Sunday, November 11, 2001
Who's got the edge?
Quarterback:
Jaguars. Mark Brunell continues to hold the offense together. He can scramble, and he and his veteran receivers don't have the communication problems the Bengals do.
Bengals. Jon Kitna can do something last done in 1995 — lead the Bengals to consecutive road victories. He predicts more explosiveness from the pass offense as the season wears on.
Edge: Jaguars.
Running backs:
Jaguars. With star back Fred Taylor questionable and likely out again, the Jags become one-dimensional. They've run the ball only 15 and 17 times the past two weeks, and some are Brunell scrambles.
Bengals. When Corey Dillon gets at least 22 attempts, the Bengals are 16-5. As is the case every week, Dillon's success translates into team success. Kitna has been an effective scrambler.
Edge: Bengals.
Wide receivers/tight ends:
Jaguars. Jimmy Smith is having as good a year as any receiver in the league with 50 receptions and three touchdowns. He and Keenan McCardell will see plenty of action today.
Bengals. The Bengals have closed the gap in the area on many teams, including the Jaguars. Darnay Scott needs to catch a deep ball today. Tight ends Tony McGee and Marco Battaglia will be more involved.
Edge: Jaguars.
Offensive line:
Jaguars. Newcomer tackles Todd Fordham and rookie Maurice Williams have suffered in pass protection. The Jaguars have no rushing offense and rely mainly on the pass.
Bengals. Kitna has been sacked just 10 times and is getting plenty of time to throw. Of all position groups, the Bengals need consistency from the line. If the team runs the ball well, the Bengals win.
Edge: Bengals.
Special teams:
Jaguars. Mike Hollis is making 67 percent of his field goals. But the Jaguars have suffered similar kick-coverage lapses to the Bengals. Punter Chris Hanson has a five-yard edge on Nick Harris.
Bengals. The kick-coverage teams let Desmond Howard loose in Detroit, which put the Lions back in the game. The heat is on Neil Rackers. Kickoff returner Curtis Keaton has fizzled.
Edge: Jaguars.
Defensive line:
Jaguars. Tackles Gary Walker and Seth Payne have combined for 8.5 sacks. The Jaguars and Bengals are each giving up 121 yards a game on the ground. Jags will be battling a better running back in Dillon.
Bengals. The return of starting tackle Tony Williams makes the entire line better. He and Oliver Gibson will get push in the middle, and the ends and linebackers should have clearer shots at Brunell.
Edge: Even.
Linebackers:
Jaguars. The Hardy Boys - Hardy Nickerson/Kevin Hardy - lead the team in tackles (Nickerson, 89), sacks (Hardy, 5.5) and interceptions (Nickerson, two). Third starter T.J. Slaughter is third in tackles.
Bengals. Takeo Spikes, Brian Simmons and Steve Foley have combined for 6.5 sacks, two interceptions and three forced fumbles. They'll need to pressure Brunell and disrupt passing game.
Edge: Bengals.
Defensive backs:
Jaguars. The Jaguars are allowing 1.4 fewer yards a game passing than the Bengals. The Jacksonville secondary has three interceptions, compared to Cincinnati's two. The difference is, the Bengals are facing a more dangerous pass offense.
Bengals. The Bengals got more bad news in the secondary Friday when nickel back Tom Carter reinjured his right knee and was downgraded to questionable. That means rookie free-agent corner Bo Jennings and hobbled Robert Bean (hamstring) will get a lot of time.
Edge: Jaguars.
Coaching:
Jaguars. Tom Coughlin's seven-year reign appears to be ending. He's rumored to be headed to Notre Dame. For now, he's trading barbs with his defensive players for his decision to play a soft prevent zone in the Titans' winning drive last week.
Bengals. Dick LeBeau is enjoying broad support from his players and team management in Cincinnati. He gave his players only two days off during the bye (Bruce Coslet gave them four in 2000) to keep them sharp. His decision could pay off today.
Edge: Bengals.
Mark Curnutte's prediction:
Cincinnati 24-23.
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Who's got the edge?
