New England Nugget Chowder

[HairOnFire]

Gameday Nuggetpalooza: Patriots vs. Bengals

09.10.10 at 9:46 am ET

By Gary Marbry

Finally! From now on, the games count! Time to kick off the third season of Nuggetpalooza Patriots game previews. For the uninitiated, each week during the season I’ll break down the stats and present a whole slew of numbers that help shape that week’s Patriots matchup.

If you’re new to this, I hope these previews will enhance your enjoyment of the game. If you’re a seasoned veteran, welcome back!

As always, leave a comment or email me at gmarbry@weei.com if there’s something that you like, don’t like, or would just like to talk football.

Let’s get to it, keeping in mind that using last year’s stats to preview this year’s game ain’t perfect, but it’s all we’ve got for now.

For the rest of the article click here.

Edited September 11, 2010 by HoosierCat
Remember, guys, don't post whole articles and always include a link to the source. For more on board policy about articles, see the thread pinned at the top of the page.

[ArmyBengal]

Well, in looking at that heap of crazy stats (That had to take some time by the way) it looks like a ton of the "bad" could be placed squarely on the shoulders of a poor WR corps that did nothing to help Carson. With that corrected and another season with the same o-line, I think the Bengals are looking good headed into their matchup with the Pats. Benson should have a good game and if I had to pick a player or two to breakout, I would say both Shipley and Gresham since the Pats should toss a cover 2 scheme at Chad and TO.

[derekshank]

Pretty impressive list that is fun to read, with one exception:

The turnover stat for Cincy goes back to '97? Really? 6 years prior to Palmer and Marvin Lewis? How about some stats that date 6 years prior to Belichick and Brady? They would be outdated and meaningless, right? Ok... moving on.

I agree Army. The Cover-2 has effectively minimized Chad's effectiveness for several years now. T.O. Gresham and Shipley might force more use of the Tampa-2 though... and if that's the case - look for Benson to gain 150+.

[membengal]

Bengals are as healthy as they've been in awhile looking at the injury report.

Looks like Simpson will dress since Caldwell remains questionable.

[HairOnFire]

Pretty impressive list that is fun to read...

I never been much of a stay guy, mostly because I think you can selectively use stats to support any pre-determined opinion. That said, there was plenty of stuff there for everyone and every issue, from the passing game to tackling to turnovers forced to special teams and field position.

Frankly, I'm never sure how much value I'd place on the head-to-head statistical comparisions as few games are actually played according to script. Instead, I mostly appreciated the stat breakdown in regards to what it IMPLIES about the Bengals themselves. And there's the rub because perceived team strengths and weaknesses do seem to be supported by statistics, but recent roster additions and subtractions aren't accounted for. Thus, statiscal analysis mostly confirms who you were, not who you might be now.

[HairOnFire]

Looks like Simpson will dress since Caldwell remains questionable.

Sorta figured as much when Caldwell didn't practice yesterday.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

My personal favorite was the 'broken tackles' stat. You want to see the biggest difference that Zim's brought, it's that.

Well, that and blitz schemes that aren't obvious to a drunken chimpanzee. Or Hines Ward.

[whizzo]

Points of emphasis for the early games

» Forget stopping Batman and Robin, the Patriots must force the Bengals to be one dimensional. They must stop Cedric Benson first, then force Carson Palmer and the self-proclaimed dynamic duo of Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens to beat them. Tough challenge for New England.

» The Bengals' defense is one of the most physical the Patriots will face all season. New England's offseason has been about becoming tougher, and this game will be a great indicator of its progress.

from http://www.nfl.com/kickoff/story/09000d5d81a6a58f/article/problems-already-with-favre-and-a-glance-at-rest-of-week-1?module=HP_cp2

i like that they give credit to Zim's defense.

[volcom69]

Points of emphasis for the early games

» Forget stopping Batman and Robin, the Patriots must force the Bengals to be one dimensional. They must stop Cedric Benson first, then force Carson Palmer and the self-proclaimed dynamic duo of Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens to beat them. Tough challenge for New England.

» The Bengals' defense is one of the most physical the Patriots will face all season. New England's offseason has been about becoming tougher, and this game will be a great indicator of its progress.

from http://www.nfl.com/kickoff/story/09000d5d81a6a58f/article/problems-already-with-favre-and-a-glance-at-rest-of-week-1?module=HP_cp2

i like that they give credit to Zim's defense.

Very true i think this will be a big test for the defense. They need to play physical, like they did against the Steelers in the second game. I think that might have been the best i have see the defense play, against a good offense. If the defense plays like that every week, they could end up having the best defense, but its a matter if they can play like that every week. So i think this game will show if the defense is taking a step forward or backwards.

[Spor_tees]

There are really only two stats that will be the difference between the Bengals winning and losing this game, turnover ratio and the number of penalties. If the Bengals can win the turnover ratio and not continue to shoot themselves in the foot with penalties, they win this game flat out.