Titans @ Bengals: Keys to the Game

It can't get any worse than last week, right??

1. Offense Stop Being Offensive: The Bengals offense was non-existent last week. They couldn't run the ball, they couldn't throw the ball, they couldn't block, and they couldn't catch. Basically if I had to give a grade to the Bengals offense last week it would be F----. Cincy managed only 154 total yards of offense and eight first downs in their 17-10 loss to the Ravens. The Bengals only touchdown of the game came on a 65 yard fumble return by Jonathan Joseph which means the offense only accounted for 3 points. This is especially bad considering the field position they were given throughout the first half. The Bengals had drives in the first half that started on the Baltimore 33 and 46 yard lines respectively, and drives in the second half that started on the Cincy 42 and 44 yard lines. Of those four opportunities with great field position, the offense managed ZERO points. They also accounted for 7 three-and-outs during the game, leading to the defense wearing down in the fourth quarter. The defense has been the weak link in this team under Marvin Lewis, but the offense now appears to be shifting towards terrible while the defense looks improved. Either way, Carson Palmer and his receivers need to figure out a way to start clicking, immediately.

2. Young Guns Keep Improving: The young studs on the Bengals defense showed flashes of brilliance last week. 2006 first round pick Jonathan Joseph looked like an All-Pro corner, deflecting everything thrown his way. He also accounted for the only Bengals touchdown of the day on his 65 yard punt return. 2007 first round pick Leon Hall was nearly as impressive on the other side, applying tight coverage to every Ravens receiver headed his way. 2008 first round pick Keith Rivers led the team in tackles with 10, and he seemed to find the football throughout the game. With these three guys on defense, there is reason to have some hope for this season. The defense should continue to make strides as the year goes along, and they could actually resemble an average NFL defense by December. It will be interesting to see if rookie defensive tackles Pat Sims and Jason Shirley are able to go this week after sitting out week 1 with injuries. Each has been limited in practice, and it sounds as though Shirley is closer to returning than Sims. They will need both of them this year because John Thornton and Domata Peko are not cutting it alone.

3. Haynesworth's Health: Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth left last week's game with a concussion, and he has yet to practice this week. Haynesworth believes he will be ready to go by Sunday (http://tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080912/SPORTS01/809120382/1002), but if he cannot go, the Bengals will dodge a huge bullet. Haynesworth is possibly the best defensive tackle in the league, and he has anchored a defense that has been as stingy as any when he is on the field. He missed the game against the Bengals last season, and the Bengals offense was able to dominate in a 35-6 victory at Paul Brown Stadium. In the 13 games he played in 2007, the Titans allowed 15.4 ppg. Compare that to the 32.3 ppg the Titans allowed in the three games he missed, and it is easy to see how big a factor he is for their defense. On top of that, the Titans were 10-3 in the games he played, and 0-3 when he did not. If Haynesworth is able to go, it will be a long Sunday for Eric Ghiaciuc and the middle of the Bengals offensive line.

4. Hello Kerry: After a dramatic week for Titans QB Vince Young, the focus will shift to Kerry Collins who will be starting on Sunday. Young sprained his knee last week, and police were sent looking for him Monday after his mother claimed that he was not mentally right. Young was booed for the first time in his career Sunday, and he has yet to develop into the player the Titans thought he would be when they drafted him in the first round in 2006. This sets the stage for the 35 year old Collins who will be playing against the Bengals for the first time in his career. Collins has played every other team in the NFL, but he has somehow avoided the Bengals up to this point. This could hurt Cincinnati because Collins is a much better down field passer than Young. Collins ability to stretch the field could open up running lanes for LenDale White and rookie Chris Johnson. If Young were playing, the Bengals could stack the line more often, and throw numerous blitzes at Young who has had a problem in reading defenses in his young career. A veteran like Collins should be better at reading blitzes and getting the ball out of his hands before the rush gets to him. It will be critical for the Bengals to stop the run with only seven guys so that they can keep a safety deep to protect against the arm strength of Collins.

After last week's performance, I see no reason to pick the Bengals until they show me otherwise. This should be a low scoring affair, and I think the Titans defense will be the difference in the game. TITANS 17-13.