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Sunday, September 07, 2008
BALTIMORE — Inquiring minds want to know: Is one week together enough for the Cincinnati Bengals' "Big Three" — quarterback Carson Palmer and wide receivers Chad Ocho Cinco and T.J. Houshmandzadeh — to jell?
"That's going to be the test," head coach Marvin Lewis said in preparation for the season opener today, Sept. 7, against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
The Ravens' offensive line and defensive backfield are riddled with injuries. Meanwhile, the Bengals' star wideouts, plus right defensive end Antwan Odom, are coming off injuries.
"That's going to be the fun of it — who can get ready the best and the most efficiently, and have the wind and the stamina to play, and play great," Lewis added.
Pass protection is key
The Bengals yielded 13 sacks during the preseason after giving up just 17 the entire 2007 regular season. The visual of Palmer with a broken nose, cut lip and bloody face from an Aug. 23 loss to New Orleans lingers. If the protection doesn't tighten up, Palmer could be headed to the hospital because the Ravens love to blitz.
Offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski said Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan "is going to have something new for us, but we'll have to make the adjustment."
'Playground defense'
The Bengals' offense is working overtime, studying DVDs of the Ravens' defense led by linebacker Ray Lewis.
"I call it a playground defense," Ocho Cinco said. "They're moving all over the place. They're standing up half of the time. They're all about confusion. They're the only ones who are able to play like that because of the talent they have."
Tailback by committee
Bengals tailback Chris Perry, who has a long injury history, makes the fourth start of his career.
"We want to be able to ease him into a full game," Bratkowski said. "We've got other quality backs. Let some other guys take turns and make sure he's strong all the way throughout the game."
Today's game
Who: Bengals at Ravens
When:
1 p.m.
TV: WHIO-TV (CBS, Ch. 7)
Radio: WTUE-FM (104.7)
