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Preview: Cincinnati Bengals at Dallas Cowboys
Sunday, October 05, 2008
What you need to know about today's Oct. 5 Bengals-Cowboys game at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas:
Overview
Bengals wide receiver Chad Ocho Cinco promises to kiss the Dallas "star" at midfield when he scores. The bigger issue: Can winless Cincinnati pull off the upset against the 3-1 Cowboys, who are angry after last week's home loss to the Washington Redskins? The Bengals' four losses have come against opponents with a combined 10-4 record, including 1-3 Cleveland.
Scouting the Bengals (0-4)
No matter who starts at quarterback, Carson Palmer (inflamed right elbow) or backup Ryan Fitzpatrick, the offensive line must play better. It's yielded 12 sacks. It's on pace to give up 48. That's 31 more than all of 2007.
"Regardless of who's at the helm, he's only as good as the offensive line and the receivers make him," Ocho Cinco said. "His job is to drop back and throw it. We've got to get open. The offensive line's got to block. I think that's going to happen. We're going to have a great day."
Scouting the Cowboys (3-1)
QB Tony Romo, TB Marion Barber, WR Terrell Owens and TE Jason Witten headline the NFL's No. 2-ranked offense, which averages 416 yards a game. Offensive coordinator Jason Garrett came under attack for the loss to Washington because he abandoned the running game and tried to force the ball to Owens through the air. Look for Barber to rush at least 20 times. Why? Because the Bengals' 19th-ranked defense is fourth against the pass (165.8 yards a game) and 28th against the run (164.3).
Numbers game
The Cowboys lead 5-4 in a series dominated by the home team. The Bengals are 3-1 at home, but 1-4 as the road team. Cincinnati's only victory in Dallas (38-24) came on Nov. 20, 1988 — the year of the Bengals' march to Super Bowl XXIII.
Injury report
Bengals — SS Dexter Jackson (thumb) is out; LB Corey Mays (ankle) is doubtful; QB Carson Palmer (right elbow), LB Dhani Jones (foot), CB Johnathan Joseph (ankle) and DT Domata Peko (hand) are questionable. Cowboys — DT Tank Johnson (ankle), G Kyle Kosier (foot), S Patrick Watkins (neck), S Roy Williams (forearm) and DE Stephen Bowen (hamstring) are questionable.
Outcome
The offensive line can't block. The tailback fumbles. The quarterback has a bum elbow. The defense is a work in progress. Add it all up, and it equals doom for the Bengals. The final: Cowboys 31, Bengals 13.
