Sunday, October 14, 2001
Key to game: Get ahead
Early lead would let Dillon do his thing
By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer
The Bengals, who fell behind in all four games, were able to rally twice for victories because of flawless third quarters against New England and Baltimore. Getting ahead early is the biggest key for the Bengals today against the 3-1 Cleveland Browns.
Without a lead, the Bengals put too much pressure on a young, developing pass offense to consistently move the ball. It couldn't in San Diego or Pittsburgh, where defenses could rewind to 2000 and concentrate on stopping Corey Dillon and the running game.
“If you fall behind early, you're going to have to throw the ball,” Bengals center Rich Braham said.
If the Bengals score first, they can employ a more balanced offense. Dillon will get more yards. They'll do a better job of maintaining possession and allow their defense to stay fresh. On four consecutive drives in San Diego, the Bengals went three-and-out three times and fumbled on the first play of one possession.
Dillon has come up big in four games against the Browns: 538 yards, seven receptions, four rushing touchdowns. That's a 5.7-yard average, compared to 3.2 yards a carry the past two games.
Playing with a lead also would help the Bengals accomplish two other key points, play with emotion and help Jon Kitna and his receivers correct their communication problems.
Other keys:
START ME UP: The lasting image of the 21-10 upset of defending Super Bowl champion Baltimore was the energy and emotion the Bengals displayed for four quarters.
But coach Dick LeBeau said his team was lifeless in its 16-7 loss at Pittsburgh.
LeBeau has done a good job delegating to his coordinators, assistants and veteran leaders in the locker room. Motivation is his domain.
His players need to be spirited from the opening kickoff. That would keep the crowd in the game. That would neutralize the thousands of Browns fans who could make the stadium sound like a Cleveland home game if the Bengals fall behind or come out flat.
“The crowd here in Cincinnati is going to play a big part in us winning the ballgame,” Bengals wide receiver Ron Dugans said. “So here we not only have to win the ballgame, we have to give the crowd a reason to stay in the ballgame.”
COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN: The more the Bengals have to pass, the more problems they'll have.
Among them would be giving a ball-hawking Cleveland defense more chances to increase its NFL-leading 11 interceptions. Too many passing downs also would allow the Browns to get more creative on defense and unleash its sack leader, linebacker Jamir Miller, on blitzes.
If Cincinnati receivers are where they're supposed to be, Kitna can get rid of the ball more quickly and with more confidence. Peter Warrick and Chad Johnson received most of the blame for reading coverages differently than Kitna.
Kitna, who has five touchdown passes and four interceptions in four games, said he remains confident in his receivers.
“We're not making repeatable errors,” he said. “I know what we can do. The talent and potential are there.”
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Key to game: Get ahead
