10-24-2010, 12:02 PM
Falcons scouting report
When The Bengals Run
In his past six games against NFC opponents, Cedric Benson is averaging 126.8 yards per game (761 total), including four 100-yard games. Against Tampa Bay two weeks ago, Benson had a season-high 144 yards. Falcons middle linebacker Curtis Lofton is one of the team's best run stoppers. He recorded a season high 17 tackles in last week's loss at Philadelphia and leads the team with 62.
When The Bengals Pass
In his only career start against Atlanta in 2006, Carson Palmer was 24 of 36 for 266 yards with two touchdowns. In road games against the NFC, he has 21 touchdowns against 12 interceptions and a 88.8 rating. Wideout Terrell Owens needs one more TD to become the fifth player in league history with 150 or more. He has 11 against the Falcons, which is his second most against any team. Atlanta defensive end John Abraham has 12.5 sacks in his past 10 against the AFC. His 93.5 sacks since 2000 are second-most in the league. Cornerback Dunta Robinson, who was the Falcons' big acquisition in free agency, is questionable after suffering a concussion last week.
When The Falcons Run
Since joining the Falcons in 2008, Michael Turner is averaging 103.7 yards per game with 18 touchdowns at home. His 28 touchdowns are the second most in the NFC since 2008. When he has 22 carries or more over his career, his teams (Atlanta and San Diego) are 14-1. Linebacker Dhani Jones leads the Bengals in tackles with 52. Rey Maualuga is a consistent run stopper.
When The Falcons Pass
Matt Ryan has won 15 of his last 16 starts at home, including 11 straight. He has a TD pass in five straight games this season and has four games of two or more. Wideout Roddy White, who leads the league in receptions with 43, has 26 catches for 351 yards and three TDs in his last three against the AFC. Tight end Tony Gonzalez had two touchdowns last week. In five games against Cincinnati, he has 36 catches for 381 yards and five touchdowns. Bengals safety Chris Crocker had his first two-sack game two weeks ago and cornerbacks Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall have combined for four interceptions over the last four games.
Special Teams
Bengals kicker Mike Nugent is 12-of-13 on field goals. He has reached the end zone on 10 of his 26 kickoffs with six touchbacks. The Bengals had eight touchbacks from Shayne Graham all of last season. Punt returner Adam Jones, an Atlanta native, had a 27-yard punt return two weeks ago against Tampa Bay. Falcons kicker Matt Bryant already has two game-winning field goals this season.
When The Bengals Run
In his past six games against NFC opponents, Cedric Benson is averaging 126.8 yards per game (761 total), including four 100-yard games. Against Tampa Bay two weeks ago, Benson had a season-high 144 yards. Falcons middle linebacker Curtis Lofton is one of the team's best run stoppers. He recorded a season high 17 tackles in last week's loss at Philadelphia and leads the team with 62.
When The Bengals Pass
In his only career start against Atlanta in 2006, Carson Palmer was 24 of 36 for 266 yards with two touchdowns. In road games against the NFC, he has 21 touchdowns against 12 interceptions and a 88.8 rating. Wideout Terrell Owens needs one more TD to become the fifth player in league history with 150 or more. He has 11 against the Falcons, which is his second most against any team. Atlanta defensive end John Abraham has 12.5 sacks in his past 10 against the AFC. His 93.5 sacks since 2000 are second-most in the league. Cornerback Dunta Robinson, who was the Falcons' big acquisition in free agency, is questionable after suffering a concussion last week.
When The Falcons Run
Since joining the Falcons in 2008, Michael Turner is averaging 103.7 yards per game with 18 touchdowns at home. His 28 touchdowns are the second most in the NFC since 2008. When he has 22 carries or more over his career, his teams (Atlanta and San Diego) are 14-1. Linebacker Dhani Jones leads the Bengals in tackles with 52. Rey Maualuga is a consistent run stopper.
When The Falcons Pass
Matt Ryan has won 15 of his last 16 starts at home, including 11 straight. He has a TD pass in five straight games this season and has four games of two or more. Wideout Roddy White, who leads the league in receptions with 43, has 26 catches for 351 yards and three TDs in his last three against the AFC. Tight end Tony Gonzalez had two touchdowns last week. In five games against Cincinnati, he has 36 catches for 381 yards and five touchdowns. Bengals safety Chris Crocker had his first two-sack game two weeks ago and cornerbacks Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall have combined for four interceptions over the last four games.
