Anyhow...Moving On to SD

[HoosierCat]

A look at the view from SD:

http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/charg...s7chargers.html

The Chargers hope everyone will be able to play Sunday except for suspended linebacker Shawne Merriman. But several players – including safety Marlon McCree (calf) and defensive ends Luis Castillo (ankle) and Derreck Robinson (foot) – likely won't be able to practice tomorrow and will be listed as questionable on the injury report.

In addition, linebacker Shaun Phillips (calf), who missed the past two games, is scheduled to practice tomorrow but will be considered questionable until he shows he's OK. Linebacker Donnie Edwards (hip flexor), told team officials he was fine. Wide receiver Vincent Jackson (leg) also is expected to be OK.

“We've got a real challenge ahead of us,” Schottenheimer said. “You looked out there (Sunday) and our guys, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, they played their tails off, but at the end, we were kind of spent, physically spent.”

The Bengals can, of course, use any help they can get, considering how banged up they are themselves. But the Chargers still have some guys who scare the pants off me:

NT Jamal Williams -- versus Bluto???? Eye-yi-yi. Bengals will have to give Guy-check help every play; left alone Williams will eat Bluto alive and then have Carson for dessert.

RBs Tomlinson and Michael Turner -- LaDainian needs no introduction and if he's on, it's likely over. But in many ways Turner scares me more; he's running well and for a better average than LT.

TE Antonio Gates -- TEs always seem to have big days vs. the Bengals. Gates has been rather quiet this season, tho, just 406 yards and 4 TDs (he had over 1,100 yards and 10 TDs last season). Here's hoping he stays that way for one more week.

On the bright side, all the injuries at LB and now dings at DE are taking the edge off the SD pass rush. Meanwhile, Rivers isn't putting up much better numbers than Palmer, and the SD o-line has been breaking down in protection as the season wears on. They've given up 13 sacks, 8 in the last 3 games. So the Bengals pass rush ought to be able to apply some heat.

Really, tho, this game defensively will be about stopping the run. SD's pass offense is only average, but it's rush o is No. 2. On the other side, the Chargers' run defense looks tough but that appears to be due to their offense running up leads and forcing the opposition into the air. They actually rank a bit below average in terms of yards per rush allowed (3.99).

Bengals need to run the ball and maintain posession Sunday. Keep the SD o off the field; save the no-huddle for the 4th quarter. O-line and Rudi need a big day.

[CBin2k7]

Having seen every single freakin Charger game this year, I can atest this should be a game for the Bengals to ring up the passing yards. The Chargers secondary is below average, and they generate no pass rush from anyone other than Merriman/Phillips who both may not play in this game.

I would worry alot more about the pass D in this game, the Chargers have big receivers and Rivers likes to throw the ball up and let them go get it. Gates probably has a nice game in this one as well.

A win in this game is huge for the Bengals, this could propel the Bengals to a 4 or more game winning streak. Let's get this one, and move on. Please for my sanity and shutting up Charger fans.

[Stripes]

The Chargers will run the ball, and they'll probably run it well. I agree with Hoosier, we have to do the same. They have a very strong line, though, so it'll be tough. I want to see a lot of Rudi and a few throws over the top. Depends on the o-line's performance though.

[CBin2k7]

The Chargers will run the ball, and they'll probably run it well. I agree with Hoosier, we have to do the same. They have a very strong line, though, so it'll be tough. I want to see a lot of Rudi and a few throws over the top. Depends on the o-line's performance though.

I disagree with the run strategy in this game. I have seen enough of the Chargers to know that you must pass to set up the run. They play the 3-4 and their line is absolute money in taking up blocks and enabling their LB's to get one on one with RB's. If they want to consistently be in 3rd and longs again then they will run for 1 or 2 yards and continue to get stuffed.

Maybe I am wrong, but I would hate to not take advantage of that weak secondary and if they blitz and leave Jammer/Florence/Cromartie one on one with TJ/Chad/Henry, it should be six points all day long.

[HoosierCat]

I disagree with the run strategy in this game.

Fair enough, but I still think the Bengals can have some success pounding it, and anything that keeps the ball out of LTs hands is a good thing in my book. That said, a few successful long passes to start with would help knock them back on their heels.

[CBin2k7]

I disagree with the run strategy in this game.

Fair enough, but I still think the Bengals can have some success pounding it, and anything that keeps the ball out of LTs hands is a good thing in my book. That said, a few successful long passes to start with would help knock them back on their heels.

No doubt...if you watched the Chiefs/Chargers the Chiefs went ahead early 14-0 using the pass early and some costly SD turnovers. LJ ended up posting 130 yards on the SD defense but it was noted that Huard was very efficient throwing the ball and keeping SD off balance. The Bengals can pound the ball on the Chargers, but in order to do that, you are going to have to spread them out and get them in their most vulnerable positions. I think it's time to give the no-huddle a little rest and concentrate on execution and getting the right play calls. Start becoming more efficient on offense and then you can speed it back up with the no huddle.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

The Chargers will run the ball, and they'll probably run it well. I agree with Hoosier, we have to do the same. They have a very strong line, though, so it'll be tough. I want to see a lot of Rudi and a few throws over the top. Depends on the o-line's performance though.

