Sunday, September 26, 1999BENGALS TO WATCH
OFFENSE
Can he or can't he?Only Jeff Blake's sprained right shoulder knows for sure. He figures to be the starter if there are no more complications, but that hasn't been the pattern in this hard-to-figure season.
Blake has yet to finish a game, leaving it for rookie Akili Smith and it hasn't been pretty. The Bengals have scored all of their 42 points on drives started by Blake, which is maybe why they stepped up Smith's work in practice. This week they gave him the most snaps since he arrived a month ago and could still turn to Smith if Blake has a relapse before kickoff.
Plus, despite extra padding for Blake, the Bengals know Smith is one good shoulder shot away from being in the game. You've got to figure this is one game Blake won't be able to use his running ability, which makes running back Corey Dillon all that more important.
Still, Blake plays well hurt. Last season, he passed for most of his 367 yards after chipping a bone in his passing wrist in the Bengals' last victory.
DEFENSE
Inside linebacker Brian Simmons, a North Carolina native, has today's key matchup on third down. He goes against Pro Bowl tight end Wesley Walls a week after holding future Pro Bowler Freddie Jones to one catch.The Bengals are concerned Walls' savvy route running may be a problem of inexperience for the second-year Simmons, but they'll put his outstanding speed and 250 pounds against anyone.
Simmons is coming off the best game of his career with 15 tackles, but if the Bengals are to win he may need to add to his four career sacks. The Panthers' offensive line has looked shaky against the blitz and is 27th in the NFL by allowing 11 sacks. The Bengals like to blitz up the middle by taking turns — and occasionally blitzing both — with Simmons and fellow inside backer Takeo Spikes.
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