Monday, November 12, 2001
Bengals Report Card
Rush offense, D: The Bengals had just two first downs on the ground. When the Jaguars made their 21-point run in the third quarter, the failure of the running game forced the Bengals into three consecutive three-and-out possessions. The rush average was just 3.2 yards a carry.
Pass offense, B: With veteran Darnay Scott out with a concussion in the first half, rookie T.J. Houshmandzadeh came in and had six catches and knew exactly where he was supposed to be on routes. Peter Warrick, Ron Dugans and Danny Farmer had big days, too, and Jon Kitna had the first 300-yard passing game for a Bengals quarterback in 26 games. But tight end Tony McGee, an integral part of the game plan, dropped three passes. The offensive line, which had given up just 10 sacks coming in, gave up four.
Rush defense, C: The Jaguars had 59 of their 97 rushing yards in the third quarter. The Jaguars had nine rushing first downs.
Pass defense, C: Mark Brunell threw for 189 yards and was 10-for-10 passing for 93 yards in the third quarter. The Bengals had two of their three sacks in the first half but could not duplicate their pressure in the second half.
Special teams, B: Neil Rackers made a 52-yard field goal on the last play of the first half that gave the Bengals a 13-7 lead and should have given them enough momentum to win. Peter Warrick made two outstanding fair catches of high, wind-blown punts in the second quarter around the 40-yard line to give the Bengals excellent field position. Punter Nick Harris averaged 46.7 yards.
Coaching, D: Jacksonville coach Tom Coughlin and his staff made adjustments on offense and defense at halftime that the Bengals couldn't stop. Bengals coaches also couldn't prevent the team from losing its composure after the officials appeared to blow a pass interference call on Bengals cornerback Artrell Hawkins in the third quarter with the game still in the balance.
Mark Curnutte
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