Special Teams
Bengals kicker Mike Nugent is 12-of-13 on field goals. He has reached the end zone on 10 of his 26 kickoffs with six touchbacks. The Bengals had eight touchbacks from Shayne Graham all of last season. Punt returner Adam Jones, an Atlanta native, had a 27-yard punt return two weeks ago against Tampa Bay. Falcons kicker Matt Bryant already has two game-winning field goals this season.
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10-24-2010, 12:02 PM
TALE OF THE TAPE
Bengals Category Falcons
2-3 Record 4-2
20.0 (T17) Points for 21.7 (T12)
351.4 (11) Total offense 357.3 (9)
103.4 (18) Rush offense 134.8 (7)
248.0 (7) Pass offense 222.5 (17)
20.4 (16) Points allowed 16.8 (T5)
317.6 (13) Total defense 337.3 (18)
111.0 (18) Rush defense 97.8 (9)
206.6 (13) Pass defense 239.5 (25)
+2 (T8) Turnover differential +6 (4)
Bengals Category Falcons
2-3 Record 4-2
20.0 (T17) Points for 21.7 (T12)
351.4 (11) Total offense 357.3 (9)
103.4 (18) Rush offense 134.8 (7)
248.0 (7) Pass offense 222.5 (17)
20.4 (16) Points allowed 16.8 (T5)
317.6 (13) Total defense 337.3 (18)
111.0 (18) Rush defense 97.8 (9)
206.6 (13) Pass defense 239.5 (25)
+2 (T8) Turnover differential +6 (4)
10-24-2010, 12:03 PM
One-two punch
Sunday's game matches the top two active pass catchers in the league. Bengals wide receiver Terrell Owens has 1,037 catches and Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez has 1,026. Owens (15,427) and Gonzalez (12,072) rank first and third in career receiving yards, and 2-3 among active players in career touchdown receptions (146 for Owens, 85 for Gonzalez).
300 with two zeros
The Bengals are 0-2 when Carson Palmer throws for 300 yards or more which is also a league-wide trend. Through six weeks, teams are 10-20 when their quarterback throws for 300. Last year it was 67-37.
The coaches
Bengals: Marvin Lewis (58-60-1 overall) is in his eighth season and is 0-1 against Atlanta. Lewis is 3-3 against the NFC South.
Falcons: Mike Smith (24-15 overall) is in his third season. He is 0-0 against Cincinnati and is 0-1 against the AFC North.
Series history
This is the 12th meeting with the Bengals leading 7-4. Atlanta though has won the last two including 29-27 in Week 8 at Paul Brown Stadium in 2006.
At Atlanta: Bengals lead 3-2 (3-1 at Atlanta/Fulton County Stadium and 0-1 at the Georgia Dome). The Bengals only regular season trip to the Georgia Dome was in 2002 when they dropped a 16-10 decision.
Injury report
Bengals - Out: S Roy Williams (knee); RB Brian Leonard (thigh); Questionable: CB Johnathan Joseph (ankle), DT Pat Sims (knee), DE Jonathan Fanene (hamstring).
Falcons - Out: TE Justin Peelle (groin), LB Sean Weatherspoon (knee); Questionable: CB Dunta Robinson (head, knee), RB Antone Smith (shoulder)
Sunday's game matches the top two active pass catchers in the league. Bengals wide receiver Terrell Owens has 1,037 catches and Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez has 1,026. Owens (15,427) and Gonzalez (12,072) rank first and third in career receiving yards, and 2-3 among active players in career touchdown receptions (146 for Owens, 85 for Gonzalez).
300 with two zeros
The Bengals are 0-2 when Carson Palmer throws for 300 yards or more which is also a league-wide trend. Through six weeks, teams are 10-20 when their quarterback throws for 300. Last year it was 67-37.
The coaches
Bengals: Marvin Lewis (58-60-1 overall) is in his eighth season and is 0-1 against Atlanta. Lewis is 3-3 against the NFC South.
Falcons: Mike Smith (24-15 overall) is in his third season. He is 0-0 against Cincinnati and is 0-1 against the AFC North.
Series history
This is the 12th meeting with the Bengals leading 7-4. Atlanta though has won the last two including 29-27 in Week 8 at Paul Brown Stadium in 2006.
At Atlanta: Bengals lead 3-2 (3-1 at Atlanta/Fulton County Stadium and 0-1 at the Georgia Dome). The Bengals only regular season trip to the Georgia Dome was in 2002 when they dropped a 16-10 decision.
