Tuesday, August 10, 1999Bengals plan: Hit ground running
Club turning to ground game
BY GEOFF HOBSON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
GEORGETOWN, Ky. — Quarterback Jeff Blake, who has started just three games with running back Corey Dillon, pointed to his main man after Monday's practice here at Bengals' training camp.
Corey Dillon's yards-per-carry average is 4.6, but he has rushed more than 22 times in a game only seven times.
(Jeff Swinger photo)
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“He's going to take the pressure off me. He's going to run for me like he ran for Boomer,” said Blake, invoking those five games of Dillon's rookie year in 1997 when he rushed for 535 yards working with quarterback Boomer Esiason.
There is an air of smash, crackle, pop around Georgetown College these days as the Bengals commit to the running game. Only five NFL teams ran less than the Bengals last season. Part of the reason: The Bengals usually trailed early — they were outscored 113-26 in the first quarter — and lost their starting guards to injury during the season.
But, for once, coach Bruce Coslet has an all-star back teamed with offensive linemen who were selected high in the NFL draft and not sifted out of it as college free agents.
Take two big, tough guards from teams who ran into the playoffs last year in Brian DeMarco and Matt O'Dwyer (both second-round picks in 1995), plus a sleeker, stronger
Dillon and the Bengals are going from down-in-the-mouth to smash-mouth.
“I'm a 25-to-30 type of guy,” said Dillon, referring to the number of carries he wouldn't mind in a game. “That's what I'm used to. I would have no problem with it. We're a lot better off if we establish the run off the bat.”
Brian DeMarco, who practiced for the first time in camp, leaves with ice on his shoulder.
(Jeff Swinger photo)
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Dillon is exuberant and earnest this camp. He wants to win and an observer would have to believe if he averages more than last year's 17 carries per game, the Bengals should have a better shot. His career yards-per carry average is 4.6, yet he has carried more than 22 times in a game just seven times.
Dillon knows there are reasons for that. He tried to rectify one of them with a hellish winter in the gym improving his cardiovascular system so he can have an easier time playing 60 minutes. He admitted it was hard last year with “musical quarterbacks,” and trying to find a rhythm each week with a new man.
And Dillon wouldn't mind a more diverse playbook. He remembers lining up last year and hearing the defense call the play. He figures 90 percent of his runs went to the right and only 10 percent to the left. Because he carries the ball in his left arm, he thinks there could be an advantage going left.
“The ball is toward the sideline and I can stiff-arm with the right,” Dillon said. “It doesn't matter. I feel comfortable going to the right or left. It's just a matter of mixing up the plays.”
Of course, he won't mind going right behind the 325-pound DeMarco and 340-pound right tackle Willie Anderson. DeMarco, recovering from a sprained shoulder, practiced for the first time as a Bengal Monday and made his mindset clear after helping Jacksonville run its way into the playoffs.
“I don't think there's any doubt that me and O'Dwyer want to get out there and just punch somebody in the mouth,” DeMarco said. “That's the kind of style of players we are ... My idea of football is I don't care if the offense tells the defense what's coming, they still have to stop it.”
DeMarco is a big fan of Dillon.
“He's unbelievable,” DeMarco said. “I like Corey. If you don't get juked by him, you're going to get run over by him. He's fearless.”
For years Blake has been looking for the Bengals to be so good running the ball they have no qualms running on fourth-and-1 or third-and-2. He likes what O'Dwyer and DeMarco bring: “The feeling of domination” at the line of scrimmage.
Dillon, who says he can car ry it 35 times a game if they want, is ready.
“They went out and got some players (O'Dwyer and DeMarco). They loaded up,” Dillon said. “I believe we can compete in this league.”
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