Week 16 preview

23 Dec 2006


week 16 preview
Category: Sports

Things to do in Denver when you're still very much alive.

1. Breathe deeply.

2. Watch out for cut blocks.

3. Throw the ball deep

4. Blitz a rookie quarterback

5. Return as heroes.

The NFL is so much more fun when you're team is in the hunt. These kind of make or break games is what it's all about. It's also the kind of scenarios where coaches are truly measured. With a win, Marvin maintains his spot in the respectable coaches club. A loss would allow grumblings from local pundits questioning his ability to run a successful program. Carson will also feel the heat of the microscope bearing down on him in the national spotlight. Is he a clutch player? That answer will become more concrete by Christmas day.

The one thing I hope to see on Sunday is a better scheme. The Bengals looked unprepared in all categories last week (Darrin Simmons' unit played fine). Coaches seemed scared of the Colts and adopted a "let's see how it plays out, then playcall accordingly" type of mentality. It;s as if they weren't sure what to expect. Well, we had better do a few more walk throughs this week because there certainly wont be another chance if the coaches screw it up again. I feel the staff needs to not only look ahead to what might work this week, but evaluate the season and do what has proven successful throughout the year. Go with what works. If we're a good team, there's no need to try to acclimate ourselves differently for every new opponent. Play to our strengths, dictate the action, and prepare the best you can. It sounds simple I know, but the Bengals are a strange, mentally fragile team who doesn't always do what seems like the most logical course of action. On to the specifics.

On offense I feel we should air it out. I like Rudi to get his 21carries, but I don't see Denver playing cover 2 against us and I feel our 3 receiver set formations can always find a mismatch somewhere. I want us to be aggressive early so we can avoid a shootout or a comeback trail. It's imperative for the offensive line to get good protection early to allow our dynamic receiving corps to get open downfield. Once a lead is established, you can take some pressure off your line by pounding Rudi, and mixing in some screen plays to the magnificent Kenny Watson. I think getting Levi back will help, I just hope it doesn't ruin any cohesion our line has accomplished over the past few weeks. It's really night and day when it comes to the success of our offense and the protection the line can provide.

On defense let's get a little pressure. Our corners are soft, and linebackers cant cover so no soft zone against an average passing attack. They'll look to break off big chunks on the ground so run defense should be top priority. 8 in the box. Dex Jax plugs the gaps along with our linebackers and Big Sam needs his quick, pattoned gush up the middle. Last week we did a poor job of tackling running backs on the outside, not seeming to be able to stop and change directions fast enough to make tackles. Tori James, if you're going to get beat deep for a touchdown, hold the guy. I want to see Caleb Miller this week.

Just don't play scared this week. Be the aggressor. The coaches need to coach like we believe we can win and our young, impressionable players will follow suit. We will witness the defining of a Marvin. Let's hope it works.

Mojokong - basking in the thin air.