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COUNTDOWN TO MONDAY NIGHT'S BENGALS-PATRIOTS COLLISSION |
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Written by Chick Ludwig
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Three reasons for optimism: - The Bengals are 4-0 in prime-time home games under coach Marvin Lewis. In 2004, they beat Miami (16-13) and Denver (23-10). In 2006, they victimized Baltimore (13-7). In the 2007 Monday night opener, they defeated the Ravens, 27-20.
- They are 6-0 wearing orange jerseys - 3-0 with black pants and 3-0 with white pants. They'll wear orange on white tonight.
- Fueled by the crowd and the national TV spotlight, all three units seem to play with more intensity at night. The fear of failure, and embarrassment, provides plenty of motivation.
Three reasons for pessimism The Patriots have a rock-solid offensive line, led by left tackle Matt Light - the Purdue star from Greenville High School - who keeps quarterback Tom Brady's uniform clean and opens holes for tailbacks Laurence Maroney, Kevin Faulk and Sammy Morris. New England's defense is loaded with veteran leadership, a quality that's missing in Cincinnati. The Patriots don't get rattled. They play with great poise and discipline in all phases. That's why they have three Super Bowl rings this decade.
Chick Ludwig Growlzone.com Cinncinnati Bengals News
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