This is what I've always failed to understand about the Bengals' offensive game plans. Rudi is at his best when he's pounding in the 4th quarter after softening up the D-line all game. In both 2004 and 2005, he gets nearly 5 YPC in the 4th quarter. They can NOT go away from the run early - it takes Rudi out of the game and lets the D tee off on Palmer.

I agree on the longer throws too, for too much of this season teams have been sitting on the short throws making life hard for Carson.

[bengalboomer7]

I've said it once I'll say it again. Pound the ball and do play action pass deep off of it. We need some ball control out there, keep our defense off the field a little more.

[schweinhart]

The Chargers will run the ball, and they'll probably run it well. I agree with Hoosier, we have to do the same. They have a very strong line, though, so it'll be tough. I want to see a lot of Rudi and a few throws over the top. Depends on the o-line's performance though.

I disagree with the run strategy in this game. I have seen enough of the Chargers to know that you must pass to set up the run. They play the 3-4 and their line is absolute money in taking up blocks and enabling their LB's to get one on one with RB's. If they want to consistently be in 3rd and longs again then they will run for 1 or 2 yards and continue to get stuffed.

Maybe I am wrong, but I would hate to not take advantage of that weak secondary and if they blitz and leave Jammer/Florence/Cromartie one on one with TJ/Chad/Henry, it should be six points all day long.

I'd agree with a full frontal aerial attack by the Bengals for this one....unless and until the Bolts take that away with pass rush. This should be the textbook game where the pass sets up the run and in order to maximize both, I'd really like to see Rudi in every down.

The one WR who causes some mismatch problems for the Bengals D is Vincent Jackson, especially if he winds up against O'Neal, Joseph or a safety. I think Tory James can probably deal with Jackson better in coverage.

And the Hossier Cat is right about Turner the Burner. This is one dangerous runner and probably starts for just about every other NFL team. The Bengals D can afford even less to allow a crease in the middle with him than LT because he's got the quicks to get to the second level in a hurry and the power to bowl a defender over on route to a long gainer.

[walshfan]

Can Bluto handle Williams???? yeah right!

Palmer will be in for another Looooooong Day imo...

Hopefully their ofensive scheme is tailored for some screens and play action... I dunno anymore ... Our Oline just scares me..

[CBin2k7]

Can Bluto handle Williams???? yeah right!

Palmer will be in for another Looooooong Day imo...

Hopefully their ofensive scheme is tailored for some screens and play action... I dunno anymore ... Our Oline just scares me..

I am sure the coaches would not put Bluto in a position one on one to handle Williams. This is a game where the Bengals can get away with doubling the NT. The Chargers probably have been watching tape and know that blitzing up the middle is the most effective way to dominate the Bengals O, but that is just not a strength of theirs. The Chargers pressure comes from the outside, if they blitz from the middle, that will open up the passing lanes that much more because their LB's are not good in coverage except Edwards and he is dinged up.

[schweinhart]

Can Bluto handle Williams???? yeah right!

Palmer will be in for another Looooooong Day imo...

Hopefully their ofensive scheme is tailored for some screens and play action... I dunno anymore ... Our Oline just scares me..

I'm not sure who can really handle Williams in the NFL. All the more reason to use a formation that seems to work well in the run game from the power I with Kelly as a lead blocker -- only line him up there to pass block solely for the purpose of keeping the pocket formed for Palmer with Williams in mind. The other O-linemen should be able to hang vs. the opponent and Rudi or Watson should be used to protect vs. the edge or LB blitz then swing out for a check down if not needed to block.

Palmer will get more time in this game than he has had for awhile. It's going to "Lights Out" Bengals style.

[CBin2k7]

The one WR who causes some mismatch problems for the Bengals D is Vincent Jackson, especially if he winds up against O'Neal, Joseph or a safety. I think Tory James can probably deal with Jackson better in coverage.

They also have WR Malcolm Floyd who is very similar to Vincent Jackson. The Bengals D is going to have it's work cut out for them. I for the life of me don't know who is going to cover LT out of the backfield on passing downs. Eric Parker is too quick for Tory James, need to avoid that matchup at all times.

[walshfan]

The one WR who causes some mismatch problems for the Bengals D is Vincent Jackson, especially if he winds up against O'Neal, Joseph or a safety. I think Tory James can probably deal with Jackson better in coverage.

[schweinhart]

They also have WR Malcolm Floyd who is very similar to Vincent Jackson. The Bengals D is going to have it's work cut out for them. I for the life of me don't know who is going to cover LT out of the backfield on passing downs. Eric Parker is too quick for Tory James, need to avoid that matchup at all times.

