Sunday, December 05, 1999
Who's got the edge?
QUARTERBACKS
Bengals: Anybody sense this is second time in three years the Bengals quarterback who leads late-season resurgence isn't back next season?
Niners: No, no. That's Jeff Garcia, not Jerry Garcia. With way they protected Steve Young, they should be Grateful he's not Dead
EDGE: Bengals
RUNNING BACKS
Bengals: Corey Dillon 152 yards away from becoming 11th in history to rush 1,000 yards in first three seasons. Last one? Terrell Davis
Niners: Bengal insiders suggest running back Charlie Garner and blocking back Fred Beasley best tandem they'll play. Both dangerous catching with combined 51 receptions and a TD
EDGE: Niners
RECEIVERS
Bengals: They've come on lately, especially Darnay Scott, whose four touchdowns on third down lead AFC. Tony McGee has more than 100 yards receiving than Niner counterpart
Niners: They've got Hall of Famer in Jerry Rice, franchise player in Terrell Owens and first-rounder in J.J. Stokes. But none in NFC top 20 catches or yards
EDGE: Bengals
OFFENSIVE LINE
Bengals: They play well with lead. Third best rush average in NFL and allowed two sacks last two weeks to top four defenses
Niners: Best rush average in NFL and allowed 17 less sacks than Bengals. But somehow they're worse in red zone, scoring TDs 33 percent of time to Bengals' 39 and the QB gets hit alot.
EDGE: Bengals
DEFENSIVE LINE
Bengals: Four-man line gives them shot in arm. Their 13.5 sacks three more than Niners' front and ranked slightly better vs. run
Niners: Bengals don't have anyone like Pro Bowl tackle Bryant Young and makes guy next to him — Junior Bryant — more dangerous. Bengals fear end Gabe Wilkins' quickness
EDGE: Niners
LINEBACKERS
Bengals: Light starting to come on for outside backer Steve Foley. If inside backers Takeo Spikes (7 forced/recovered fumbles) and Brian Simmons (72 tackles, three sacks) were on winner, they'd be awash in Pro Bowl votes
Niners: Solid veteran crew, but don't make plays. Three sacks, interception, forced fumble and fumble recovery among the three
EDGE: Bengals
SECONDARY:
Bengals: Kids have pretty much held up vs. poor offenses last two weeks, not allowing 40-yard pass last week. But Niner receivers are big and physical. Yes kids, that's real Jerry Rice.
Niners: For once, Bengals just as depleted. Only one cornerback playing today has interception as they try eighth different corner combo. SS Tim McDonald used to Pro Bowl it every year. FS Lance Schulters leads NFL with six interceptions
EDGE: Even
SPECIAL TEAMS
Bengals: Tremain Mack on pace to break own club record with 26.1 kick average. But of kicker Doug Pelfrey's eight missed field goals, four from 33 on in
Niners: Their returner is hurt, the punter's net is near NFL bottom and they yield league's fourth worst field position on kickoffs. Guess who's first?
EDGE: Niners
COACHING
Bengals: Bruce Coslet is 7-4 in December for winning percentage of .637. Problem is, he's 12-30 when there are no shopping days to Christmas
Niners: Sure, anybody can be Brett Favre's position coach. But Steve Mariucci has a percentage of .651 in all his months
EDGE: Niners
THE PICK
Two constants: Bengals play lousy after a win and at home. Mike Brown should be taking long look at this one, a game his team should win. But Joe Montana's ghost rides again through Sleepy Hollow. NINERS, 23-20
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