Disappointment is no surprise to the Cincinnati faithful. In fact, it is all but expected.

After the dismal Week 17 performance (if you can even call it a that), the Bengals again were less than their best in the Wild Card game tonight.

Prior to the playoff matchup with the Jets, the abilities of Carson Palmer and Shayne Graham were far from the worried minds of most Bengal fans. But their lack of ability in clutch situations was well known by day's end.

Injuries to linebackers and wide receivers (before and during the game) hindered Cincinnati's chances, no doubt, but over-pursuit on misdirection plays and dropped passes (when Palmer actually hit the mark) competely ruined their chances for a win.

Thank you Cedric Benson for giving us hope, however short-lived it was. And shame on you Graham for crushing that hope by missing two kicks -- one right, one left.

Some advice for Chad Ochocinco (who will soon be Johnson again if he keeps his word) - your next guarantee should be disappointment, because the Bengals are good for that.