Game-day details
Sun., 8:30 p.m. ET, Alltel Stadium
Weather forecast from AccuWeather.com:
Intermittent clouds. High: 83. Low: 70.
Why To Watch
Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis and Jacksonville coach Jack Del Rio are quite familiar with each other. Lewis was the defensive coordinator and Del Rio his linebackers coach for the Ravens during their Super Bowl 35 season. Both former Super Bowl aides now have rebuilt their "own" teams into playoff contenders and face off in a crucial Sunday night game. It's especially important for Jacksonville, which has started an uneven 2-2.
Cincinnati is off to its best start since 1988, when the Bengals also started 4-0 and eventually made it to the Super Bowl. This Bengals team has yet to beat a .500 opponent, and facing the Jaguars on the road should be a good litmus test.
Cincinnati quarterback Carson Palmer has the No. 2 passer rating (112.2) and touchdown passes (nine) in the NFL through four weeks and has been getting big production from wide receivers Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. The running game features the two-man attack of Rudi Johnson and Chris Perry.
The Jaguars win with defense but do have valuable stars in running back Fred Taylor, wide receiver Jimmy Smith and quarterback Byron Leftwich. The Jaguars' problem is their inability to string together solid efforts in back-to-back games.
Bengals Keys For Success
1. Change the defensive fronts. The Jaguars' offensive line is playing poorly and dealing with knee injuries to right guard Chris Naeole and right tackle Maurice Williams. Bengals defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan continually must mix formations to create better one-on-one matchups. The Bengals have the athletes to go from a 4-3 scheme to a 3-4 with ease. By constantly changing those rushing the passer and dropping into coverage, it will put added pressure on the Jaguars' offensive linemen to adjust and should lead to a few free shots at statuesque Leftwich.
2. Throw deep to Chad Johnson. Palmer is off to a hot start, and his favorite target, Johnson, is lighting up opposing cornerbacks. The Jaguars have given up only three passes of 20-plus yards but lack a cornerback capable of running with Johnson. Palmer should throw downfield. Even if unsuccessful, the downfield passes will force the Jaguars' safeties to honor Johnson and back off the line a bit. This should free up the underneath routes for Houshmandzadeh and rookie Chris Henry.
3. Run left. Left tackle Levi Jones is the staple of the Bengals' line, and left guard Eric Steinbach can move a pile. They will be matched against undersized defensive end Reggie Hayward, who is not a stout run defender. The Bengals should get plenty of push with counter plays and power runs to the left side. Powerful fullback Jeremi Johnson will be free to help on defensive tackle Marcus Stroud or a linebacker.
Jaguars Keys For Success
1. Protect the ball. The Jaguars, who had four turnovers against Denver last week, must protect the ball against the NFL leaders in takeaways. The Bengals have forced 17 turnovers (12 interceptions, five fumbles) in four games. Leftwich must dial in this week on his receivers and not force passes into coverage. He also must do a better job of securing the ball while in the pocket.
2. Create offensive balance. Taylor ran the ball 37 times two weeks ago against the Jets, yet only got eight carries for 12 yards against Denver last Sunday. It is hard to establish the run when playing catch up. Offensive coordinator Carl Smith must get his unit going early with quick-hitting plays like slants to Smith or hitches to tight end Kyle Brady to open up the field. An early touchdown would back the Bengals' defenders off and open up running lanes for Taylor.
3. Blitz early and often. The Bengals' offensive line was forced to move Steinbach from left guard to center in Week 4 because of injuries to starter Rich Braham and backup Larry Moore. Though Braham is likely to play Sunday night, seldom used backups Scott Kooistra and rookie Eric Ghiaciuc could be forced into action. Their inexperience and right tackle Willie Anderson's back ailment and Palmer's lack of mobility could lead to a sack party.
Injuries at a glance
Bengals injuries
10/4/05 T.J. Houshmandzadeh WR Hand Questionable for Week 5 but expects to play
10/3/05 Madieu Williams S Shoulder Questionable for Week 5
10/3/05 Rich Braham C Knee Questionable for Week 5
9/27/05 Willie Anderson T Back spasms Likely to play in Week 4
Jaguars injuries
9/21/05 Donovin Darius S Left knee (torn ACL) On injured reserve
9/10/05 Cortez Hankton WR Ankle
The Bottom Line
The Bengals have a high-powered offense to match an aggressive defense and are playing standout team football. The Jaguars are too hot and too cold. If the Jaguars can establish Taylor, they can stay in this game. In the end, though, Cincinnati's multitude of weapons will win out.
Pick: Bengals 21, Jaguars 10
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