Monday, October 07, 2002
Bengals Week 5 Report Card
By Mark Curnutte, mcurnutte@enquirer.com
The Cincinnati Enquirer
RUSH OFFENSE, A: Corey Dillon ran for 164 yards, including a 67-yard touchdown in the third quarter. Right tackle Willie Anderson and left guard Matt O'Dwyer played well through injuries. Scott Rehberg, filling in for the injured Mike Goff at right guard, was solid. Rookie Levi Jones made his first start at left tackle and made just two mistakes.
PASS OFFENSE, D: The line allowed just one sack. Quarterback Jon Kitna was assertive in his first start. His three interceptions can be blamed on the wide receivers, but they were still errors in the pass game. Chad Johnson's talent is emerging, but he needs to learn how to play hard on every down. Johnson and Kitna click. There was just enough of a threat in the air to open up running lanes for Dillon.
RUSH DEFENSE, B-plus: The Bengals held Edgerrin James to 60 rushing yards and 70 total yards, half of what he has averaged. There was a breakdown on Peyton Manning's quarterback draw that resulted in an 11-yard touchdown run.
PASS DEFENSE: D: Marvin Harrison moved almost at will through the Bengals secondary. Jeff Burris struggled all day with Harrison. Credit Burris, though, for deflecting a Manning pass in the end zone that was intercepted by Artrell Hawkins. Rookie Lamont Thompson still looks timid at free safety.
SPECIAL TEAMS, C: Peter Warrick's fumbled punt return inside the Bengals 5-yard line was inexcusable. It set up an easy Colts touchdown. Neil Rackers' onside kick and Marquand Manuel's recovery gave the Bengals a chance to tie the game.
COACHING, C: The Bengals played like the Dick LeBeau teams of 2000 and 2001 for this first time this season. Bob Bratkowski's offense came to life with Kitna at quarterback. For the first time this year, there is hope, but there is still an 0-5 record.
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