The Cincinnati Bengals have doubled their season win total over the last two games, including Sunday’s improbable upset of the San Diego Chargers.

Playing without wide receivers Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco, quarterback Carson Palmer delivered one of his best days of the season as he completed 16-of-21 passes for 269 yards and four touchdowns.

Third-year wideout Jerome Simpson, who mustered just three career receptions before this recent winning streak began, caught six balls for 124 yards and a score.  Rookies Jermaine Gresham and Jordan Shipley continued to show promise and even running back Bernard Scott was involved.

With the T.Ocho Show preempted on Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium fans got a taste what life may look like post divas. The team is unlikely likely to resign Owens, who will be 38 next year, and will save over $3 million to let Ochocinco walk.

I am not blaming all of the Bengals’ offensive woes on either Owens or Ochocinco. They did combine for 139 catches this season. However, clearly Palmer and offensive coordinator were at ease without having the pressure of getting the ball to the two veterans.

While I am not ready to jump on the bandwagon and still want to see the team clean house with its coaching staff, there does appear to be some upside in the team’s young targets.

NFL cincinnati bengals, terrell owens, carson palmer, chad ochocinco, jerome simpson, jordan shipley