Sunday, October 22, 2000
Who's got the edge?
Enquirer Bengals reporter Mark Curnutte gives his analysis of how the Bengals and the Broncos match up by position.
Quarterback: Broncos
In his last nine games, Akili Smith had led the Bengals on 89 possessions, 50 of which have ended in punts. Three have ended in touchdowns.
Brian Griese. He enjoyed what Smith never will have. Some time to develop. In his third season, Griese has thrown for 14 touchdowns and one interception.
Running backs: Broncos
Corey Dillon is running as hard as he ever has, but he often is hit behind the line of scrimmage. He's had one 100-yard game in six starts.
The Broncos print 1,000-yard rushers like the treasury department prints dollar bills. The latest late-round pick to blossom is rookie Mike Anderson, who is second in the AFC with 584 yards rushing.
Wide receivers/tight ends: Broncos
Craig Yeast gets his second start in a row today. He's fast and can get down field better than rookie Ron Dugans. Horay for the Bengals for trying to get the ball to their most explosive player, Peter Warrick.
When Yeast, Warrick and Dugans were in college, Ed McCaffrey and Rod Smith were earning a pair of Super Bowl rings. They each have 40-plus receptions already.
Offensive line: Broncos
All eyes are on left tackle John Jackson, making his 162nd start and first for his hometown Bengals. His job is to literally watch Smith's back.
The smallest and one of the best lines in the NFL. Quick, athletic linemen who play well as a unit and can pass (ranked fourth) and run (sixth) block with equal effectiveness.
Special teams: Bengals
Remember last season when every Cincinnati long snap was an adventure? Brad St. Louis has removed at least one worry from a long list for Bengals coaches. Artrell Hawkins, who lost his job as a starting cornerback, has found a home in punt coverage.
Denver is giving up an average of 17.3 yards a punt return. Bengals should turn Warrick loose on a few more returns. Punter Tom Rouen has AFC-worst 30.7-yard net average.
Defensive line: Broncos
Cincinnati will get a boost by return of end Vaughn Booker. Healthy Glen Steele will start again for slow-healing Tom Barndt. A veteran unit that plays hard for position coach Tim Krumrie.
Right side is explosive. End Kavika Pittman has six sacks; tackle Trevor Pryce has seven. Line has 17 sacks. Broncos second in league against run, 65 yards a game.
Linebackers: Bengals
Cincinnati is becoming the Penn St., Linebacker U., of the NFL. Out goes Brian Simmons. Up step rookie Armegis Spearman and veteran Adrian Ross. Steve Foley and Takeo Spikes are having great years on the outside.
Middle backer Al Wilson has two interceptions. Active group that includes Bill Romanowski and John Mobley benefits from outstanding play of defensive line.
Secondary: Broncos
This used to be an automatic advantage for the other side. No more. Rodney Heath and Tom Carter playing well on corners but will have their hands full with big, physical Denver receivers.
Terrell Buckly has five interceptions. The other cornerback, Ray Crockett, has three. They give up some yards but make a lot of big plays.
Coaching: Broncos
Dick LeBeau's good work has yet to show up in the win column. But he has his players focused and working hard. He also has put players on notice by benching underachievers. He said this week he'd like to be back. President and general manager Mike Brown likes what he sees.
Mike Shanahan has retooled his team where necessary from its consecutive Super Bowl titles. He lets offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak call the plays because Kubiak has brought Griese along, similar to Shanahan's relationship with former quarterback John Elway.
The winner: Broncos
Denver has firepower in the air, a pounding running game and enough playmakers on defense to play keep-away and frustrate the improving Bengals.
Prediction: Broncos 27, Bengals 6
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Who's got the edge?
