Reilly
09-27-2005, 09:00 PM
Houston (http://sports-att.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?teamId=34) (0-2, 0-1 away) at Cincinnati (http://sports-att.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?teamId=4) (3-0, 1-0 home)
Why To Watch
This game features teams going in opposite directions. The underachieving Houston Texans (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=hou) must come up with a game plan on offense that can generate points. New offensive coordinator Joe Pendry replaces the departed Chris Palmer and will be expected to get David Carr (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5887) to perform. The game plan for the Bengals defense will be stopping RB Domanick Davis (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6437) and forcing Carr into making critical mistakes. The Bengals lead the league with a plus-12 turnover differential and have forced 10 turnovers in the last two games. It will be interesting to see if Carr will continue to blame the offensive line for protection breakdowns.
Texans defensive coordinator Vic Fangio must come with a creative way to slow down the high-powered Bengals offense and the Big Three of QB Carson Palmer (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6337), RB Rudi Johnson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5548) and WR Chad Johnson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5483), all three of whom show no signs of slowing down.
http://espn.starwave.com/nfl/gamepackage/i/helmets/hou_34_rf.jpg When the Texans have the ball
Rushing: Pendry replaces the fired Palmer as the new Texans offensive coordinator heading into Week 4's contest with the Bengals. Pendry is an aggressive, up-in-your-face type coach that likes to mix it up with a good balance of running to set up the pass. Look for the Texans to simplify things in the running game and focus on being physical with their offensive line. The Texans are ranked 32nd in the NFL in total offense and rank 14th in rushing offense, averaging 104.0 per game. The game plan will be to take pressure off of Carr and hand the ball to Davis. Also, look for Davis to carry the ball anywhere from 20-25 times to control the clock and keep the high powered Bengals offense off the field.
The Bengals defense is ranked ninth in the NFL against the run, giving up 92.7 yards per game. With the addition of LDT Bryan Robinson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4105), MLB Odell Thurman (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7224) and the production of second year FS Madieu Williams (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6815), the Bengals have upgraded the middle of their defense and improved their ability to stop the run. Robinson will be matched up vs. RG Zach Wiegert (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3157) and has provided the Bengals with a stout run defender that takes up inside space. Thurman has good quickness, a mean streak and has been very active within the box vs. the run. Williams has played very well vs. the run and finished last week's game with eight solo tackles. Look for the Bengals to continue to use multiple fronts with attacking up-field schemes to get into gaps and be disruptive vs. the run, to allow their athletic linebackers to play inside-out to the ball.
Passing: The Texans spent their bye working on a controlled, quicker passing attack with a high emphasis on timing and accuracy. So far, the Texans offense has only sustained two drives in two games. They've reached the red zone once in each game and scored. But that has been the lone highlight in games which they have been outscored 49-14. Carr has struggled and has blamed the problems on Palmer, so now the pressure falls directly on Carr's shoulders to lead this team. Look for Pendry to shore up the offensive line protections that have allowed 13 sacks over two games. WR Andre Johnson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6339) (7) and Davis (6) lead the Texans in receptions, with most of their catches in the short, underneath areas of the passing game. Johnson is one of the league's toughest matchups because of his size and speed, so it's imperative that the Texans find ways to get him the ball in any situation.
Cincy's Bresnahan and his defensive staff did a great job of confusing QB Kyle Orton (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7282) last week, so look for the same this week against Carr. The Bengals have held opposing quarterbacks Trent Dilfer (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=2900) of Cleveland, Daunte Culpepper (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4659) of Minnesota and now Orton to a combined passer rating of 33.3. Look for Bresnahan to emphasize to his defensive linemen the importance of staying in their rush lanes in order to contain Carr and utilize a lot of match-up zones where they can roll the coverage toward Johnson. Both Tory James (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3603) and Deltha O'Neal (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5044) are playing at a high level when challenging receivers on the perimeter.
http://espn.starwave.com/nfl/gamepackage/i/helmets/cin_34_rf.jpg When the Bengals have the ball
Rushing: RT Willie Anderson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3544), the team's most durable player with 83 consecutive starts, was sidelined with a back injury in the second quarter and replaced by Scott Kooistra (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6551). Offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski relies on good balance and a big physical offensive line that has done a good job of creating run lanes and space for RB Rudi Johnson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5548). The Bengals rely heavy on running to their right behind both Anderson and RG Bobbie Williams (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5090), so look for Bratkowski to be selective in his play selection if Anderson doesn't play. Also, the Bengals will continue to spread things out to maximize their personnel strength, which allows Rudi Johnson to be more effective as a 1-back zone runner due to his north-south running style. Look for change-of-pace runner Chris Perry (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6785) to be a factor in this game on draws in third-down situations based on the different personnel groupings the Texans will run in sub situations.
