Quarterbacks

        Gus Frerotte is on alert. Coach Dick LeBeau won't hesitate to use Jon Kitna - or maybe even Akili Smith - if he doesn't see points.

        Michael Vick is fast, has a good arm and can take a hit. But he is still 0-4 as an NFL starter.

        Edge: FALCONS

        Running backs

        Corey Dillon does the late Walter Payton proud - running hard, blocking, catching passes. Dillon's game transcends the Bengals' national irrelevance.

        The Bengals should hope Dan Reeves leaves T.J. Duckett on the bench for the second half again this week. He has a 6.5-yard average on 11 carries.

        Edge: BENGALS

        Wide receivers - tight ends

        Michael Westbrook had to be counted on too heavily last week. Still awaiting a Brewer/Schobel sighting.

        Brian Finneran had a career-high six catches against the Bears. Tight end Alge Crumpler has a 55-yard catch and carry.

        Edge: FALCONS

        Offensive line

        OK, the run blocking appears to be fixed. This veteran group has to do a better job protecting Frerotte and the fragile pass game.

        Their 151-yard rushing average is misleading, padded by Vick's scrambling ability. Right guard Roberto Garza is out with broken foot.

        Edge: BENGALS

        Defensive line

        Did a rewind to their run-stuffing ways of 2001. Now, about those sacks. Justin Smith and Reinard Wilson, meet Mr. Vick.

        Coordinator Wade Phillips uses three linemen and four linebackers, or the 3-4. His line is small, but it showed improved coordination with linebackers in Game 2.

        Edge: BENGALS

        Linebackers

        Takeo Spikes, never lacking motivation, could have a career game back home in Georgia and on national TV for the first time since his rookie year.

        Keith Brooking is the star here with 16 tackles. Phillips brought John Holecek with him from Buffalo.

        EVEN

        Defensive backs

        At this point last season, the Bengals had six takeaways. This year, none. Cornerbacks Artrell Hawkins and Jeff Burris have to start earning their big contracts.

        The Falcons have given up 204.5 yards a game passing, but Brett Favre did most of that damage. Former Bengals Pro Bowler Ashley Ambrose will be the best corner on the field.

        Edge: FALCONS

        Coaching

Dick LeBeau is showing the wear that Bruce Coslet and Dave Shula did at the end. LeBeau has been a players' coach, and his players, frankly, have let him down. They owe him a win to reduce the pressure.

        Dan Reeves has had a tough week, getting blasted by former QB Chris Chandler and admitting that it was a mistake to leave Duckett out of the second half against Chicago. The staff was made over with five new coaches in the offseason.

        Edge: FALCONS

        Overall

        Here's the big stage at 0-2. Verification or vindication? Atlanta's at home in a loud dome. Vick can win a game on one play. The defense is vastly improved.

        Edge: FALCONS

        Mark Curnutte's prediction

        Falcons 20, Bengals 16

Bengals see chance to shed 'Bungles' image Bengals not so bad on big stage Keys to the Game Who's got the Edge? Armour et al: Put a lick on Vick Levi Jones' Rookie Journal Mark Curnutte's NFL picks

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