I'd vote for Madieu to spy LT all game. This would be a good game for just playing a centerfielder. Hate to see Dex Jack get taken out of the run game because he brings a nice physical dimension but he's not got the quicks to keep up with LT. No way any of the LBs can do it. They'll be busy dealing with Gates anyway and I do think they can -- especially Landon Johnson -- at least contain him to largely underneath routes.

If the Bengals do track LT with Madieu, it will mean the Bengals will have to rely on the rest of their secondary to contain the Bolts receivers...All the more reason why a Bengals pass rush is crucial this game, especially if Tory James winds up with coverage for any time vs. a speedier receiver.

[derekshank]

The best way to slow down LT is to get the offense going. Baltimore had several 7 minute drives that kept our offense off the field, and forced us to play catch-up. We need to take advantage of the Chargers missing LB's. That means running the ball well, as well as good pass-protection. If we have the O-Line working for us, we'll be able to do that. If we don't... there will be no stopping LT.

[CBin2k7]

The best way to slow down LT is to get the offense going. Baltimore had several 7 minute drives that kept our offense off the field, and forced us to play catch-up. We need to take advantage of the Chargers missing LB's. That means running the ball well, as well as good pass-protection. If we have the O-Line working for us, we'll be able to do that. If we don't... there will be no stopping LT.

Yeah, keeping the SD offense off the field is crucial, there is much more to running the ball than calling running plays. If SD can key on the run game the Bengals have no chance at running the ball on them. That is why they must go over the top and put the SD defense on its heels. When the Bengals have been the most successful on offense, they have gone over the top, mixed in some solid running, built a good lead and pounded Rudi in the 2nd half to end the game.

[Tasher]

Just doesn't matter. Bottom line must win. Potentially huge in tie breakers for the Wild Card spot.

So it doesn't matter what the individual matchups are, every single Bengal must man up and dominate.

Period.

Defense.

Offense.

Special Team.

Nuclear Explosion Domination.

It better be WHO DEY? Nobody!

[walzav29]

LT is due for a bad game.

172 2 td's

183 3 td's

He can't do it every single week or he would end up with 3000 yards. This game is setting up in the Bengals favor.

[HairOnFire]

This is a game where the Bengals can get away with doubling the NT. The Chargers probably have been watching tape and know that blitzing up the middle is the most effective way to dominate the Bengals O, but that is just not a strength of theirs. The Chargers pressure comes from the outside....

I watched the Raven game again last night, and one of the things that stood out was how often Eric Steinbach was either physically whipped on play after play or blocked nobody at all on blitzes run through the LG/C gap.

Steinbach's play this season has been shockingly poor....worse than I could have ever imagined.

[derekshank]

This is a game where the Bengals can get away with doubling the NT. The Chargers probably have been watching tape and know that blitzing up the middle is the most effective way to dominate the Bengals O, but that is just not a strength of theirs. The Chargers pressure comes from the outside....

I watched the Raven game again last night, and one of the things that stood out was how often Eric Steinbach was either physically whipped on play after play or blocked nobody at all on blitzes run through the LG/C gap.

Steinbach's play this season has been shockingly poor....worse than I could have ever imagined.

Yeah... and when you consider the fact that Levi and Braham are injured, is there any doubt as to why our offense isn't up to par? When you have injuries, you need the other vets to step up. Ours have done just the opposite (with the exception of Willie... who is now injured).

[BengalszoneBilly]

The best way to slow down LT is to get the offense going. Baltimore had several 7 minute drives that kept our offense off the field, and forced us to play catch-up.

That's what bugs me so bad right now. Letting Steve "McFair" waltz that so-so offense of the Ravens up and down the field was pathetic! What's so hard about getting a couple "three and outs," and the ball back into our offenses hands? Is that too much to ask?

It's definitely going to be even harder this weekend against the Chargers!

[Jonboat]

The best way to slow down LT is to get the offense going. Baltimore had several 7 minute drives that kept our offense off the field, and forced us to play catch-up.

That's what bugs me so bad right now. Letting Steve "McFair" waltz that so-so offense of the Ravens up and down the field was pathetic! What's so hard about getting a couple "three and outs," and the ball back into our offenses hands? Is that too much to ask?

It's definitely going to be even harder this weekend against the Chargers!

Getting off the field has been a killer this year the D has been doing a doing good getting them into 3 & longs only to let teams convert.

Interesting stat I seen in the news paper by Chick baltimore was 6-8 when Tory was in the game but was 0-7 on 3rd. downs when Joseph came in for Tory.

In fairness to Steiny he has two Rooks on both sides of him & most of the problems seem to be more of miscommunication on picking up the blitz than being a physical problem. I thought Guycheck only needed experience but now after a few games they still are allowing defenders to come unblocked & he just is not getting it mentally. Why couldn't they have one of the vets call the protections or at this point I'd wouldn't be upset if they do go with Wilkerson until Richie comes back. The problem with this O IMO is simply been the O-line playing so poorly esp in pass protection. If & when they get thier s**t together we'll see the Offense take off .