Sunday, October 28, 2001
Curnutte - The Edge
By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Quarterbacks:
Lions. Charlie Batch is one of the league's hottest quarterbacks since returning to starting lineup, with consecutive 300-yard passing games against the Vikings and Titans.
Bengals. Jon Kitna's completion percentage has dropped in each of his six starts, to a season-low 41 percent against the Bears. Kitna and the pass offense can't compensate for an absent running game.
The Edge: Lions.
Running backs:
Lions. Featured back James Stewart is questionable with an ankle injury, which could remove 467 yards from scrimmage from the lineup. Backs work well in West Coast offense with 42 receptions.
Bengals. They've rushed for an average of 140 yards a game in the three wins and 70.3 yards in the three losses. Need to run Corey Dillon outside more often instead of just jamming off tackle.
The edge: Bengals.
Wide receivers/tight ends:
Lions. Group is hurting with losses of Germane Crowell and Herman Moore. Johnnie Morton (29 receptions) remains, and Larry Foster needs to step in and produce.
Bengals. Growing pains in new offense are easing, but receivers and Kitna are not yet clicking. Positive trend is recent attempt to get ball to Darnay Scott more often.
The edge: Lions.
Offensive line:
Lions. These are not good numbers for an offensive line through five games: 24 sacks allowed, 82.6 yards rushing a game, three-minute disadvantage in possession.
Bengals. They've done a good job in pass protection, giving up just nine sacks and giving Kitna extra time to throw. Inconsistency in run blocking because, in part, of top rush defenses last five games.
The edge: Bengals.
Special teams:
Lions. Two-time Pro Bowl kicker Jason Hanson is 5-of-7 inside the 50. Desmond Howard's getting 12.3 yards on punt returns and 25.3 on kickoffs.
Bengals. Neil Rackers received a warning this week to pick up his performance on field goals; he has missed six of last nine. Bengals brought in three kickers for workouts.
The edge: Lions.
Defensive line:
Lions. Defensive end Robert Porcher has five sacks and will work against Willie Anderson. Rookie tackle Shaun Rogers leads NFL linemen with 40 tackles. Line has not been good against the run, though.
Bengals. Line was dominated against the Bears and has allowed 203 yards rushing per game in three losses. Vaughn Booker should be back at defensive end opposite Justin Smith to improve depth and leave Bernard Whittington at tackle.
The edge: Lions.
Linebackers:
Lions. Starting middle linebacker Stephen Boyd is out with back injury. The group is deep with Chris Claiborne (team-high 44 tackles) sliding to middle.
Bengals. They need some help from defensive line to keep offensive linemen off them. Takeo Spikes and Brian Simmons will be in pass coverage against West Coast offense, and Steve Foley will be turned loose on Batch.
The edge: Bengals.
Defensive backs:
Lions. More depth than Bengals and better able to handle injuries. Veteran Detroit DBs have four interceptions. Bengals DBs have one.
Bengals. Injuries at cornerback have forced Bengals to consider using some safeties at cornerback. Mark Roman needs to come up big in his fourth NFL start.
The edge: Lions.
Coaching:
Lions. Even though his team continues to give up a lot of points, 29 a game, Marty Mornhinweg has continued to get effort from his team. This team is much better than 0-5 record.
Bengals. This game is pivotal for Dick LeBeau and his staff. A win would complete a positive first half at 4-3 heading into bye. But offense appears to be stuck in the mud.
The edge: Lions.
CURNUTTE'S PREDICTION: Detroit 24, Cincinnati 20
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Curnutte - The Edge
