Reilly
10-05-2005, 09:05 PM
Cincinnati (http://sports-att.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?teamId=4) (4-0, 2-0 away) at Jacksonville (http://sports-att.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?teamId=30) (2-2, 1-1 home)
Why To Watch
These are two young teams with playoff aspirations heading into Week 5 with vastly different mindsets. The Bengals ooze confidence on both sides of the ball, have that 4-0 swagger and expect to win each week. Jacksonville is at an early crossroads with injuries and inconsistent offensive play, and now their usually reliable defense even seems vulnerable.
The Jags will look to rebound on defense and confuse QB Carson Palmer (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6337) and slow down WR Chad Johnson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5483). They'll also try to get back to running Fred Taylor (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4259) effectively to take pressure off Byron Leftwich (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6343) and a beleaguered offensive line. Both of these offenses are capable of putting on an exciting show, and the Jags' sense of urgency will have them pressing for success early in the game.
http://espn.starwave.com/nfl/gamepackage/i/helmets/cin_34_rf.jpg When the Bengals have the ball
Rushing: One of the keys to the Bengals' offensive success has been their commitment to the run game. They lead the NFL in time of possession. The run game with Rudi Johnson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5548) opens up the play-action passing game for Carson Palmer (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6337). The Jaguars are usually rock-steady vs. the run, but they were gashed last week by the Broncos for 188 yards on the ground. What is even more alarming is that most of the damage came between the tackles, supposedly the strength of the Jacksonville defense. The Bengals are banged up in the interior offensive line, and the center position is especially a concern. Both centers -- Rich Braham (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=2832) and Larry Moore (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4523) -- are probably out and OG Eric Steinbach (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6369), who played against Houston, will probably have to step in again.
If there is a week for Jacksonville's defensive tackles Marcus Stroud (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5460) and John Henderson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5895) to step up their game and get some inside pressure, this is it. We may see the Bengals stretch their run game a little wider to not only avoid the talented tackles but also attack defensive ends Reggie Hayward (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5535) and Paul Spicer (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4973), who are better pass rushers than run defenders. Also, look for the Bengals to utilize RB Chris Perry (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6785) as a receiver out of the slot, which will force Jacksonville to take a linebacker out of the box in coverage, giving Rudi Johnson better running angles.
Passing: The maturation of QB Carson Palmer (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6337) over the last year is amazing. The game seems to have slowed down for him and he seems to be seeing defenses in slow motion. Not only does he make good decisions (only 2 INT), but he is spreading the ball around to all of his offensive weapons and identifying his best one-on-one matchups. The Bengals love to come out throwing to establish an early lead with a quick-strike approach. They try to go to WR Chad Johnson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5483) right off the bat with the right matchup, which also keeps him mentally in the game. Palmer will also test the Jaguars and SS Deke Cooper (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6270) with some crossing routes by T.J. Houshmandzadeh (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5652) designed to produce yards after the catch. If Palmer can establish the run game early, he can exploit the aggressive Jacksonville linebackers and safeties, who will bite on play fakes.
There may be some good opportunities for Palmer to attack the deep middle of the field off the play action. Jacksonville cannot play straight man-on-man vs. the Bengals' wide receivers, and they will need some safety help on the perimeter. The best way to slow down this passing game is with a strong inside push from the defensive tackles. Cincinnati is vulnerable in their interior pass protection because of injuries and Palmer is not as effective when he is flushed out of the pocket and throwing on the move. Jacksonville must not let Palmer get comfortable.
http://espn.starwave.com/nfl/gamepackage/i/helmets/jac_34_rf.jpg When the Jaguars have the ball
Rushing: The Jaguars' rushing attack was nonexistent vs. Denver. Fred Taylor (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4259) only had 14 yards on eight carries behind mediocre offensive line blocking. The Bengals are playing with confidence on defense, especially in the interior against the run. Their defensive front seven isn't overly physical, but they are quick and active and they do a nice job of slipping blocks and getting to the football. The Bengals love to mix up their defensive fronts and alignments with some passing movement, but they play pretty sound and basic schemes behind their fronts. What does impress you is their ability to play good gap control defense. Even through they are active and on the move, they don't leave their lanes and this discipline and quickness will cause huge problems for a Jaguars' offensive line that struggles to adjust on the move.
Somehow the Jaguars O-line must not only block the Cincinnati front 4four but more importantly, they must get to the 2nd level and make contact with the Bengals' linebackers, who are very active and make a lot of plays. If that doesn't happen, Taylor will struggle and his outside speed will be negated. It's hard to imagine Jacksonville handling the movement and quickness of Cincinnati's front seven.
Passing: The first thing the Jaguars must do in passing situations vs. the Bengals is figure out how to protect QB Byron Leftwich (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6343), especially from the left tackle position. Jacksonville has tried veterans Ephraim Salaam (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4428) and Mike Pearson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5926) and rookie Khalif Barnes (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7228) all with marginal results. In all likelihood, they will be forced to move blocking TE Kyle Brady (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3128) to the left side to help out, but they would like to avoid leaving a back in to block. Cincinnati already has 12 INTs through four games (best in the NFL) and they are doing it with sound secondary play and a lot of man-off and zone schemes. They don't take a lot of chances and they don't blitz a lot.
The Bengals defense isn't going to put a lot of big sack numbers. But they do play with a lot of confidence, especially corners Deltha O'Neal (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5044) and Tory James (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3603). They do a great job of recognizing routes and breaking on the ball. However, Marvin Lewis may rethink his philosophy after watching the Jaguars give up two sacks and several hits on Leftwich vs. Denver. Cincinnati may do some overload blitzes in this game, mostly with their linebackers to bring more bodies than the Jaguars can block. Jacksonville does have a size advantage at wide receiver and they should be able to create some good red zone plays and matchups, if they can get there.
