Leon Hall played well below expectations against the Detroit Lions last Friday. We didn't see Nate Clements on the field, save for a nice play in the backfield during a Jerome Harrison run that forced the running back upfield for a limited again into the loving embrace of linebacker Rey Maualuga.
Both cornerbacks will face a similarly tough test against Santonio Holmes, who has 36 career receptions for 564 yards receiving and two touchdowns in eight career games against the Bengals.
Also starting for the New York Jets is former Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress, who is averaging 68.7 yards receiving per game in ten meetings with Cincinnati. Burress, having missed the entire 2009 and 2010 seasons, last played an NFL game on November 23 against the Arizona Cardinals in 2008.
Cincinnati's pass defense faced intense criticism after Friday's 31-point loss to the Detroit Lions. Along with Hall's perceived struggles which resulted in two touchdowns, the middle of the field was largely unopposed. Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer has preached tighter coverage this week to fix that.