High expectations, low results-the struggling Bengals come to Indianapolis

Cincinnati @ Indianapolis Game Preview

Unfulfilled expectations, Unreached potential, Empty promises, probably many things that the Cincinnati Bengals have heard about their season of struggle this year. With the signing of Terrell Owens, and the emergence last season of Cedric Benson the Bengals looked to reach the top of the mountain but they have found themselves at the bottom of the barrel. With a record of just 2-6 they have struggled significantly the lone bright spot seems to be Terrell Owens as he has been putting on a clinic at receiver but as we know when one shines the other whines and that was really evident last Monday night as Chad Ochocinco only had one reception for 15 yards while T.O. had 10 receptions with 2 touchdowns and over 140 yards. This has been a season of turmoil for Cincinnati and they are looking to get the ship right against the Colts. For Indianapolis injuries have played a huge part in the ups and downs of the Colts. With the one constant being number 18 behind center, other than that it has been a toss up a wide receiver. The Colts are looking to rebound from a close loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday, where again Austin Collie was sidelined with a concussion. For the Colts to bounce back the receiving corps must come up big and the defense must be able to stop the run and frustrate the Cincinnati receivers.

Key Matchup:

Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens vs. Colts secondary

Indianapolis Offensive line vs. Cincinnati Defensive line

As we stated early in the article it was very evident that Ocho was not a happy camper on Monday night against the Steelers. It seems that the Bengals will look to get him the ball on Sunday against Indianapolis but will they continue to seek out T.O. as he has been the major contributor to this offense. If they force the ball look for Indy’s DB’s to have a big game, Cincinnati must let the game come to them if they are able to establish the run that will open up the passing attack for both receivers.

The Offensive line for Indianapolis must keep the defense out of Manning’s space if they are to win this game. Against Philly, Manning was rushed and flushed out many times, in order for the game to go in favor of the Colts Manning must be comfortable and he must have time to find his receivers.

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Keys to the Game:

Cedric Benson for Cincinnati

Kelvin Hayden and Jacob Lacey for Indianapolis

The Bengals have a strong back coming out of the backfield in Cedric Benson he not only can run the ball with a hard nose style but he can also catch the ball out as a receiver and that could be the deciding factor in this game if Benson has a big game on the ground the Colts will not have a favorable game.

Hayden and Lacey will be asked to lock down Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco, with Ocho coming off a difficult game on Monday, Palmer will be looking to get him involved early. Hayden and Lacey must deny as much as possible but they must also tackle well and not give up the big play if they can do this the Colts will come out on top.

Prediction:

The Colts are playing at home and when they are in the dome they are a difficult team to beat, not to mention they are difficult to beat when they are coming off a loss so this will be a tough task for the Bengals. I look for the Colts to come out of the gate rolling, and it will be early and often as they will look down the field to make the big plays. For Cincinnati they must get to Manning and put him on the ground, there were signs of life on Monday against the Steelers. With a shaky defense all around for Cincinnati look for Manning to exploit them and Colts to win going away.

By Sam Adams
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer