Bengals tight end Tony McGee has just six receptions this season, but today could be the game in which he equals that output.

        The Jaguars like to double-cover outside receivers -- and the Jags will have their hands full with Darnay Scott and Peter Warrick -- and single-cover tight ends and running backs with linebackers.

        McGee figures to see a lot of fellow Indiana native Kevin Hardy, an outside linebacker for the Jaguars and a 1999 All-Pro selection.

        In contrast to the decline of the Jaguars (2-5), Hardy has maintained a high level of performance. He has 5.5 sacks among his 74 tackles and has broken up four passes in coverage.

        The Jags have given up 198 or more passing yards - with a high of 284 at Baltimore - five times this season. If the Bengals can pass for upwards of 200 yards, their chances of winning will greatly improve.

        Jacksonville's defense has lost 17-6 and 17-7 leads in the second half of the last two games.

        McGee has proven in his eight-plus seasons in Cincinnati that he is capable of big games. In 1995, his best all-around season, he had single-game highs in receptions (eight) and yards (118). He insists he can make big plays given more chances.

        Today, he might get his opportunity.

Bengals now have 2nd-half stakes Key to today's game McGee could be target Who's got the edge? Jaguars-Bengals by the numbers Two Bengals already super bowlers Mark Curnutte's NFL power ratings Picking today's NFL games

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