Why To Watch
These are two young teams with playoff aspirations heading into Week 5 with vastly different mindsets. The Bengals ooze confidence on both sides of the ball, have that 4-0 swagger and expect to win each week. Jacksonville is at an early crossroads with injuries and inconsistent offensive play, and now their usually reliable defense even seems vulnerable.
The Jags will look to rebound on defense and confuse QB Carson Palmer (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6337) and slow down WR Chad Johnson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5483). They'll also try to get back to running Fred Taylor (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4259) effectively to take pressure off Byron Leftwich (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6343) and a beleaguered offensive line. Both of these offenses are capable of putting on an exciting show, and the Jags' sense of urgency will have them pressing for success early in the game.
http://espn.starwave.com/nfl/gamepackage/i/helmets/cin_34_rf.jpg When the Bengals have the ball
Rushing: One of the keys to the Bengals' offensive success has been their commitment to the run game. They lead the NFL in time of possession. The run game with Rudi Johnson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5548) opens up the play-action passing game for Carson Palmer (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6337). The Jaguars are usually rock-steady vs. the run, but they were gashed last week by the Broncos for 188 yards on the ground. What is even more alarming is that most of the damage came between the tackles, supposedly the strength of the Jacksonville defense. The Bengals are banged up in the interior offensive line, and the center position is especially a concern. Both centers -- Rich Braham (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=2832) and Larry Moore (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4523) -- are probably out and OG Eric Steinbach (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6369), who played against Houston, will probably have to step in again.
If there is a week for Jacksonville's defensive tackles Marcus Stroud (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5460) and John Henderson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5895) to step up their game and get some inside pressure, this is it. We may see the Bengals stretch their run game a little wider to not only avoid the talented tackles but also attack defensive ends Reggie Hayward (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5535) and Paul Spicer (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4973), who are better pass rushers than run defenders. Also, look for the Bengals to utilize RB Chris Perry (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6785) as a receiver out of the slot, which will force Jacksonville to take a linebacker out of the box in coverage, giving Rudi Johnson better running angles.
Passing: The maturation of QB Carson Palmer (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6337) over the last year is amazing. The game seems to have slowed down for him and he seems to be seeing defenses in slow motion. Not only does he make good decisions (only 2 INT), but he is spreading the ball around to all of his offensive weapons and identifying his best one-on-one matchups. The Bengals love to come out throwing to establish an early lead with a quick-strike approach. They try to go to WR Chad Johnson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5483) right off the bat with the right matchup, which also keeps him mentally in the game. Palmer will also test the Jaguars and SS Deke Cooper (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6270) with some crossing routes by T.J. Houshmandzadeh (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5652) designed to produce yards after the catch. If Palmer can establish the run game early, he can exploit the aggressive Jacksonville linebackers and safeties, who will bite on play fakes.
There may be some good opportunities for Palmer to attack the deep middle of the field off the play action. Jacksonville cannot play straight man-on-man vs. the Bengals' wide receivers, and they will need some safety help on the perimeter. The best way to slow down this passing game is with a strong inside push from the defensive tackles. Cincinnati is vulnerable in their interior pass protection because of injuries and Palmer is not as effective when he is flushed out of the pocket and throwing on the move. Jacksonville must not let Palmer get comfortable.
http://espn.starwave.com/nfl/gamepackage/i/helmets/jac_34_rf.jpg When the Jaguars have the ball
Rushing: The Jaguars' rushing attack was nonexistent vs. Denver. Fred Taylor (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4259) only had 14 yards on eight carries behind mediocre offensive line blocking. The Bengals are playing with confidence on defense, especially in the interior against the run. Their defensive front seven isn't overly physical, but they are quick and active and they do a nice job of slipping blocks and getting to the football. The Bengals love to mix up their defensive fronts and alignments with some passing movement, but they play pretty sound and basic schemes behind their fronts. What does impress you is their ability to play good gap control defense. Even through they are active and on the move, they don't leave their lanes and this discipline and quickness will cause huge problems for a Jaguars' offensive line that struggles to adjust on the move.
Somehow the Jaguars O-line must not only block the Cincinnati front 4four but more importantly, they must get to the 2nd level and make contact with the Bengals' linebackers, who are very active and make a lot of plays. If that doesn't happen, Taylor will struggle and his outside speed will be negated. It's hard to imagine Jacksonville handling the movement and quickness of Cincinnati's front seven.
Passing: The first thing the Jaguars must do in passing situations vs. the Bengals is figure out how to protect QB Byron Leftwich (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6343), especially from the left tackle position. Jacksonville has tried veterans Ephraim Salaam (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4428) and Mike Pearson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5926) and rookie Khalif Barnes (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7228) all with marginal results. In all likelihood, they will be forced to move blocking TE Kyle Brady (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3128) to the left side to help out, but they would like to avoid leaving a back in to block. Cincinnati already has 12 INTs through four games (best in the NFL) and they are doing it with sound secondary play and a lot of man-off and zone schemes. They don't take a lot of chances and they don't blitz a lot.
The Bengals defense isn't going to put a lot of big sack numbers. But they do play with a lot of confidence, especially corners Deltha O'Neal (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5044) and Tory James (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3603). They do a great job of recognizing routes and breaking on the ball. However, Marvin Lewis may rethink his philosophy after watching the Jaguars give up two sacks and several hits on Leftwich vs. Denver. Cincinnati may do some overload blitzes in this game, mostly with their linebackers to bring more bodies than the Jaguars can block. Jacksonville does have a size advantage at wide receiver and they should be able to create some good red zone plays and matchups, if they can get there.