Injury report
Bengals - Out: S Roy Williams (knee); RB Brian Leonard (thigh); Questionable: CB Johnathan Joseph (ankle), DT Pat Sims (knee), DE Jonathan Fanene (hamstring).
Falcons - Out: TE Justin Peelle (groin), LB Sean Weatherspoon (knee); Questionable: CB Dunta Robinson (head, knee), RB Antone Smith (shoulder)
10-24-2010, 12:03 PM
FIVE KEYS FOR THE BENGALS
1. No turnovers: Over the past two games, Carson Palmer has committed five turnovers (three interceptions, two fumbles) that have led to 23 points for the opposition. With two three-point losses, the Bengals need to take care of the ball, especially against an Atlanta defense that has forced 14 turnovers.
2. Strike early: The Bengals still haven't scored in their first two drives in a game this season and are 6-of-16 in the red zone. Offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski likes how the Bengals are moving the ball, but they need to start converting yards into points.
3. Hit Ryan: Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan has a quick release, but some say he starts to struggle if you can get some hits on him. The Bengals have done better applying pressure over the last couple games and had three sacks against Tampa Bay. The return of defensive end Jonathan Fanene could help.
4. Keep at it: The Bengals have nine defensive penalties which have led to first downs. They have also been on the short end of contested catches. They must continue to be aggressive while at the same time be more disciplined.
5. Break a return: Adam Jones had a 27-yard punt return against Tampa Bay, but the Bengals need to get more consistent production there, as well as showing signs of life in the kick return game. just 18.4 yards on kick returns.
ONE ON ONE: THE KEY MATCHUP
Bengals LT Andrew Whitworth vs. Falcons DE John Abraham
What to watch: Whitworth has given up only one sack this season, in the opener at New England. He will have his hands full against Abraham, long one of the NFL's best pass rushers.
The skinny: Abraham had two of his four sacks two weeks ago against Cleveland, dominating All-Pro left tackle Joe Thomas.
Quotable: "Heck of a challenge. He's a great player. This is kind of the life for a left tackle though with this upcoming stretch." - Whitworth on Abraham
REEDY'S READ
Rested, off the bye week and in a must-win situation, this could be the perfect time for the Bengals to pull off an upset on the road, especially with Atlanta missing two defensive starters.
BENGALS 17, FALCONS 13
1. No turnovers: Over the past two games, Carson Palmer has committed five turnovers (three interceptions, two fumbles) that have led to 23 points for the opposition. With two three-point losses, the Bengals need to take care of the ball, especially against an Atlanta defense that has forced 14 turnovers.
2. Strike early: The Bengals still haven't scored in their first two drives in a game this season and are 6-of-16 in the red zone. Offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski likes how the Bengals are moving the ball, but they need to start converting yards into points.
3. Hit Ryan: Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan has a quick release, but some say he starts to struggle if you can get some hits on him. The Bengals have done better applying pressure over the last couple games and had three sacks against Tampa Bay. The return of defensive end Jonathan Fanene could help.
4. Keep at it: The Bengals have nine defensive penalties which have led to first downs. They have also been on the short end of contested catches. They must continue to be aggressive while at the same time be more disciplined.
5. Break a return: Adam Jones had a 27-yard punt return against Tampa Bay, but the Bengals need to get more consistent production there, as well as showing signs of life in the kick return game. just 18.4 yards on kick returns.
ONE ON ONE: THE KEY MATCHUP
Bengals LT Andrew Whitworth vs. Falcons DE John Abraham
What to watch: Whitworth has given up only one sack this season, in the opener at New England. He will have his hands full against Abraham, long one of the NFL's best pass rushers.
The skinny: Abraham had two of his four sacks two weeks ago against Cleveland, dominating All-Pro left tackle Joe Thomas.
Quotable: "Heck of a challenge. He's a great player. This is kind of the life for a left tackle though with this upcoming stretch." - Whitworth on Abraham
REEDY'S READ
Rested, off the bye week and in a must-win situation, this could be the perfect time for the Bengals to pull off an upset on the road, especially with Atlanta missing two defensive starters.
BENGALS 17, FALCONS 13
10-24-2010, 12:07 PM
While some people are fixated on the quarterback and receiver matchups in Sunday's Bengals-Falcons game, one of the more underrated ones is at running back between Cedric Benson and Michael Turner.
Benson is tied for eighth in the AFC with 406 yards and Turner is fifth in the NFC with 466 yards, although the Falcons (4-2) have played one more game than the Bengals (2-3), who had their bye week last Sunday.
