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Week 15 Preview: 49ers vs. Bengals

The 49ers are in a tailspin at 3-10, with controversy and injuries plaguing the team again. The Bengals have struggled all season long with inconsistensies as well to be at 5-8 for the season.

Alex Smith is done for the season, while Trent Dilfer is out with a concussion. Shaun Hill goes behind center in his first ever career NFl start. What can I say? The team has already endured so much pain, and they might get embarassed again. Luckily this game is on NFL Network. Not many people will be able to see this.

But on a serious note, where doe this team go? The Bengals can relate, as they are a team that looks to be a contender every year, but just can’t make it. The defense of the team has struggled all season long, especially a very weak air defense. The offense has been pretty decent, with Carson Palmer still finding touchdowns to his receievers (mainly TJ Houshmandzadeh), but interceptions are a plenty for him as well.

So we have a pretty reliable defense in the Niners against a very reliable offense for the Bengals. Something’s got to give. Both teams are mathematically eliminated from any playoff contention. However, if both teams can finish the season strong, maybe it can spell out something positive going into the off-season.

Here are my three things that the 49ers need to do in order to win.

1- Running game gets going
The Bengals have a struggling defense and attacking them through run (which sets up the pass) is the most important thing. When the team like the Niners can’t establish the run, something they relied on last year, there is no way they can win. So this is the number one priority.

2- Protect Hill
Hill is new to this starting thing, and both the previous qaurterbacks weren’t protected. Don’t let the defenders get to Hill. The last thing we need is the quarterback trying to make offense out of something that is already having trouble.

3- Shut down of Chad and TJ
Who is more dangerous? Houshmandzadeh seems to be more of a threat since many teams like to double up on Johnson. Both need to be kept in check. Palmer could end up throwing 500 yards in this game easy, so the Niners need to step up.

Predictions
MVP of the game: Vernon Davis
I’m just hoping simple passes down the middle leads to Davis breaking tackles and finding routes to the end zone.

Surprise player of the game: Shaun Hill
He’ll play a controlled game, and will throw two touchdowns to his one interception.

Final Score: Bengals win 31-17

It’s all up in the air right now. Not too much to look forward to, but maybe Ashley Lelie will get more balls thrown his way. Hopefully we can see some offense again.

This entry was posted on Thursday, December 13th, 2007 at 11:27 pm and is filed under Bengals, 49ers, General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.