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Receivers, run-defense key for Bengals
Sunday, October 29, 2006
What you need to know about today's Bengals-Falcons game at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati:
Overview
Extras
Today's game
- Who: Atlanta Falcons (4-2) at Bengals (4-2)
- When: 1 p.m.
- TV: FOX (WRGT, Channel 45)
Both teams are riding a wave of momentum after Cincinnati stopped Carolina, 17-14, and Atlanta held off Pittsburgh, 41-38, in overtime, last week. It's a pivotal game because the Bengals are tied with Baltimore atop the AFC North, while the Falcons are a game behind division-leading New Orleans in the NFC South. The Bengals are 7-0 at home vs. the NFC under coach Marvin Lewis, while the Falcons are 7-2 vs. the AFC under coach Jim Mora.
Scouting the Bengals
All eyes will be on receiver Chad Johnson, who predicted a multitouchdown game against Falcons cornerback DeAngelo Hall. Getting Chris Henry back from a two-game suspension will also boost the offense because he's such a formidable weapon. But the real pressure is on the Bengals' defense. Ranked 25th against the run, the defense must tighten up against the Falcons' devastating rushing attack.
Scouting the Falcons
Atlanta is a team of extremes. It has the NFL's No. 1 rushing offense (222.2 yards a game), but its passing attack is 32nd — dead last — at 132.7. Electrifying QB Michael Vick has 441 yards rushing, and is showing more explosiveness as a passer. He was named the FedEx Air NFL Player of the Week after throwing a career-high four TD passes against the Steelers.
Numbers game
The Bengals lead the series, 7-3. That .700 winning percentage is the Bengals' second-best against any opponent they've played at least five times (5-2, .714 vs. New York Giants). Atlanta hammered the Bengals, 30-3, in their most recent meeting — a Sunday night game at the Georgia Dome in 2002. The Bengals are 4-1 at home against Atlanta, which hasn't played in Cincinnati since 1996 (a 41-31 Bengals victory).
Injury report
Bengals — C Rich Braham (knee), LT Levi Jones, WR Kelley Washington (hamstring), and QB Anthony Wright (appendectomy) are out; LB Rashad Jeanty (foot) is questionable. Falcons — DE John Abraham (groin) is out; DTs Jonathan Babineaux (heel) and Roderick Coleman (toe), RB Fred McCrary (knee), G Kynan Forney (shoulder) and OT Quinn Ojinnaka (ankle) are questionable.
Outcome
When Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Henry are on the field together, the Bengals' offense is unstoppable. Bengals 31, Falcons 20.
