Week 4 Preview: Patriots at Bengals

Sorry for the really late game preview. I think this is another really big game for the Pats. If you remember, our game against Cincy last year was the turning point of the year, as we knocked off a Bengals team that undefeated at that point. Offensively, this game could be huge for us. Simply put, Cincy’s defense is horrible. Although they have some nice young talent, like Leon Hall, they get picked apart very easily in both dimensions of the game. Will we score on offense? Yes, but the question is what can we do defensively to stop one of the league’s top 3 offenses?

Keys to the Game
1. Open Up Attacking in the Passing Game – When I say attack, I mean attack. That means going deep to Moss, hitting Welker on deep crosses, etc. If things don’t go well, then we can start more conservatively.

2. Check Bengals Receivers – To do well defensively, the Patriots need to be physical on Ocho Cinco and T.j. Houshurmama (credit to Michael Irvin) at the line. Check them, slow them up. If we can’t shut them down, then we may be in for a shootout.

3. Get Running Game Going – This is kind of obvious, but it is critical. Of course, set up the pass with the run, but today, it will go deeper than that. Tonight, the Patriots should use a lot of two tight end, single back formations, using pitch sweeps. I know it sounds simple, but I really believe Maroney (if playing), can be very productive running to the outside against this Bengals defense.

5 Players to Watch – Bengals
1. Chad Johnson, WR
2. Rudi Johnson, RB
3. Leon Hall, CB
4. Carson Palmer, QB
5. Willie Anderson, OT

5 Players to Watch – Patriots
1. Laurence Maroney, RB
2. Adalius Thomas, LB
3. Randy Moss, WR
4. Tom Brady, QB
5. James Sanders, S
*1. Sammy Morris if Lomo out

Greg’s Prediction:
Patriots 38 Bengals 28

First, I can see the Patriots score more than 38, but I can’t go against the pattern. Second, I don’t think the Bengals will score 28, but I hate predicting blowouts.