Monday, October 29, 2001
Bengals Notebook
Smith's pick a first
By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer
PONTIAC, Mich. — Justin Smith didn't know what to do when Lions quarterback Charlie Batch threw the ball right to him early in the Bengals' 31-27 victory Sunday.
Smith caught the ball and ran 21 yards, giving the offense a first down on the Detroit 43-yard line.
“The first one I ever had in my life,” Smith said of the interception. “What better time than the NFL.”
Smith, the Bengals' first-round draft, was working against Lions first-round pick Jeff Backus at left tackle.
Smith had his way with the former Michigan tackle most of the day. He hit Batch a couple of other times, once forcing an incompletion, after which Smith flexed at the Lions back.
He also had three passes defensed, but the interception — the Bengals' first after going four games without one — was Smith's big play.
“Backus went to cut me, and whenever you see that and the ball's still back there, you know it's a screen,” Smith said of the pass, which was intended for running back Lamont Warren. “So you get your eyes up. Batch threw it right to me, so I couldn't help but catch it. I caught it, and I really didn't know what to do. I'm just glad I ran the right way.”
DILLON'S RUN: Corey Dillon's 96-yard touchdown run in the first quarter is the longest run from scrimmage in franchise history, breaking the record held by Paul Robinson for an 87-yard run Oct. 27, 1968 at Oakland.
Dillon's run also ties Ray Griffin's 1979 interception return at San Diego as the eighth longest play in franchise history.
ONE FOR TWO: Embattled kicker Neil Rackers missed from 47 yards but made a 39-yard field goal Sunday. He is now 7 of 14 this year and is second on the team with 34 points.
Dillon leads the Bengals in scoring with 36 points. He had two rushing touchdowns and a pass reception for a touchdown Sunday.
INDICATOR: The Bengals rushed for 224 yards Sunday and gave up just 61.
In their four wins, the Bengals have averaged 161 yards rushing and given up an average of 58.2
In their three losses, the Bengals have averaged 70.3 yards rushing and given up an average of 203.3.
INJURY REPORT: Linebacker Canute Curtis injured his right knee against the Lions and is questionable for the Nov.11 game at Jacksonville.
Also for Jacksonville, defensive tackle Tony Williams (foot) is probable, as are cornerbacks Robert Bean (hamstring) and Tom Carter (knee). Wide receiver Chad Johnson is doubtful.
INACTIVES: Sunday's Bengals inactive players were cornerbacks Carter and Bean, running back Rudi Johnson, defensive end Jevon Langford, guard Victor Leyva, Johnson and Williams.
Cornerback Kevin Kaesviharn, who was signed to the 53-man roster Saturday, was activated for the game because of injuries to Carter and Bean. Kaesviharn had one special teams tackle Sunday.
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