SCOUTING REPORT

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Saturday, August 8, 1998

Starting quarterback Jeff Blake's stint may last only two or three series, since challenger Neil O'Donnell is expected to receive the bulk of the playing time. With No. 3 quarterback Paul Justin (right knee) sidelined tonight, Eric Kresser should receive at least a smattering of playing time.

You know all about Carl Pickens and Darnay Scott. So watch the other wide receivers, who are jostling for the three extra spots. David Dunn, Chris Doering, James Hundon and Mike Jenkins have competed hard throughout training camp while rookies Daryle Heidelburg, Damon Gibson and Jason Tucker, a sixth-round draft choice, are trying to make themselves noticed.

Running back Corey Dillon has been bothered by an assortment of nagging injuries and probably won't play much, so it'll be interesting to see how erstwhile starter Ki-Jana Carter fares against second-team defenders. La Salle High School graduate Ty Douthard will try to make the most of his opportunities as he battles Brandon Bennett and Marcus Parker for a reserve role.

However, New York's defense ranked third against the run last year, due largely to Pro Bowl starter Jessie Armstead. Michael Strahan (14 sacks in '97) anchors the line.

Don't expect the new bookends of Cincinnati's line, Michael Bankston and Clyde Simmons, to play much. Bengals coaches not only want the pair of veterans to pace themselves but also must get a good look at backups Jevon Langford and Andre Purvis. Third-round draft choice Glen Steele will see time at right end and nose tackle, backing up Kimo von Oelhoffen at the latter spot.

Expect the Bengals to try numerous combinations of linebackers. First-round draft picks Takeo Spikes and Brian Simmons could find themselves aligned at inside spots simultaneously, despite their late starts at training camp. The speedy rookies should receive a fair test against the Giants' strong group of running backs.

The Bengals also want to get a sense of how Steve Foley, Steve Tovar, Billy Granville, Tim Terry and Adrian Ross fit into the linebacking puzzle. They're fairly certain about outside linebackers James Francis and Reinard Wilson and inside linebacker Tom Tumulty, all tentative starters.

The competition for the right cornerback spot will intensify among Corey Sawyer, Thomas Randolph, Jimmy Spencer and rookie Artrell Hawkins from UC. Danny Kanell begins his first full year as New York's starting quarterback.