The Texans have struggled in almost every facet in their first two games. Their defense hasn't played aggressively, failing to force even one turnover in the first two games of the regular season. Fangio must come up with creative ways to match up with a Bengals team that has a lot of weapons. Shantee Orr (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6714) replaces Jason Babin (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6786) at left outside linebacker and the Texans must do a good job of maintaining their gaps and controlling the outside edges of the defense to contain Rudi Johnson. The Houston defense is still a work in progress and must play at a high level this week to contain a strong running attack on the road.
Passing: QB Carson Palmer (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6337) is one of the league's hottest quarterbacks. In his last six starts (five victories), he has 17 touchdown passes and just seven interceptions. In his past 11 starts, the Bengals are 8-3. WR Chad Johnson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5483) poses some serious mismatches for teams with shorter corners on the edge, something the Texans have with Dunta Robinson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6769) and DeMarcus Faggins (http://sports-att.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6052). Look for the Bengals to continue to involve WR Chris Henry (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7259) and RB Perry in sub situations. Henry was active for the second straight week with four catches against Chicago, including his first career touchdown on a 36-yard strike from Palmer. He has replaced Kelley Washington (http://sports-att.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6401) as the third receiver in the Bengals multiple groupings. Look for the Bengals to continue to pound away with the running game to set-up the vertical passing game down the field.
Again, Fangio must come up with creative ways coverage-wise to match up on the perimeter vs. the Bengals big receiving corps. The Texans haven't done a real effective job of creating pressure in both three- and four-man fronts and have not gotten to the quarterback from their zone blitz packages. It will be critical that the Texans can anticipate the right situations to attack and not get burned on the back end. Two critical matchup in sub situations will be Kailee Wong (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4310) and Antwan Peek (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6403) rushing off the edge vs. the Bengals big offensive tackles in Anderson and Levi Jones (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5896). Also, look for the Texans to come up with some creative ways in their match-up zones to confuse Palmer with two weeks to prepare for this game.
Why To Watch
This game features teams going in opposite directions. The underachieving Houston Texans (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=hou) must come up with a game plan on offense that can generate points. New offensive coordinator Joe Pendry replaces the departed Chris Palmer and will be expected to get David Carr (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5887) to perform. The game plan for the Bengals defense will be stopping RB Domanick Davis (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6437) and forcing Carr into making critical mistakes. The Bengals lead the league with a plus-12 turnover differential and have forced 10 turnovers in the last two games. It will be interesting to see if Carr will continue to blame the offensive line for protection breakdowns.
Texans defensive coordinator Vic Fangio must come with a creative way to slow down the high-powered Bengals offense and the Big Three of QB Carson Palmer (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6337), RB Rudi Johnson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5548) and WR Chad Johnson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5483), all three of whom show no signs of slowing down.
http://espn.starwave.com/nfl/gamepackage/i/helmets/hou_34_rf.jpg When the Texans have the ball
Rushing: Pendry replaces the fired Palmer as the new Texans offensive coordinator heading into Week 4's contest with the Bengals. Pendry is an aggressive, up-in-your-face type coach that likes to mix it up with a good balance of running to set up the pass. Look for the Texans to simplify things in the running game and focus on being physical with their offensive line. The Texans are ranked 32nd in the NFL in total offense and rank 14th in rushing offense, averaging 104.0 per game. The game plan will be to take pressure off of Carr and hand the ball to Davis. Also, look for Davis to carry the ball anywhere from 20-25 times to control the clock and keep the high powered Bengals offense off the field.
The Bengals defense is ranked ninth in the NFL against the run, giving up 92.7 yards per game. With the addition of LDT Bryan Robinson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4105), MLB Odell Thurman (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7224) and the production of second year FS Madieu Williams (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6815), the Bengals have upgraded the middle of their defense and improved their ability to stop the run. Robinson will be matched up vs. RG Zach Wiegert (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3157) and has provided the Bengals with a stout run defender that takes up inside space. Thurman has good quickness, a mean streak and has been very active within the box vs. the run. Williams has played very well vs. the run and finished last week's game with eight solo tackles. Look for the Bengals to continue to use multiple fronts with attacking up-field schemes to get into gaps and be disruptive vs. the run, to allow their athletic linebackers to play inside-out to the ball.
