Reilly
10-13-2005, 12:09 PM
Cincinnati (http://sports-att.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?teamId=4) (4-1, 2-1 away) at Tennessee (http://sports-att.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?teamId=10) (2-3, 1-1 home)
Why To Watch
The Bengals must get back to utilizing their 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) against the young and hungry Titans. Look for the Bengals to spread the field and attack the Titans' secondary with key mismatches in their multiple sets. Defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan must find a way to fix the interior of the Bengals run defense, and head coach Marvin Lewis must get his young team back on track in a critical road game. Cincinnati must eliminate mistakes and penalties and get their running game back on track against a Titans defense that is giving up 116.4 yards per game.
For the Titans, head coach Jeff Fisher and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz must come up with a plan to slow down this high-powered offense. Look for the Titans to come up with some creative ways to pressure and get after Palmer. QB Steve McNair (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3114) needs to have another big day and manage the game for the Titans to win. RB Chris Brown (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6429) could have a big rushing day against a run defense that is giving up 117 yards per game.
http://espn.starwave.com/nfl/gamepackage/i/helmets/cin_34_rf.jpg When the Bengals have the ball
Rushing: The Bengals running game, led by running back Rudi Johnson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5548), will need to incorporate more balance within its attack this week against a Titans defense that is giving up 317.4 total yards per game. The Bengals do a great job of number counting in the box and attacking with play-action passes. FB Jeremi Johnson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6454) rarely gets the ball but must be effective as a lead blocker in the Bengals two-back offense vs. the Titans multiple seven- and eight-man fronts. Titans ROLB Keith Bulluck (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5059) had a monster game last week with 15 tackles, one sack and one pass deflection. The Bengals offensive line is big and physical, so while the Titans are stout in the middle with RDT Albert Haynesworth (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5901) and LDT Randy Starks (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6830), they are undersized on the edges with RDE Antwan Odom (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6816) and LDE Kyle Vanden Bosch (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5481).
The Titans should be able to control the middle of the line of scrimmage with both Haynesworth and Starks, so look for the Bengals to attack the edges of the Titans defense with their stretch zones and power off-tackle plays. The Titans are an active, 1-gap defensive team when attacking the run. Running backs Rudi Johnson and Chris Perry (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6785) have cut-back ability, so it's imperative for a defender to be in each gap to eliminate the cut-back play on the weak side. Also SS Tank Williams (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5931), a hard hitter that has a tendency to play out of control and miss tackles in open space, will be counted on to play near the line of scrimmage in run down situations based on run tendencies.
Passing: The Bengals offense is ranked third in the NFL in total offense and is ranked eight in passing offense, averaging 255 yards per game. Palmer finished last week's game with a quarterback rating of 108. It is the eighth consecutive game in which his rating has been 100 or better. His streak of consecutive passes without an interception stands at 115. Look for offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski to continue to spread the field and put his quarterback in a position to succeed. The Bengals can cause certain key mismatches that they can exploit and attack when they spread the field in both regular and sub situations. Also, look for the Bengals to get T.J. Houshmandzadeh (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5652) back on the field this week after missing last week's game vs. the Jaguars. With Houshmandzadeh, the Bengals can have a better success rate on third down with WR Chad Johnson. Look for starting LC Andre Woolfolk (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6364) to move inside and match up vs. Houshmandzadeh and rookie backup corner Reynaldo Hill (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7394) aligning on the outside vs. third receiver Chris Henry (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7259) or Johnson on the outside. Also, this will allow the Titans to bracket Chad Johnson with a safety or linebacker.
Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz loves to mix and match different personnel groupings in sub defenses and rotate his defensive front four with the emphasis on the back end (secondary-coverage) and then the rush. He is big on moving defensive lineman around and creating mismatches (RDT Albert Haynesworth) when attacking or overloading certain protections where there is weakness, so look for the Titans to attack the interior of the Bengals offensive line. The Titans are very aggressive and can pose problems on the edges where the Bengals are solid with RT Willie Anderson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3544) and LT Levi Jones (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5896). Both teams will put a high emphasis on third-down success in this week's game.
http://espn.starwave.com/nfl/gamepackage/i/helmets/ten_34_rf.jpg When the Titans have the ball
Rushing: The Titans primary run grouping is 12 personnel (1 RB, 2 TE), a formation that gives them the flexibility to align an extra tight end in the backfield on the line of scrimmage or detach out in the formation. The Titans are ranked 23rd in the NFL in total offense, averaging 310.8 yards per game. The Titans showed good offensive balance in last week's win over the Texans and should be able to generate a solid running game against a Bengals front seven that is giving up 117 yards rushing per game. RB Chris Brown (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6429) is averaging 14 carries per game for 58 yards and needs to get more touches in this game to allow the Titans to control the time of possession and keep the Bengals explosive offense off the field.
