Saturday, November 22, 2003
Isolation Booth: James vs. Boston
By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer
If Tory James can prevent David Boston from having a big day, the Bengals should effectively shut down San Diego's pass offense.
Boston is big, at 6 feet 2, 240 pounds, and he can make big plays. He has 42 receptions for 509 yards and three touchdowns this season. He had a career-best 184 receiving yards for the Cardinals against the Bengals in 2000.
Boston had exactly one-third of his receptions, 14, in a single game this season - Oct. 5 at Jacksonville.
He is capable of dominating a game.
"David Boston does combine both speed and size and strength," Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said. "And he uses his body well for a big man."
The Chargers have received little production from other receivers.
Wide receiver Tim Dwight is out with an injury, and rookie starting tight end Antonio Gates has just six receptions and one touchdown.
Overall, the Chargers are ranked 28th in pass offense at 172.1 yards a game.
James is the Bengals' best cover corner. He has team highs in interceptions (three) and passes broken up (12). He also is the cornerstone of a greatly improved secondary that has led the Bengals to a 16th-ranked pass defense (209.2 yards a game).
James has done a solid job against the other team's best receiver all season.
Boston will be another big test.
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