By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

TEMPE, Ariz. - The Bengals and Cardinals both need today's game for different reasons.

Arizona is trying to avoid a 2-6 first half that would leave little to play for in the next two months.

The Bengals are trying to stay in the thick of the AFC North race.

Both teams want to run the ball and stop the run. The Cardinals' minus-14 is the league's worst turnover differential. The Bengals have eight takeaways in the past two games, and they are plus-9 in their three victories.

Another plus-2 or plus-3 effort from the Bengals should all but send them home at 4-4.

Can the Bengals' defense bring Arizona quarterback Jeff Blake to his knees? (AP/file photo) | ZOOM |

QUARTERBACK

Jon Kitna is one of the league's hottest quarterbacks. He and the league's eighth-ranked pass offense have benefited from stability. Kitna has been especially productive on third down and in the fourth quarter.

For the third time in two years, the Bengals will face former Bengals quarterback Jeff Blake. Blake is with his third team in as many seasons and doesn't have the talent around him that Kitna does.

Edge: Bengals

RUNNING BACKS

All indications are Corey Dillon (groin) will play. The Bengals are deep at the featured back position. Rudi Johnson made the most of his two starts and three extended appearances and leads the team with 226 yards rushing. After wasting money on the injured Emmitt Smith, in a ploy to boost attendance, the Cardinals have turned to Marcel Shipp. He had a career-high 165 yards last week.

Edge: Bengals

RECEIVERS/TIGHT END

Chad Johnson and Peter Warrick get better each week as one of the league's top receiving tandems. They've combined for 1,027 receiving yards. The Bengals will be without starting tight end Reggie Kelly (foot) but have improved depth there with Tony Stewart and Matt Schobel.

Blake's favorite target is rookie Anquan Boldin, who has 621 receiving yards, 295 on third down.

Edge: Bengals

OFFENSIVE LINE

The Bengals' line played its best game last week against Seattle. Rudi Johnson ran behind right tackle Willie Anderson all day. The line will be tested against an Arizona front seven that held the 49ers to 62 yards rushing.

Arizona switched to a ball-control offense behind its line and had 221 rushing yards.

Edge: Even

DEFENSIVE LINE

The Bengals' defensive ranking has dropped to 24th in the past two weeks. When it matters most, the Bengals' line has contributed to an impressive run of takeaways. The Bengals have to do a better job early of getting off the field on third down.

Wendell Bryant's shift to end has helped, but the Cardinals have just six sacks and have not put much pressure on quarterbacks.

Edge: Bengals

LINEBACKERS

The Cardinals' linebackers are functional but not great.

Bengals OLB Brian Simmons is having a spectacular run. He was AFC Defensive Player of the Week against Seattle after being involved in three of the five takeaways. He is emerging as a big-play linebacker after moving from the middle to the outside - where he can use his speed. Kevin Hardy has been solid in the middle.

Edge: Bengals

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Free agents have helped lift the play in each secondary.

Bengals cornerback Tory James has three interceptions, 11 passes broken up and an attitude that has made his teammates better. Like Simmons, James is a serious Pro Bowl candidate. Free safety Dexter Jackson (reigning Super Bowl MVP) has two interceptions and two forced fumbles for the Cardinals.

Edge: Even

SPECIAL TEAMS

The Bengals' punt game was inconsistent last week, and Shayne Graham's kickoffs were short, allowing Seattle excellent field position. Arizona punter Scott Player has a strong leg but can out-kick his coverage on occasion. Warrick should have room to make a big play on a punt return.

Edge: Bengals

COACHING

The Bengals are on the verge of leaving behind the Cardinals as the league's most irrelevant franchise, and credit goes to Marvin Lewis. He can't lose this game to a perpetually bad team like Arizona. The game shouldn't really be close. The Bengals are simply a better team.

Dave McGinnis' Cardinals are up one week and down the next two. Lewis needs to make sure his team gets Arizona down and doesn't let it up.

Edge: Bengals

CURNUTTE'S PREDICTION: Bengals 27, Cardinals 17

On today's game

"It's a big game for both of us because we're both coming off wins. They're coming off two wins in a row, which is tremendous. That's what you try to do in this league, stack wins. They have beaten two teams (Baltimore and Seattle) that, you know, both beat our (butt)."

--Arizona coach Dave McGinnis

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