The Bengals' run defense, which entered the game last week ranked 15th, was exposed by the Jaguars (181 yards on 37 attempts). The Titans have a big, experienced offensive line that has the ability to control the line of scrimmage and create inside running lanes. The Bengals love to mix up their multiple fronts and alignments when stemming gaps and trying to be disruptive when on the move, something that should cause problems for the Titans offensive line. However, one of the weaknesses in last week's game was the inability of the Bengals linebackers to play under control and maintain their gap responsibilities on the backside, resulting in some explosive plays in the running game. So, look for improved play in the middle of the Bengals defense led by RDT John Thornton (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4702), LDT Bryan Robinson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4105) and MLB Odell Thurman (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7224).
Passing: QB Steve McNair (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3114) looked impressive last week and like the McNair of the past. He completed 22-of-31 passes for 220 yards, two touchdowns and finished with a passer rating of 112.3. He also rushed for a touchdown. He wasn't sacked, made very few mistakes and did a good job of managing the game. McNair is still a fearless, respected leader with big-play capability who the Bengals must still account for within their defensive game plan. The Titans will need a big game out of McNair against a defense that has caused a lot of turnovers in the early part of the regular season. Look for the Titans to start the game in a multiple three-receiver set to spread the field and create key mismatches with WR Drew Bennett (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5798), WR Brandon Jones (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7272), WR Tyrone Calico (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6396) and TE Erron Kinney (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5097).
The Bengals secondary has performed well, especially LC Deltha O'Neal (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5044) and RC Tory James (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3603), though not having the injured FS Madieu Williams (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6815) has set them back. The Bengals will attack the Titans with conservative four-man fronts and some overload blitzes on the Titans right side and match-up zones on the back end in order to shut down the run and contain McNair in the pocket. The Titans have an effective, controlled passing attack that relies on McNair to take what the defense is giving him with a heavy emphasis on the tight ends and an occasional downfield vertical throw for the explosive play. The Bengals will put a heavy emphasis on their rush lanes this week and the ability to get into McNair's throwing lanes to try to offset the Titans passing attack.
Why To Watch
The Bengals must get back to utilizing their 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) against the young and hungry Titans. Look for the Bengals to spread the field and attack the Titans' secondary with key mismatches in their multiple sets. Defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan must find a way to fix the interior of the Bengals run defense, and head coach Marvin Lewis must get his young team back on track in a critical road game. Cincinnati must eliminate mistakes and penalties and get their running game back on track against a Titans defense that is giving up 116.4 yards per game.
For the Titans, head coach Jeff Fisher and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz must come up with a plan to slow down this high-powered offense. Look for the Titans to come up with some creative ways to pressure and get after Palmer. QB Steve McNair (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3114) needs to have another big day and manage the game for the Titans to win. RB Chris Brown (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6429) could have a big rushing day against a run defense that is giving up 117 yards per game.
http://espn.starwave.com/nfl/gamepackage/i/helmets/cin_34_rf.jpg When the Bengals have the ball
Rushing: The Bengals running game, led by running back Rudi Johnson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5548), will need to incorporate more balance within its attack this week against a Titans defense that is giving up 317.4 total yards per game. The Bengals do a great job of number counting in the box and attacking with play-action passes. FB Jeremi Johnson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6454) rarely gets the ball but must be effective as a lead blocker in the Bengals two-back offense vs. the Titans multiple seven- and eight-man fronts. Titans ROLB Keith Bulluck (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5059) had a monster game last week with 15 tackles, one sack and one pass deflection. The Bengals offensive line is big and physical, so while the Titans are stout in the middle with RDT Albert Haynesworth (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5901) and LDT Randy Starks (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6830), they are undersized on the edges with RDE Antwan Odom (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6816) and LDE Kyle Vanden Bosch (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5481).
The Titans should be able to control the middle of the line of scrimmage with both Haynesworth and Starks, so look for the Bengals to attack the edges of the Titans defense with their stretch zones and power off-tackle plays. The Titans are an active, 1-gap defensive team when attacking the run. Running backs Rudi Johnson and Chris Perry (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6785) have cut-back ability, so it's imperative for a defender to be in each gap to eliminate the cut-back play on the weak side. Also SS Tank Williams (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5931), a hard hitter that has a tendency to play out of control and miss tackles in open space, will be counted on to play near the line of scrimmage in run down situations based on run tendencies.
