Cincinnati Bengals vs. Detroit Lions Preview
The Cincinnati Bengals try to continue their march toward the playoffs this Sunday, as they face the less than impressive Detroit Lions (from Paul Brown Stadium). On paper, this is a mismatch, but fortunately for us the games are not played there. Last week the Bengals pounded the Browns into submission, rushing for 210 yards and controlling the clock for 38 minutes and 11 seconds. It was complete domination in the trenches, as the Browns could not get off the field and the Bengals couldn’t help but run the ball. Heck, I think Ki-Jana Carter could have gained 100 yards last week.
Cincinnati has relied on the run for most of the season, rushing for 132 yards per game (7th in the league), while chewing up the clock and breaking the will of most of their opponents. Their success is due to RB Benson who has had a rebirth in Cincinnati this year, carrying the rock 209 times for 859 yards and 6 td. This one time #4 overall pick (2005), was left for dead after wallowing in mediocrity for 3 years in Chicago. The Bengals took a chance on the former Longhorn and have reaped the rewards. Since Benson arrived in Cincinnati, he has rushed for 1,606 yards in 21 games (12 games in 2008 for 747 yards & 9 games in 2009 for 859 yards) and appears to have turned the corner, both mentally and physically. Another bright spot for the Bengals is their defense. This much maligned unit has shown some backbone, going from the laughing stock to borderline cream of the crop. Defensive Coordinator Zimmer needs to be applauded, as he has given the Bengals D a facelift and an attitude adjustment amidst his own personal hell (his wife Vikki, 50, passed away during the season). This hardnosed, dedicated and grieving man has stood tall and proved his worth. In addition, his methods have proved to be the difference between 8-8 and a shot at the Super Bowl (potentially).
As for the Lions, they’ll need some luck to keep this game close. Coming off a 34-12 thumping by the Packers, Detroit will have to get their running game going. With QB Stafford dealing with “growing pains” and their defense dealing with “defensive pains” (couldn’t stop the Browns from scoring 37), you come away with the overwhelming sensation that this team is destined for another top 10 draft pick. In fact, the Lions have had a top 10 draft pick in 7 of the last 10 drafts. What does that tell you? I don’t know what more can be said about their situation. The fact of the matter is, they have made so many mistakes that it will take another 4 years to crawl out of the hole. Incidentally, it will take their city just as long to recover from the financial devastation and the poverty engulfing it as we speak. All we can do as citizens and NFL fans is hope and pray that both the Lions and the city recover from their ills.
That recovery does not start now, as both RB Benson and RB Johnson will have a field day (175 yards rushing and 2 td). If the Lions stack the box, QB Palmer will butcher them (330 yards passing and 2 td). The Lions have no answer for the Bengals offensive attack and can only hope to win the turnover battle. With this being said, the game will not be close. Cincinnati wins 39-16.
Todd P Coleman 12-05-09