Sunday, October 10, 1999Players to watch
TIM COUCH, Browns QB
Rookie quarterback Tim Couch has shown he can throw the long ball to those disbelieving scouts, but that hasn't meant getting into the end zone regularly.The most points Couch has produced was in a 17-10 loss in Baltimore two weeks ago and the Browns have yet to score two touchdowns in a ga me. But he's shown enough poise, arm strength and mobility to let people know he's going to be good.
Still, Couch has been horrible on third down as he tries to negotiate the NFL's gimmick defenses. He's completed just four of 21 third-down passes for a mere 34 yards, the longest of which is 12 yards. He hasn't thrown for a touchdown on third down, but hasn't thrown an interception, either, which is more than Mark Brunell (4) and Jake Plummer (3) can say.
JOHN THIERRY, Browns LB
Linebacker John Thierry, the 11th pick in the 1994 draft by the Bears, is getting a new life from the UFO scheme, the Browns' gimmick package on passi ng downs. The 6-foot-4, 265-pound Thierry, viewed as too small for defensive end and too big to be a pass rushing linebacker, has been finding holes in offensive lines despite just 12.5 career sacks coming into the season.Thierry is part of the Browns' front seven that stands in a clump just before the snap in a bid to mask which players are blitzing. The scheme helped spring him against Jonathan Ogden, the Ravens' estimable 300-pound left tackle, for four quarterback pressures.
Thierry, who has one sack this season, probably finds himself matched against Bengals left tackle Rod Jones on third down plays.
AKILI SMITH, Bengals QB
This is the most anticipated starting debut by a Bengals quarterback since the light went on for Boomer Esiason in ABC's Monday night booth.Let's see what the kid can do in non-garbage time. All but three of his 37 passes have been thrown when the Bengals trailed by at least 21 points. And of those three, two were for first downs and the other was a perfect Hail Mary at the gun ending the Tennessee game.
But it's going to be loud for the rookie in a new, enemystadium where the fans will be howling for the new franchise's first victory. And it will get quite testy for Smith on third down when the Browns come at him with the UFO package that disguises the blitz. Smith has been decent on third down, but after hitting his first three third-down passes for 71 yards, he's 2 of 7 since and been sacked once and intercepted once.
CORY HALL, Bengals S
Third-round draft pick Cory Hall gets his first NFL start at free safety as the Bengals look to speed to solve their long-play crisis. They've given up 16 plays of 20 yards or more, 14 via the pass that have included four completions of at least 47 yards.Take away Tim Biakabutuka's runs of 62 and 67 yards in Carolina, and the longest run Cincinnati has allowed to the trio of Eddie George, Natrone Means and Marshall Faulk is 15 yards.
But you can't take them away. And the Bengals aren't enamored with some of the tackle angles incumbent free safety Greg Myers has taken. Plus, they're shocked at strong safety Myron Bell's lack of speed in pass coverage. That means Tremain Mack could be on deck if things don't improve.
Look for Hall to move into the slot at cornerback on passing downs, when Myers comes back on the field.
Bengals Stories
Bengals vs. Browns: Let the rivalry resume
Bengals desperate for a win
Rookie QB gives Coslet second chance
Bengals-Browns by the numbers
Players to watch
Who's got the edge?
Bearcats create national buzz with new talent
HOUSTON 23, UC 20
UC Midnight Madness schedule
UC men's basketball roster
Who's the next Vaughn?
Fans hang hopes on Akili
Ohio State 25, Purdue 22
Blocked kick turns boos to cheers for Buckeyes
Miami 45, Bowling Green 31
UK 30, South Carolina 10
Anderson 14, Mout St. Joseph 11
Wilmington 55, Franklin 6
Spartans must replace center
Louisville 4, Mighty Ducks 0
Elder gains confidence with Fr. Rudy victory
CINCINNATI HIGH SCHOOL RESULTS
No winners in Anderson vs. Anderson
Basketball practice begins without hoopla
Brossart girls win NKAC meet
Conner 10, Covington Catholic 0
N.KY. HIGH SCHOOL RESULTS