Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher and tight end Frank Wycheck each deny believing the Bengals are soft.

        Earlier this week, Bengals fullback Lorenzo Neal, a former Titan, said Fisher would tell the Titans: “... Hit them (the Bengals) in the mouth and they'll quit.”

        “I don't really see that being the case,” Wycheck said. “Every time I've played them, they've never quit. (But) that's the mentality you have to bring to them. Be physical, run the ball, and hopefully you can wear them down a little bit.”

        Both men spoke on a conference call with the Cincinnati media this week. Wycheck said he hasn't heard Fisher say to hit the Bengals in the mouth. Fisher said the Titans' “approach with everybody we play” is to be physical.

        “"Lo' (Neal) was a big part of that when he was here,” Fisher said. “He loved that philosophy. It's not necessarily hit (them) in the mouth. It's more along the lines of finish the game the way you start it; start fast, play hard.”

        The Bengals may feel like they've been hit in the mouth if they can't contain Titans running back Eddie George at the line of scrimmage. He packs a wallop, even though he's having an off year — one rushing touchdown and a 2.8-yard rushing average. The Bengals are fearful he'll wake up Sunday. He started coming alive against the tough Baltimore Ravens defense last Monday night, with 71 yards in 22 carries, in the Titans' 16-10 defeat. He has been a Bengals killer: In the last four games vs. them, he has had seven touchdowns.

        Wycheck said the Titans haven't had as many opportunities as last year to rush the ball because they've fallen behind early in several games and have had to throw.

        “We've had miscommunications and ... blatant mistakes — physical and mental — up front,” Wycheck said.

        But it's possible George may just now be recovering fully from toe surgery Feb.26 and a hyperextended left knee against Pittsburgh three weeks ago.

        The Titans started the season 0-3 and are now 3-5.

        “A year ago we won those close games. That's the difference: doing the little things right, having a little luck thrown in, getting the ball bouncing your way,” Wycheck said. “We haven't gotten a lot of turnovers. It's been a rough year.”

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