Sunday, November 18, 2001
Keys to the game
Passing game needs to shine
By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer
For the fifth time this season, the Bengals are facing a top 10 rush defense — Tennessee is seventh.
Normally, that's a huge concern for a team that relies so heavily on running back Corey Dillon. But the Titans have a weakness that the Bengals' improved pass offense could exploit.
The Titans are last in the NFL in pass defense at 245.5 yards a game and last in interceptions with four. Twelve of the 20 touchdowns against Tennessee have been through the air.
If the Titans are successful in stopping the run, and all indications are they will stack the line with their safeties, the Bengals will be forced to pass.
The Bengals have thrown for 200-plus yards in three of the past four games and are averaging 224 yards in that span. Sunday's 279 yards at Jacksonville were the most by a Bengals team since 1999.
This could be the game that the pass offense steps up and wins.
“We have to be able to -- when a team is not going to allow us to run the football -- step it up in the passing game and be good enough to win,” quarterback Jon Kitna said. “I see that coming.”
Kitna's 303 yards passing were the most since Jeff Blake's 334 on Dec. 5, 1999.
And the big game came without a catch by veteran wide receiver Darnay Scott, who missed the last two-plus quarters with a mild concussion. He will be back today. Rookie T.J. Houshmandzadeh replaced Scott and had the first six receptions of his career.
Tennessee could be without free safety Blaine Bishop, who is questionable with foot and hand injuries. A rookie, Joe Walker, would replace Bishop in the lineup and would give the Titans two starters in their secondary. Top draft pick Andre Dyson starts at left cornerback.
But success in the pass offense depends on the Bengals' line, too. Left tackle Richmond Webb, who gave up two sacks - including a safety - to Tony Brackens at Jacksonville, will have to contain Tennessee right end Jevon Kearse, who has eight sacks and 17 quarterback pressures.
On the other side, Bengals right tackle Willie Anderson will face Kevin Carter, who has two sacks and 18 pressures.
BY GEORGE:
Titans tailback Eddie George has yet to rush for 100 yards in a game this season, a big reason why the Titans are 3-5.
He has rushed for 100-plus yards five times in 10 games against the Bengals, and the Titans/Oilers have won all five.
Tennessee is 24-5 when he rushes for 100 yards. The Bengals need to prevent him from getting No. 1 today to have a chance to win.
With quarterback Steve McNair questionable with a bad throwing thumb, George becomes even more important to the offense.
HAPPY RETURNS:
Another Titans weakness is kickoff coverage — they are 30th in the league, allowing 28.3 yards a return.
A couple of big kickoff returns from Curtis Keaton would help. Since busting a 64-yard return in the opener, Keaton has been held in check. His average has dropped to 21.2 a return.
The only team worse in kickoff coverage is the Bengals, at 28.5 yards.
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Keys to the game
