By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

The connections section of each NFL team's weekly press release is sometimes a laughable stretch that has featured former public relations assistants.

But the Bengals-Seahawks links are among the thickest and most direct in memory. And so intertwined are these two team's recent histories and geography that the connections might play a part in today's outcome.

Who will use a former allegiance as motivation? Who might not handle the day's emotion well? How effectively could a team use knowledge of an opposing player to its strategic advantage?

The roll call: Bengals quarterback Jon Kitna was Seattle's starter until he fell out of favor with coach Mike Holmgren during 2000. Bengals offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski was Seattle's coordinator under Dennis Erickson, who was fired and then replaced by Holmgren. Bengals tailback Corey Dillon is a Seattle native who had an all-world season at the University of Washington. Seahawks star running back Shaun Alexander is from Florence and Boone County High School.

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QUARTERBACK

Kitna is playing as well as he can, with seven touchdown passes, two interceptions and two victories in the past four games. His passer rating, 85.4, is equal to counterpart Matt Hasselbeck's 85.3. Yet Hasselbeck's potential is greater, and his penchant for the big mistake is less. Kitna's history suggests that hot streaks don't last more than a few games, though he's likely to save one for his former team.

Edge: Bengals

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RUNNING BACKS

The health of Dillon remains the biggest question mark, though coach Marvin Lewis said the tailback's groin injury improved in the past week.

Seattle's backfield is one of its strengths. Fullback Mack Strong is a trusted pass blocker, and hometown hero Alexander is a complete back. Only KC's Priest Holmes (43) has more touchdowns than Alexander's 40 since 2001.

Edge: Seahawks

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RECEIVERS/TIGHT END

The Bengals pass offense hasn't been this entertaining since the days of Blake, Pickens and Scott. Peter Warrick and Chad Johnson have a combined 65 receptions, 882 yards and seven touchdowns. Kitna is making good use of his tight ends for another 30 completions.

The Seahawks have 43 catches, 704 yards and five TDs from Koren Robinson and Darrell Jackson.

Edge: Bengals

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OFFENSIVE LINE

The Bengals have received solid play from tackles Willie Anderson and Levi Jones, but scouts say the middle of the line is one of the reasons for the team's poor rushing numbers (ranked 31st in the league).

The line is another of the Seahawks' strengths, effectively mixing size and speed. The left side with tackle Walter Jones and guard Steve Hutchinson is as good as any in the league.

Edge: Seahawks

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DEFENSIVE LINE

Jamal Lewis had cosmetic and largely meaningless 101 rushing yards last week, giving the Bengals three solid performances in a row against the run. The foundation of Seattle's seventh-ranked defense is its line. Tackle Norman Hand is a run stopper, and tackle John Randle and end Chike Okeafor are consistent pass rushers.

Edge: Seahawks

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LINEBACKERS

No set of linebackers runs sideline to sideline as well as Seattle's trio of Chad Brown, Randall Godfrey and Anthony Simmons. The Bengals' Brian Simmons is having a big season on the outside. Adrian Ross and Kevin Hardy fit perfectly into Lewis' and coordinator Leslie Frazier's scheme.

Edge: Seahawks

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DEFENSIVE BACKS

Tory James is as close as the Bengals have had to a shut-down corner in years.

The word around Seattle is corner Shawn Springs has been slow to return from a shoulder injury. Starting corner Ken Lucas (ankle) is out. Fortunately for the Seahawks, rookie Marcus Trufant has played like a five-year veteran.

Edge: Bengals

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SPECIAL TEAMS

Both teams are getting big years from their kickers. The punting is in the hands of dependable veterans. Both teams are better returning punts than kickoffs. The Bengals have a better average covering kickoffs (20 yards allowed vs. 22.5).

In a game that looks to be decided by less than a touchdown, the team that can steal a touchdown or big field-position play in the kicking game could gain an edge.

Edge: Bengals

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COACHING

Lewis is getting more out of less talent at this point than Holmgren. Holmgren took the Seahawks to the playoffs in his first season on the job, and Lewis has positioned his team for a similar run in his rookie season. Credit Holmgren for winning close games. Lewis' Bengals have lost three games by 16 total points. Ray Rhodes has led the Seahawks defense to a No. 7 ranking.

Edge: Seahawks

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CURNUTTE'S PREDICTION: Seahawks 23, Bengals 20

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