Passing: The Bengals offense is ranked third in the NFL in total offense and is ranked eight in passing offense, averaging 255 yards per game. Palmer finished last week's game with a quarterback rating of 108. It is the eighth consecutive game in which his rating has been 100 or better. His streak of consecutive passes without an interception stands at 115. Look for offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski to continue to spread the field and put his quarterback in a position to succeed. The Bengals can cause certain key mismatches that they can exploit and attack when they spread the field in both regular and sub situations. Also, look for the Bengals to get T.J. Houshmandzadeh (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5652) back on the field this week after missing last week's game vs. the Jaguars. With Houshmandzadeh, the Bengals can have a better success rate on third down with WR Chad Johnson. Look for starting LC Andre Woolfolk (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6364) to move inside and match up vs. Houshmandzadeh and rookie backup corner Reynaldo Hill (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7394) aligning on the outside vs. third receiver Chris Henry (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7259) or Johnson on the outside. Also, this will allow the Titans to bracket Chad Johnson with a safety or linebacker.
Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz loves to mix and match different personnel groupings in sub defenses and rotate his defensive front four with the emphasis on the back end (secondary-coverage) and then the rush. He is big on moving defensive lineman around and creating mismatches (RDT Albert Haynesworth) when attacking or overloading certain protections where there is weakness, so look for the Titans to attack the interior of the Bengals offensive line. The Titans are very aggressive and can pose problems on the edges where the Bengals are solid with RT Willie Anderson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3544) and LT Levi Jones (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5896). Both teams will put a high emphasis on third-down success in this week's game.
http://espn.starwave.com/nfl/gamepackage/i/helmets/ten_34_rf.jpg When the Titans have the ball
Rushing: The Titans primary run grouping is 12 personnel (1 RB, 2 TE), a formation that gives them the flexibility to align an extra tight end in the backfield on the line of scrimmage or detach out in the formation. The Titans are ranked 23rd in the NFL in total offense, averaging 310.8 yards per game. The Titans showed good offensive balance in last week's win over the Texans and should be able to generate a solid running game against a Bengals front seven that is giving up 117 yards rushing per game. RB Chris Brown (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6429) is averaging 14 carries per game for 58 yards and needs to get more touches in this game to allow the Titans to control the time of possession and keep the Bengals explosive offense off the field.
The Bengals' run defense, which entered the game last week ranked 15th, was exposed by the Jaguars (181 yards on 37 attempts). The Titans have a big, experienced offensive line that has the ability to control the line of scrimmage and create inside running lanes. The Bengals love to mix up their multiple fronts and alignments when stemming gaps and trying to be disruptive when on the move, something that should cause problems for the Titans offensive line. However, one of the weaknesses in last week's game was the inability of the Bengals linebackers to play under control and maintain their gap responsibilities on the backside, resulting in some explosive plays in the running game. So, look for improved play in the middle of the Bengals defense led by RDT John Thornton (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4702), LDT Bryan Robinson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4105) and MLB Odell Thurman (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7224).
Passing: QB Steve McNair (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3114) looked impressive last week and like the McNair of the past. He completed 22-of-31 passes for 220 yards, two touchdowns and finished with a passer rating of 112.3. He also rushed for a touchdown. He wasn't sacked, made very few mistakes and did a good job of managing the game. McNair is still a fearless, respected leader with big-play capability who the Bengals must still account for within their defensive game plan. The Titans will need a big game out of McNair against a defense that has caused a lot of turnovers in the early part of the regular season. Look for the Titans to start the game in a multiple three-receiver set to spread the field and create key mismatches with WR Drew Bennett (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5798), WR Brandon Jones (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7272), WR Tyrone Calico (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6396) and TE Erron Kinney (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5097).
The Bengals secondary has performed well, especially LC Deltha O'Neal (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5044) and RC Tory James (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3603), though not having the injured FS Madieu Williams (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6815) has set them back. The Bengals will attack the Titans with conservative four-man fronts and some overload blitzes on the Titans right side and match-up zones on the back end in order to shut down the run and contain McNair in the pocket. The Titans have an effective, controlled passing attack that relies on McNair to take what the defense is giving him with a heavy emphasis on the tight ends and an occasional downfield vertical throw for the explosive play. The Bengals will put a heavy emphasis on their rush lanes this week and the ability to get into McNair's throwing lanes to try to offset the Titans passing attack.