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BENGALS
Lewis: Bengals need to play smarter
As the team prepares to face the Patriots' top-ranked offense and defense, coach wants each player to focus on his own role.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
CINCINNATI — Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis is preaching one of his favorite sermons — "Do your job!" — in an attempt to turn his Cincinnati team around.
He believes the club is playing hard, but it's not always playing smart.
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The Bengals will have to do both in order to defeat the New England Patriots on Monday night.
"We're pressing and trying too hard," Lewis said. "That's the thing that's evident. We are trying so hard, we're getting away from the things which we have built upon — the sound principles. Sometimes they can trip you up, and right now, the fine line we're living on, we're not benefiting from it."
All three units have taken turns breaking down. The offense and special teams have combined for nine turnovers; the defense has forced three-and-out drives on only three of their opponents' 42 possessions; and the kick coverage teams have cost the squad valuable field position.
"The first thing we need to do is stay a little bit more disciplined and understand our job, and make sure we get our job done, number one. Secondly, knowing what your role is on the team, and being able to do that to the very best of your God-given talent," Lewis said.
That means everybody.
"Regardless of who you are. From our very best player to our 53rd player," Lewis said. "That's important to understand — that we need to stay within ourselves and know what our responsibilities are and what's going to get done that particular play. Let the play work — offense, defense, special teams. Let it work and stay within your role."
Especially against the Patriots, who have the NFL's top-ranked offense and defense.
"It's an important week. It's a big week," he said. "It's time to step up and play NFL football."
After the latest loss in Seattle, offensive tackle Willie Anderson spoke about not only playing better, but coaching better.
"What he meant by that was when you get into those key moments, that everyone understands what's going to occur," Lewis said. "Anytime we don't make a first down or a touchdown, (the players) want to say it's coaching. We want to say it's execution. It goes hand in hand."
Possession summaries
How the Bengals' 43 possessions have ended:
Punts: 14 (five "3-and-outs")
Fumbles: 5
Interceptions: 4
Safety: 0
Downs: 0
Touchdowns: 11 (1 fumble return)
Field goals: 5
Missed field goals: 1
End of half: 2
End of game: 1
How opponents' 42 possessions have ended:
Punts: 12 (three "3-and-outs")
Fumbles: 4
Interceptions: 5
Safety: 1
Downs: 1
Touchdowns: 11
Field goals: 6
Missed field goals: 0
End of half: 0
End of game: 2
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com
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