Bengals trade blows with Packers but still lack knockout punch

CINCINNATI -- One of boxing’s oldest idioms is that a fighter can't become a champion until they suffer their first loss.

With 25 combined defeats in the previous two seasons, the Cincinnati Bengals had plenty of character-building experiences. But the Bengals are no longer the proverbial tomato can. After three wins in their first four games, Cincinnati has resembled a true playoff contender.

Best of NFL Nation

• Matt Ryan closes in on milestone

• Is Maye nearing Jets' exit?

• Stafford says thumb is fine

• How do Jaguars move on?

• Inside the Lions' troubling trends

That’s what made Sunday’s 25-22 overtime loss to the Green Bay Packers a different type of experience. Bengals cornerback Chidobe…