Week 8 Preview

27 Oct 2006


week 8 preview
Category: Sports

It's all about line play this week. Not having to face Abraham is huge for young Whitworth. I'm a bit concerned about our linebackers covering Alge Crumpler and I expect us to play lots of zone defense due to that and Vick's escape ability. The theory Bresnahan will likely go with is not over pursuing anything. What that translates into is giving the Falcons 4 to 6 yards underneath on almost every passing play. We'll have to capitalize on the mistakes Vick is surely to present. He's without a doubt the most gifted athlete in the NFL but has brains of silly putty and a lot of times just doesn't understand reading defenses. He'll force some things, especially with the success he enjoyed last week, and it is of utmost importance we make him pay for it. Honestly, I'm more worried about Warrick Dunn than Vick. Dunn is great at busting the big play and that has always been Bresnahan's nightmare. Don't expect many 8 in their box even though Atlanta is almost all rushing. We'll play it safe with the safeties keeping one eye on Vick scrambling.

Offensively I hope to see us carry that fuzzy warm feeling Carson gave fans in last week's second half. We're banged up in the receiving corps (who woulda thought we'd miss Kelly Washington so much?), but with Slimmy returning we should air it out like we as fans love to see. Plus Chris Perry should help with the fourth receiver slot. I also hope to see Perry get some chances on outside sweeps and screens with Abraham missing on the end.

Overall I feel pretty good about this game. Better than I did last week. A win would add that playoff credibility that we've flirted with losing. I feel it's important to establish ourselves as a good home team. I always feel the players get distracted at home by wanting to entertain more than win. Let's hope we get through the weekend without any arrests or drama and just take care of business Sunday.

Bengals 34-28



Mojokong - sweating the details