Sunday, December 02, 2001
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Bengals' Oliver Gibson Vs. Buccaneers' Mike Alstott
By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer
The Buccaneers, like the Bengals, want to establish their rush offense and then incorporate the passing game to keep the defense off balance.
The plan worked in Tampa Bay's 24-17 upset Monday night at St. Louis. Fullback Mike Alstott ran through the middle of the Rams' line for touchdown runs of 7 and 8 yards, and Warrick Dunn ran around the outside from 21 yards in the fourth quarter to score the winning touchdown.
Though the Bucs had just 97 yards rushing, it was enough to help them control the clock (35:02) and keep the Rams offense off the field.
The Bengals defense has been carrying the team the past few weeks, and it ranks statistically as the franchise's best since 1983. The Bengals have been effective in shutting down the running game, and the secondary has been playing well, too.
One of the most important players on the defense is tackle Oliver Gibson, whom teammates have said deserves Pro Bowl consideration. Gibson teams with newcomer Tony Williams in the middle of the line to upset offensive plays at their start.
Gibson, with Williams' help, needs to consume the attention of the interior linemen and stop Alstott before he breaks into the secondary.
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