09-20-2009, 12:30 PM
When the Bengals run
In his past two meetings against Green Bay, Cedric Benson is averaging 86.5 yards per game. While the Bengals did a decent job on sweeps and getting to the outside last week, he struggled at times when it came to running between the tackles. Benson did have some success running behind left tackle Andrew Whitworth but didnât find a lot on the right side. The Packers are a little vulnerable up the middle and running lanes could be open if they drop defenders back in coverage. Brian Leonard had a nice run on fourth down but needs to be better in third-down situations.
When the Bengals pass
Carson Palmer looked good at times and rusty at others. He did a nice job scrambling and rolling out on a couple plays but allowed three sacks. If Green Bay stays back in coverage and doesnât allow anything deep, that leaves the short and middle routes open, which the Bengals exploited a little with some nice gains. All four receivers â Chad Ochocinco, Laveranues Coles, Andre Caldwell and Chris Henry â need to be more consistent. Coles needs to put last weekâs three-drop game behind him; Henry should have more plays and packages in his direction. Look for Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers to call plenty of blitzes with linebacker Aaron Kampman. Charles Woodson and Al Harris are two of the more dangerous corners in the league. Because Atari Bigby is out of the game, the Bengals might take some chances deep with Aaron Rouse back there.
When the Packers run
Ryan Grant is a physical running back who likes to go north and south. The Bengals did a nice job of containing the run for the most part, as Correll Buckhalter was the only Broncosâ back to have success against them. But Green Bay will be more balanced than Denver was in establishing the run. Linebackers Rey Maualuga and Keith Rivers are going to have to be solid in containing the backs while safety Roy Williams also will be in run coverage again.
When the Packers pass
Aaron Rodgers is a dangerous, mobile quarterback who likes to use plenty of play-action. At Lambeau, he has 16 touchdown passes against only four interceptions. The Packers might throw it on first down more than the Broncos in order to establish the pass. Wide receiver Greg Jennings is a deep threat who averages 32 yards per touchdown. Eleven of his 25 TDs have been for 40 yards or more. Donald Driver is another experienced receiver, and the Packers might try to use tight end Donald Lee more. The Bengals got three sacks last week, including two by defensive end Antwan Odom. With the Packers wanting to go deep a little more, cornerbacks Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall need to play well.
Special teams
Kevin Huber averaged 39.7 yards per punt, but the Bengals had a huge gaffe last week with a botched field goal. Quan Cosby did well returning punts in the first half but struggled in the second. Green Bay kicker Mason Crosby had a 52-yarder last week against Chicago, and punter Jeremy Kapinos can cause some problems as a left-footed kicker
In his past two meetings against Green Bay, Cedric Benson is averaging 86.5 yards per game. While the Bengals did a decent job on sweeps and getting to the outside last week, he struggled at times when it came to running between the tackles. Benson did have some success running behind left tackle Andrew Whitworth but didnât find a lot on the right side. The Packers are a little vulnerable up the middle and running lanes could be open if they drop defenders back in coverage. Brian Leonard had a nice run on fourth down but needs to be better in third-down situations.
When the Bengals pass
Carson Palmer looked good at times and rusty at others. He did a nice job scrambling and rolling out on a couple plays but allowed three sacks. If Green Bay stays back in coverage and doesnât allow anything deep, that leaves the short and middle routes open, which the Bengals exploited a little with some nice gains. All four receivers â Chad Ochocinco, Laveranues Coles, Andre Caldwell and Chris Henry â need to be more consistent. Coles needs to put last weekâs three-drop game behind him; Henry should have more plays and packages in his direction. Look for Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers to call plenty of blitzes with linebacker Aaron Kampman. Charles Woodson and Al Harris are two of the more dangerous corners in the league. Because Atari Bigby is out of the game, the Bengals might take some chances deep with Aaron Rouse back there.
When the Packers run
Ryan Grant is a physical running back who likes to go north and south. The Bengals did a nice job of containing the run for the most part, as Correll Buckhalter was the only Broncosâ back to have success against them. But Green Bay will be more balanced than Denver was in establishing the run. Linebackers Rey Maualuga and Keith Rivers are going to have to be solid in containing the backs while safety Roy Williams also will be in run coverage again.
When the Packers pass
Aaron Rodgers is a dangerous, mobile quarterback who likes to use plenty of play-action. At Lambeau, he has 16 touchdown passes against only four interceptions. The Packers might throw it on first down more than the Broncos in order to establish the pass. Wide receiver Greg Jennings is a deep threat who averages 32 yards per touchdown. Eleven of his 25 TDs have been for 40 yards or more. Donald Driver is another experienced receiver, and the Packers might try to use tight end Donald Lee more. The Bengals got three sacks last week, including two by defensive end Antwan Odom. With the Packers wanting to go deep a little more, cornerbacks Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall need to play well.
Special teams
Kevin Huber averaged 39.7 yards per punt, but the Bengals had a huge gaffe last week with a botched field goal. Quan Cosby did well returning punts in the first half but struggled in the second. Green Bay kicker Mason Crosby had a 52-yarder last week against Chicago, and punter Jeremy Kapinos can cause some problems as a left-footed kicker