MVN - Most Valuable Network

Bengals - 49ers Preview

(Due to time constraints, we provide an abbreviated preview this week)

At the beginning of the season, tonite’s game between the Bengals and 49ers was expected to be battle of playoff contenders.  Sadly, neither team has met expectations leading to the game being more about pride and draft slot (of course SF lost traded their first rounder to NE).

Bengals Offense vs. 49ers Defense

The 49er defense has failed to meet the lofty expectations of the off-season spending.  Free agent CB Nate Clements has been a disappointment as he has been susceptible to play action and double moves.  The loss of 2nd year OLB Manny Lawson in the pre-season was a big blow to the pass rush as a 3-4 defense without a blitz linebacker is an ineffective defense.   A highlight has been the inspired play of ageless wonder Bryant Young who leads the team with 6 sacks in his 14th season.  Overall the unit’s biggest problem has been staying off the field as opponents hold the ball for over 34 minutes per game.  Of course, part of the problem is their horrific offense.

If the Bengals are patient on offense the 49ers could be in for a long day.  Of course, patience is not the forte of the Bengal offense.   The battle in the trenches will be the key.  The O-line needs to open holes for the Bengals running game to achieve balance.  When the run is working the Bengals offense clicks.   Additionally, if Carson Palmer has time he should be able to dissect a vulnerable 49er secondary that doesn’t have the personnel to matchup with TJ, Chad and Henry.

Bengals Run O vs. 49er Run D: Advantage Even

Bengals Pass O vs. 49er Pass D: Advantage Bengals

Bengals Defense vs. 49er Offense

The 49er offense has been a disaster this season under the guidance of Offensive Coordinator Jim Hostler.   QB Alex Smith regressed after a turnaround season in 2006 before going down with a season-ending shoulder injury.   Poor protection has led to not only the loss of Alex Smith but also backup Trent Dilfer.  As a result, the Bengals get to play a 3rd string quarterback for the 2nd straight week.  Unlike Brock Berlin, Shaun Hill has been in the league for six years.  Of course, he has only played in two games in those six years.  The receiving corp is not an esp. dangerous unit as WRs Darrell Jackson and Arnaz Battle have played more of a possession role.  TE Vernon Davis is a dangerous option who could take advantage of the slow Bengal linebackers.

The 49ers struggles in the passing game have allowed team to focus their attention to shutting down RB Frank Gore.  Going against mostly 8 man fronts Gore’s yards per carry is down over a yard per carry to 4.2.  He has struggled to the point that he needs to average 73 yards per game down the stretch just to reach 1000 yards on the season.

After getting off to a disgustingly poor start to the season the Bengals defense has found a bit of a groove the past 5 weeks.  Playing against the likes of Balt, StL, and Ten has helped.   While on paper the 49ers should be a favorable matchup, the Bengals defense can’t rest on their laurels.  If Frank Gore gets off to a fast start or Shaun Hill is given good protection and 8 yard cushions the 49ers could dink and dunk their way to 21 points and a victory.  DEs Robert Geathers and Justin Smith will play a key role to whether or not Hill is able to get into a rhythm.   If they bring pressure, Hill will struggle.  Additionally, Geathers and Smith have the job of containing Gore in the running game as well.  Two players to watch will be rookie safeties Chinedum Ndukwe and Marvin White who will likely get an extended look this week as safety Madieu Williams remains banged up.  Both players have looked good in the box, but avoiding coverage errors is their biggest responsbility.

When push comes to shove the success of the Bengal D will come down to whether they are able to contain Frank Gore.

Bengals Run D vs. 49er Run O: Advantage 49ers

Bengals Pass D vs. 49er Pass O: Advantage Bengals

This entry was posted on Saturday, December 15th, 2007 at 1:34 pm and is filed under Game Preview. 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.