By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Though Brandon Bennett and Ed Reed might run into each other when the Bengals are on offense, their encounters on special teams when the Bengals punt might be some of the most important of the game Sunday.

Reed has blocked four punts in his two NFL seasons, including two this year that he has returned for touchdowns. He often rushes off the right side of the Ravens' line, and Bennett has the slot position on the far left end of the Bengals' punt formation.

"He's quick. He gets off the ball good," Bennett said of Reed. "He sets you up to get underneath. They have a good scheme for him. A lot of the big guys are blocking down and holding up, so he gets the slot guy on an island."

Reed didn't get the block or the score when the Ravens played the Bengals on Dec. 1 last season, but Baltimore blocked a Cincinnati punt and returned it for a touchdown.

The Bengals can't afford to give the Ravens an easy score or big play on special teams. Field position will be critical in what looks to be a grind-it-out run game in the snow.

The Ravens' special teams are among the most effective and aggressive in the NFL, and Baltimore leads the league in kickoff coverage.

Reed, who also leads the Ravens with six interceptions - one returned for a touchdown - is almost at a loss to explain his punt-blocking ability.

"It's just a blessing of my talent that I have," he said. "I'm just utilizing them on the field. It's getting to the ball, knowing where the ball is at all times."

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