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What you need to know about tonight's Bengals-Patriots game at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati: Overview: Cincinnati faces a daunting task. In order to stop a two-game losing streak, it must defeat arguably the league's most complete team. The Patriots have scored in 31 straight quarters and lead the league with a plus-79 point differential (26.3 per game). The number 38 is wild because they've beaten the Jets (38-14), Chargers (38-14) and Bills (38-7). They've averaged 34.8 points in their past nine games, including the playoffs; have won six straight regular season games, dating to 2006; and are 14-3 (.823) in October since 2003. Scouting the Bengals: The league's No. 2 passing attack (301.0 yards) — led by QB Carson Palmer and WRs Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh — could use a boost from the stagnant, 20th-ranked running game (92.0). TB Kenny Watson, who gets his first start in his fifth season as a Bengal, will try to provide a spark. The inconsistency of the defense and special teams has been especially costly.
Scouting the Patriots: They own the NFL's No. 1 offense (441.0 yards) and No. 1 defense (207.0), and QB Tom Brady has the league's top passer rating (141.8), completing 79.5 percent of his passes with a 10-1 TD-to-INT ratio. Brady's weapons include TB Laurence Maroney, WRs Randy Moss, Wes Welker and Donte Stallworth, and TE Benjamin Watson. LB Adalius Thomas has 6.0 career sacks against the Bengals. Numbers game: The Patriots lead the series, 12-8, but the Bengals lead, 6-5, as the home team. New England has won five of the past six, and Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is 11-3 against Cincinnati. Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis is 0-2 against New England, including last season's 38-13 loss. The Bengals have a 9-17 Monday night record. Injury report: Bengals — LB Rashad Jeanty (calf), FS Ethan Kilmer (knee), WR Tab Perry (hamstring) and TB Rudi Johnson (hamstring) are out; LBs Ahmad Brooks (groin) and Caleb Miller (back) are doubtful; LG Stacy Andrews (shoulder) is questionable. Patriots — OLB Rosevelt Colvin (ankle), TB Laurence Maroney (groin), RG Stephen Neal (shoulder), WRs Donte Stallworth (knee) and Kelley Washington (hamstring) and NT Vince Wilfork (shoulder) are questionable. Outcome: The Bengals are due for a complete game, and the Patriots can't keep up their blistering pace. I smell upset. The final: Bengals 27, Patriots 24. Datyon Daily News http://www.daytondailynews.com/sports/content/oh/story/sports/pro/bengals/2007/10/01/ddn100107benpreview.html |
