Cincinnati Bengals vs. Chicago Bears Preview

The Bengals came crashing back to reality with a home loss to the Houston Texans.  Houston dominated all facets of the game as QB Matt Schaub sliced and diced the Cincy defense.  In the 28-17 Texan victory, Schaub threw for 392 yards.  The road doesn’t get any easier for the Bengals as they face another good QB in Jay Cutler. Offense: The Bengals must rely on Cedric Benson to control the clock and limit the Bears pass rush.  Benson, a former Bear, will be running with a purpose against a team that cut him a few years ago.  Benson has run for 531 yards with 4 touchdowns on the season.  QB Carson Palmer doesn’t appear to have the same feel for the game that he did in years past.  He has been solid with a QB rating of 78.3 but has only completed 59% of his passes. 

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Defense: The Bengals are much improved but played uninspired against the Texans.  They will now face a very good passing team without their leading pass rusher Antwan Odom who is out for the season with a torn Achilles’ tendon.  QB Jay Cutler likes to spread the ball around and his always a threat to throw the ball deep.  Prediction: If the Bears and Cutler limit turnovers they should have immense success against an overrated Bengal secondary.  Chicago 31 Cincinnati 23 Scott

By: Scott Dryden
DFN Sports Senior Staff Writer