Chatman Out, Pollack and O'neal Questionable

[derekshank]

Sounds like Sam, Deltha and His Lordship will be ready to go. OTOH it sounds pretty grim re: Housh. I like Kwash and henry but think it's a big dropoff.

Yep... especially with Palmer's first game back. Housh being his favorite possession receiver, and just knowing how to get open in space (especially when a play breaks down), I think it's a concern. I imagine we'll still be able to move the ball, as KC was the 3rd worst in passing defense last year (Ty Law isn't going to be able to fix that on his own)... but Housh in there would make me feel a lot better.

But it sounds good for Deltha and Pollack, so things could be a lot worse.

[ArmyBengal]

I'm looking forward to seeing this defense play and hope everything will be alright with TJ... Our depth at WR will make things OK for Carson !!!

WHODEY !!!

[HairOnFire]

I like Kwash and henry but think it's a big dropoff.

It's not a positive by any stretch, but it's somehing that they can manage. Like the update touched upon, in 3WR sets Housh usually slipped into the slot while Henry lined up wide. All that changes without Housh is K-Dub fills the slot role, and he's almost always been productive when given an opportunity. Add Tab Perry to the mix and the Bengals passing attack still feature plenty of firepower.

That said, Deltha being ready to go is a huge positive as is the return of Fat Sam. In regards to the latter, with the Chief O-line already hurting at both tackle positions the presence of Adams in the middle should allow the Bengals to put real pressure on the Chiefs interior run blocking.

[Kazkal]

Squirrel Dance coming to an Arrowhead near you!

[derekshank]

The Gameday is up on running on the site.

http://bengals.com/team/matchup060910.asp

Some things that stood out to me:

Turley is only 275 pounds. I knew he lost weight... but now he weighs the same as Smith. He should be worried about the bull-rush.

“I’ve done some research on them and they throw the ball downfield as infrequently as anyone in the league. It’s pretty close. But when they do throw it down there, they’re one of the most efficient teams at doing it.”

I thought this quote was really interesting. Kansas City was also in the lower half of the league in pass attempts period... and Herm Edwards was way down the list at 23rd... despite the fact that the Jets had the 2nd least rushing yards in the NFL. If he wouldn't throw the ball then... he never will.

In other words: If we slow down Larry Johnson, we win this game.

[HoosierCat]

In a bit of good news (for the Bengals, at least) it looks like more uncertainty at the tackles for KC. From the KC Star, via our f2fa.com partner site:

Injury report

Kevin Sampson practiced only in individual drills, threatening his spot as the starting right offensive tackle in Sunday’s game.

“If he doesn’t practice a lot (today), I doubt he would even play,” Edwards said.

Will Svitek would make his first NFL start if Sampson doesn’t play.

Svitek was a 6th round pick of the Chiefs' in '05. Has appeared in just 1 NFL game.

[Sportsdoc]

THe fantasy expert on CHris MOhr's show on FSR said TJ was injured and might not play. Have not heard it confirmed anywhere else including WLW, HOmer, Marge, Maggie, Bart, Milhouse................

[HoosierCat]

Update from the KC Star -- Sampson out, Black gets start over Svitek:

Black to start

Kevin Sampson didn’t practice again Friday because of a hamstring injury, which means Jordan Black will get the start Sunday at right tackle.

Black got the nod over second-year tackle Will Svitek, who played there in last week’s preseason finale against the Saints.

“Both of them were working, and we decided to go with Black,” coach Herm Edwards said. “I mean, obviously Svitek will get some time. We feel he’s a good player. He’s a swing guy right now, playing right and left, and we’re going to start Black out.

“I think it’s a proper thing to do going into opening day, opening game, and we feel comfortable with him right now. Svitek’s a guy who’s getting better, and he has to continue to get better because he’s going to be called on to play.”

Black started the 2005 season at right tackle before Pro Bowler Willie Roaf injured his hamstring. Black moved to left tackle, took a heap of flak from the fans, then watched Kyle Turley win the starting job at left tackle when Roaf retired.

Sampson watched Friday’s workouts in shorts.

“He’s not ready to play,” Edwards said. “He didn’t practice, and I don’t think you put a player out there who hasn’t practiced all week

[membengal]

Boy, the KC line is really taking a beating. This game is, in large part, squarely on our D-line. Period. They need to control the line of scrimmage and choke off KC's ability to control the game on the ground. Not many excuses if they don't.

And, hoosier, I am with you on TJ. His loss would be pretty significant. Hopefully he can go. A bruised heel? How in the hell did he get that while playing? Get him some softer soled shoes or something...

[Stripes]

Boy, the KC line is really taking a beating. This game is, in large part, squarely on our D-line. Period. They need to control the line of scrimmage and choke off KC's ability to control the game on the ground. Not many excuses if they don't.

Agreed. If the new look line can't get a solid pass rush going and stop the run against that KC o-line, then it'll be pretty telling as to what to expect throughout the year. That said, I think they'll play well.