Critical Matchup of the Week: Titans D-Line vs. Bengals O-Line

by Kirkendall on Sep 12, 2008 4:17 PM EDT in Game Previews Comment 1 comment

Critically speaking, I believe there's no bigger matchup on Sunday than the Titan's defensive line, and the Bengals offensive line. Kyle Vanden Bosch recorded the Titans' only sack in last year's 35-6 win over Tennessee, that led to a fumble and a missed 26-yard field goal by the normally always automatic Shayne Graham.

But this year, the Titan's defense is better.

Last week, Titans defensive tackles Albert Haynesworth and Tony Brown recorded two sacks each -- four of the team's seven sacks last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Vanden Bosch recorded a sack, and Stacy Andrews will have to contend with Jevon Kearse's 69.5 career sacks. James Jones (a backup to Vanden Bosch) and Kevin Vickerson (a backup to Haynesworth) also recorded sacks respectively.

If the Bengals can't allow Palmer to sit comfortably in the pocket, for more than three seconds, the Bengals haven't a chance. Eric Ghiaciuc and the Bengals running backs will be critical for the success of the team's pass protection, helping Andrew Whitworth and Bobbie Williams on both defensive tackles. More so, the Bengals offense will need to address the defensive ends and help out Andrews and Jones. At the very least, Reggie Kelly should be in a majority of the team's passing plays, assisting one side while a running back helps the other; at least chipping the pass rusher before going out into routes.

The offensive line, right now, is under a microscope. And if they keep Palmer clean, and open up lanes for a passable rushing offense, it should help bring some credibility and respectability among the team's offensive line; especially this week.

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The only way to keep these beastly fucks out of Carson’s grill is to hit them early and often with draws and screens. Make them think twice about a headlong assault on the passer and, when Haynesworth is at the bottom of the pile, out of sight of the referee, smack him really hard on both earholes simultaneously.

And, so help me Joe Pesci, if I see this offense go run up the middle for no gain, run up the middle for no gain, throw the ball away under pressure on third and long, punt, even once this Sunday, I will find Bob Bratkowski’s home and place a flaming bag of dog shit at his doorstep.

by IgnatiusJReilly on Sep 12, 2008 5:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs