27-20 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

In a bruising season opener matching the last two AFC North champs, the Bengals were the last one standing -- barely.

“We know it’s going to be a hard-fought game when we play these guys -- tough, physical,” Bengals Coach Marvin Lewis said.

Kyle Boller took over after McNair strained his groin in the fourth quarter and led the Ravens to the one-yard line in the closing seconds.

A pass interference penalty on Todd Heap negated his catch in the end zone, and Boller’s final pass deflected off Heap’s shoulder and was intercepted in the end zone by diving lineman Michael Myers.

The Bengals had to work with a makeshift offensive line that was missing three starters by the second quarter. They also briefly lost kicker Shayne Graham, costing them on an extra-point try.

Even receiver Chad Johnson limped off at one point from a cramp. He came up big for the Bengals, catching five passes for 95 yards, including a 39-yard touchdown.

“I told you I would give you a show,” Johnson said.