Passing: The Texans spent their bye working on a controlled, quicker passing attack with a high emphasis on timing and accuracy. So far, the Texans offense has only sustained two drives in two games. They've reached the red zone once in each game and scored. But that has been the lone highlight in games which they have been outscored 49-14. Carr has struggled and has blamed the problems on Palmer, so now the pressure falls directly on Carr's shoulders to lead this team. Look for Pendry to shore up the offensive line protections that have allowed 13 sacks over two games. WR Andre Johnson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6339) (7) and Davis (6) lead the Texans in receptions, with most of their catches in the short, underneath areas of the passing game. Johnson is one of the league's toughest matchups because of his size and speed, so it's imperative that the Texans find ways to get him the ball in any situation.
Cincy's Bresnahan and his defensive staff did a great job of confusing QB Kyle Orton (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7282) last week, so look for the same this week against Carr. The Bengals have held opposing quarterbacks Trent Dilfer (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=2900) of Cleveland, Daunte Culpepper (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4659) of Minnesota and now Orton to a combined passer rating of 33.3. Look for Bresnahan to emphasize to his defensive linemen the importance of staying in their rush lanes in order to contain Carr and utilize a lot of match-up zones where they can roll the coverage toward Johnson. Both Tory James (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3603) and Deltha O'Neal (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5044) are playing at a high level when challenging receivers on the perimeter.
http://espn.starwave.com/nfl/gamepackage/i/helmets/cin_34_rf.jpg When the Bengals have the ball
Rushing: RT Willie Anderson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3544), the team's most durable player with 83 consecutive starts, was sidelined with a back injury in the second quarter and replaced by Scott Kooistra (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6551). Offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski relies on good balance and a big physical offensive line that has done a good job of creating run lanes and space for RB Rudi Johnson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5548). The Bengals rely heavy on running to their right behind both Anderson and RG Bobbie Williams (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5090), so look for Bratkowski to be selective in his play selection if Anderson doesn't play. Also, the Bengals will continue to spread things out to maximize their personnel strength, which allows Rudi Johnson to be more effective as a 1-back zone runner due to his north-south running style. Look for change-of-pace runner Chris Perry (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6785) to be a factor in this game on draws in third-down situations based on the different personnel groupings the Texans will run in sub situations.
The Texans have struggled in almost every facet in their first two games. Their defense hasn't played aggressively, failing to force even one turnover in the first two games of the regular season. Fangio must come up with creative ways to match up with a Bengals team that has a lot of weapons. Shantee Orr (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6714) replaces Jason Babin (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6786) at left outside linebacker and the Texans must do a good job of maintaining their gaps and controlling the outside edges of the defense to contain Rudi Johnson. The Houston defense is still a work in progress and must play at a high level this week to contain a strong running attack on the road.
Passing: QB Carson Palmer (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6337) is one of the league's hottest quarterbacks. In his last six starts (five victories), he has 17 touchdown passes and just seven interceptions. In his past 11 starts, the Bengals are 8-3. WR Chad Johnson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5483) poses some serious mismatches for teams with shorter corners on the edge, something the Texans have with Dunta Robinson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6769) and DeMarcus Faggins (http://sports-att.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6052). Look for the Bengals to continue to involve WR Chris Henry (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7259) and RB Perry in sub situations. Henry was active for the second straight week with four catches against Chicago, including his first career touchdown on a 36-yard strike from Palmer. He has replaced Kelley Washington (http://sports-att.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6401) as the third receiver in the Bengals multiple groupings. Look for the Bengals to continue to pound away with the running game to set-up the vertical passing game down the field.
Again, Fangio must come up with creative ways coverage-wise to match up on the perimeter vs. the Bengals big receiving corps. The Texans haven't done a real effective job of creating pressure in both three- and four-man fronts and have not gotten to the quarterback from their zone blitz packages. It will be critical that the Texans can anticipate the right situations to attack and not get burned on the back end. Two critical matchup in sub situations will be Kailee Wong (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4310) and Antwan Peek (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6403) rushing off the edge vs. the Bengals big offensive tackles in Anderson and Levi Jones (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5896). Also, look for the Texans to come up with some creative ways in their match-up zones to confuse Palmer with two weeks to prepare for this game.