Bengals Place Defensive Star Antwan Odom on Injured Reserve

Though a 28-17 loss to the Houston Texans wasn't an ideal way to come off an eye-opening 4-1 start, the Cincinnati Bengals knew it wouldn't be the end of the world.

Unfortunately, the repercussions of Sunday's game at Paul Brown Stadium will be felt for the rest of the season. The club Monday announced that Antwan Odom, who entered the weekend tied for the NFL lead in quarterback sacks, will miss the rest of the season.

The move only makes official what was reported Sunday, but that is indeed a sobering reality. Odom tore through the Packers for five sacks in a Week 2 "upset" at Lambeau Field, and the Bengals pronounced themselves as a legitimate team by beating the Steelers at home in Week 3 before a win at Baltimore last Sunday. Odom had seven sacks through the first two games, the most by any NFL player in the season's first two weeks since sacks became an official NFL statistic (1982).

A torn right Achilles' tendon ends his season, and it also sends shockwaves through the Bengals defensive front. Ends Robert Geathers and Michael Johnson will have to try to pick up some of the slack. The Bengals have flourished this season in part because of Odom's play, and while he's relied on Geathers and tackles Domata Peko and Tank Johnson to take up blockers and give him space.

Young linebackers Rey Maualuga and Keith Rivers might see different schemes as offenses adjust to not having Odom around. That means veteran defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer might have to get more aggressive to create havoc in opposing backfields.

In the end, it's quite a challenge for the Bengals. However, they've handled adversity very well so far, both on and off the field. There's no reason to think they won't be okay, even though Odom's loss is a major one for them.