There's no debut like an Anthony Collins debut

by Josh Kirkendall on Nov 18, 2008 11:21 AM EST in Analysis

Anthony, your first assignment is James Harrison. Enjoy.

If he starts, Anthony Collins' first task is to stop James Harrison from doing this.

If there's ever a scenario that exists out there, such as making your first start against one of the league's best defensive players, Thursday night would define it. With 12 sacks this season, Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison will be salivating at the thought of pushing a rookie tackle around, making his first NFL start if neither Levi Jones or Andrew Whitworth can heal significantly enough through Thursday afternoon. Note: If Jones or Whitworth can't go.

Rather than expecting him to match-up one-on-one with Harrison, the Bengals would likely send help his way with Kenny Watson (either fully blocking, or chipping into a route in the flats), Daniel Coats and/or Reggie Kelly. At the same time, this could present opportunities for LaMarr Woodley (10 sacks) and Lawrence Timmons (4), along with a three-man rush and additional blitzes from Larry Foote and James Farrior. A focus on protecting Collins might work against the Bengals, creating mismatches for the Steelers to overload the right side.

All things considered, James Harrison has 24.5 career sacks, with his first two career sacks against the Bengals during the week-seven run-the-score-up blowout on October 19 this year. The way the Bengals have held Harrison in check by a healthier and younger Levi Jones, (not by much on both accounts), save for one game, there could be optimism there.

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Run-up-the-score-blowout? I missed most of the game and only got to tune in in the fourth quarter (or maybe late 3rd?) when the bengals were driving down the field and the steelers up 17-10. I didn’t see the game as a blowout at all, regardless of the final score. I was pretty damn scared actually.

by steelguy99 on Nov 18, 2008 12:11 PM EST reply actions

It was the fourth quarter.

Close until then. Specifically speaking, the Bengals were down by 21 points and Leftwich completes a 16-yard touchdown pass to Ward to go up by 28 at the two minute warning. Hoping the Bengals use that, or something, to get charged up. Something. Though that assumes the Bengals organization hasn’t lifted the boycott to this site.

Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.

by Josh Kirkendall on Nov 18, 2008 12:42 PM EST up reply actions

I think that was the steelers trying to re-assure themselves that they dominated the bengals when that was far from the case. They’re very insecure.

by steelguy99 on Nov 18, 2008 12:48 PM EST up reply actions

Hopefully it fires up the Bengals though.

This team has little to play for other than pride, and have beaten two teams that were good in the past few seasons, but terrible this year. We need to be a good team. Nothing better than beating on the AFC North.

Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.

by Josh Kirkendall on Nov 18, 2008 1:53 PM EST up reply actions