After rushing for 144 yards on 23 carries in the loss to Tampa Bay two weeks ago, Benson hopes to keep the running game on track this week. But the fact that Benson has only one 100-yard game this year in the first five is a little bit of a painful subject.
"One 100-yard game is not something I'm proud of. But we're off to a fresh start now after the bye week," Benson said. "We've got 11 regular-season games and I have to get my mind set on executing and each step and each approach to make the best outing for the team."
Part of getting Benson's mind in a better state is focusing on matters on the field. After expressing his feelings about the direction of the offense earlier in the season, Benson has stepped back from that. Earlier in the week Benson referred to himself as Employee No. 32 and that he was going to take the task presented before himself and make the best of it. Benson said he revised his outlook after talking to one of his advisers, who told Benson he was focusing on things that didn't matter.
When it comes to playing NFC teams as a member of the Bengals, Benson has done pretty well. In eight starts he has four 100-yard games. In his past six interconference games, dating to last year, he is averaging 126.8 yards per game.
Although the Falcons have struggled defending the pass, they are ninth against the run, allowing only 97.8 yards per game.
Said Benson of Atlanta's defense: "They've got a lot of stunts up front with a real active defensive line. They have good linebackers who move to the ball well."
Since coming from San Diego in 2008, Turner has 28 rushing touchdowns, which is second in the NFC. In games at the Georgia Dome, he's averaging 103.7 yards per game with 18 touchdowns.
"It's been a great experience for me," said Turner of his time with the Falcons in a teleconference earlier this week. "It's something that I've been wanting to do for a long time but I just had to wait my turn. Now that I've had the opportunity I'm just trying to make the most out of it right now."
Said defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer of Turner: "He's a powerful back that has surprising speed. It doesn't look like it on tape but he outruns guys a lot." The Bengals are 18th against the run.
Benson is tied for eighth in the AFC with 406 yards and Turner is fifth in the NFC with 466 yards, although the Falcons (4-2) have played one more game than the Bengals (2-3), who had their bye week last Sunday.
After rushing for 144 yards on 23 carries in the loss to Tampa Bay two weeks ago, Benson hopes to keep the running game on track this week. But the fact that Benson has only one 100-yard game this year in the first five is a little bit of a painful subject.
"One 100-yard game is not something I'm proud of. But we're off to a fresh start now after the bye week," Benson said. "We've got 11 regular-season games and I have to get my mind set on executing and each step and each approach to make the best outing for the team."
Part of getting Benson's mind in a better state is focusing on matters on the field. After expressing his feelings about the direction of the offense earlier in the season, Benson has stepped back from that. Earlier in the week Benson referred to himself as Employee No. 32 and that he was going to take the task presented before himself and make the best of it. Benson said he revised his outlook after talking to one of his advisers, who told Benson he was focusing on things that didn't matter.
When it comes to playing NFC teams as a member of the Bengals, Benson has done pretty well. In eight starts he has four 100-yard games. In his past six interconference games, dating to last year, he is averaging 126.8 yards per game.
Although the Falcons have struggled defending the pass, they are ninth against the run, allowing only 97.8 yards per game.
Said Benson of Atlanta's defense: "They've got a lot of stunts up front with a real active defensive line. They have good linebackers who move to the ball well."
Since coming from San Diego in 2008, Turner has 28 rushing touchdowns, which is second in the NFC. In games at the Georgia Dome, he's averaging 103.7 yards per game with 18 touchdowns.
"It's been a great experience for me," said Turner of his time with the Falcons in a teleconference earlier this week. "It's something that I've been wanting to do for a long time but I just had to wait my turn. Now that I've had the opportunity I'm just trying to make the most out of it right now."
Said defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer of Turner: "He's a powerful back that has surprising speed. It doesn't look like it on tape but he outruns guys a lot." The Bengals are 18th against the run.
10-24-2010, 12:39 PM
Falcons charge down the field with EASE and take a 7-0 lead in their first possession
10-24-2010, 12:48 PM
Bengals proved that they may be able to move the ball in the air on the first drive, but it comes to end on a disappointing poor throw from Carson. PUNT
10-24-2010, 12:53 PM
Bengals D with a good 3 & out. Let's see if the Bangals can count points on this drive
10-24-2010, 01:29 PM
Roddy White with 114 yards already is GASHING the Bengals D
10-24-2010, 02:24 PM
FG's will not get them back into the game
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