Sunday, November 18, 2001
The Edge
By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Quarterbacks:
Titans. Steve McNair is questionable with a thumb injury, but he has played hurt against the Bengals before and beat them. He has 15 TD passes, four rushing touchdowns and just two interceptions in nine games against the Bengals.
Bengals. Jon Kitna is beginning to show more confidence in his receivers, and the pass offense is starting to stretch the field. This could be the coming-out party for Bob Bratkowski's offense and hand-picked quarterback.
Edge: Titans.
Running backs:
Titans. What's wrong with Eddie George? Too many carries (380 a year)? Slow to get his wind back after February toe surgery? No Lorenzo Neal blocking for him? All of the above? But don't count George out.
Bengals. Corey Dillon runs for 121 in the victories and 49.8 in the losses. He'll be running behind an inspired Neal today. The Bengals are showing more variety in their rush offense, which will only help.
Edge: Bengals.
Wide receivers/tight ends:
Titans. Star tight end Frank Wycheck is questionable with an ankle injury, but, like McNair, he'll play and will bring his 29 receptions and 10.2-yard average. Kevin Dyson/Derrick Mason are a solid if not outstanding pair of WRs.
Bengals. The wide receivers deserve credit for the more productive passing game. The routes are better. They're communicating well with Kitna on coverage reads. Tight ends need to contribute more.
Edge: Titans.
Offensive line:
Titans. They've allowed 25 sacks with a mobile quarterback and share the responsibility for the league's 25th-ranked rush offense (97 yards a game). Center Bruce Matthews still going strong at 288 games in a row.
Bengals. The sack total, 14, is impressive, and the line will face its biggest test today. Run blocking has been inconsistent. Scott Rehberg starts at left guard in place of injured Matt O'Dwyer.
Edge: Bengals.
Special teams:
Titans. Neither unit has distinguished itself this season. Only the Bengals are worse on kickoff coverage. Kicker Joe Nedney has struggled at 11 of 18 field goals.
Bengals. As bad as they are covering kickoffs, both teams are in the top 10 against punt returns. Neil Rackers' career-long 52-yarder last week could turn his season around.
Edge: Even.
Defensive line:
Titans. Outstanding run defense starts up front. Ends Jevon Kearse and Kevin Carter have 10 sacks and three dozen quarterback pressures.
Bengals. Tackle Tony Williams should be even better this week as he returns from his foot injury. End Justin Smith hasn't had a sack in a month, though he played well at Detroit.
Edge: Titans.
Linebackers:
Titans. Middle linebacker Randall Godfrey is questionable with a knee injury but is expected to play. Eddie Robinson trails only Godfrey for team lead in tackles.
Bengals. Takeo Spikes and Brian Simmons lead team in tackles and sacks and are tied for team lead in interceptions with one each.
Edge: Bengals.
Defensive backs:
Titans. Could be starting two rookies if safety Blaine Bishop can't play. League-worst four interceptions, although effective run defense forces teams to pass more often. Ranked last in NFL at 245.1 yards a game.
Bengals. The most pleasant surprise on the team. Touchdown passes and yards per game are down, in spite of season-ending injuries to vets Rodney Heath and Tom Carter. Ranked 13th in league at 196.8 yards a game.
Edge: Bengals.
Coaching:
Titans. In spite of injuries and George's slow start, Jeff Fisher has his team in a position to make a postseason run. It will take a long win streak, but they've done it before.
Bengals. Inconsistency is a sign of an improving team (see Cleveland, San Diego, Chicago, New England). The Bengals didn't match Jaguars' second-half adjustments, and Dick LeBeau's team lost its composure.
Edge: Titans.
CURNUTTE'S PREDICTION: Tennessee 21, Cincinnati 17
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The Edge