By Totals 4U
Cincinnati (0-0) recently made some tough choices by cutting former Pro Bowlers RT Willie Anderson, RB Rudi Johnson, and CB Deltha O’Neal, adding $8 million in cap room, in a move to reverse the aging of a team that opened last season at 2-6 before finishing out of the playoffs at 7-9. Offense again will be a strength for Coach Marvin Lewis’s (42-38 in 6th season) crew with a strong offensive line (17 sacks allowed in ’07, average 6’5 ½” and 326 pounds) providing the time for QB Carson Palmer to grab chunks via former Oregon State teammates WR Chad Johnson and WR TJ Houshmandzadeh who combined for 205 catches, 2583 yards, and 20 touchdowns in 2007. The addition of 6’6” 250 TE Ben Utecht to 6’4” 256 TE Reggie Kelly should beef up the running game and if starting RB Chris Perry continues his career struggle with remaining healthy, reliable 7th-year RB Kenny Watson (178 for 763 yards and 7 TD in ’07) can step right in. Keep your eye on 6’2” 195 rookie WR Jerome Simpson (2nd round Coastal Carolina) who earned the 3rd receiver sop with a big preseason while WR Antonio Chatman will again handle returns. Cincinnati will certainly score with this squad but if they are to return to the post season, Coordinator Mike Zimmer’s defense must show more up front. 3rd-year 6’3” 325 LDT Donato Peko comes off a superb season (52 T, 1 ½ S) on the inside but RDT John Thornton is aging, LDE Robert Geathers managed just 3 ½ sacks last year, and RDE Antwan Odom hasn’t suited up since the first preseason practice. The Bengal back 7 is capable of a big season. WLB Brandon Johnson, MLB Dhani Jones, and Rashad Jeanty are a good group, backed up by strong depth in 6’2” 241 rookie OLB Keith Rivers (USC) and 6’3” 255 OLB Darryl Blackstock. Safety is a bit of a concern with FS Marvin White moving to the starting lineup and SS Dexter Jackson battling an ankle but look out for these corners. 5’11” 193 3rd-year LCB Johnathan Joseph (58 T, 4 INT) and 5’11” 199 2nd-year RCB Leon Hall (60 T, 5 INT) are primed for huge seasons. With the money on the line, few kickers are better than Shayne Graham (133 of 152 career field goals, 31 of 34 last season) while P Kyle Larson are returns.
Baltimore (0-0) first year Coach John Harbaugh announced Monday that the time is now for 6’6” 230 rookie QB Joe Flacco (1st round Delaware). The shoulder injury to QB Kyle Boller and the illness of QB Troy Smith forced the move although Flacco’s strong preseason starts against the Rams and Falcons (combined 26 of 40 for 224 yards and a TD) might have earned him the shot anyway to improve on last season’s (5-11) pitiful team passing marks of 5.94 yards per attempt and 13 touchdowns. As big of an issue with be the Ravens’ offensive line. 6’9” 330 LT Jared Gaither, 6’3” 315 LG Ben Grubbs, 6’3” 320 C Jason Brown, 6’3” 310 RG Marshal Yanda, and 6’8” 330 RT Adam Terry make up a huge group but averaged 1.8 years of NFL service coming into the 2008 season. Tight end Todd Heap, receivers Mark Clayton (48 for 531 yards in ’07) and Derrick Mason (103 for 1087 and 5 TD), plus backs Willis McGahee (1207 yards and 7 TD) and 5’8” 205 rookie Ray Rice (Rutgers) Baltimore enough talent at the skill positions but their production will be at the mercy of the kids up front. 2nd-year WR Yamon Figures will again handle punt (10.7 per with TD) and kick (24.7 and TD) duties. Coordinator Rex Ryan’s stoppers have carried the load for this franchise for years but age is becoming a serious issue. 12th-year LDE Trevor Pryce, 13th-year LILB Ray Lewis (120 T, 2 S, 2 INT), 10th-year RCB Chris McAlister, and 11th-year LCB Samari Rolle all hold starting spots with the cornerback pair starting to show it with just 2 combined picks in 2007. Nickel and Dime backs 5’11” 196 Frank Walker and 5’11” 180 Fabian Washington will be tested this week and must have big seasons while defensive backfield mates 6’0” 220 SS Dawan Landry (82 T, S) and 5’11” 200 FS Ed Reed (7 INT) are tough as nails up the middle. ROLB Terrell Suggs (80 T, 5 S) and LOLB Jarret Johnson (58 T, 2 S) will be called upon to bring more heat on the pocket than they did last season while 6’0” 315 NT Kelly Gregg and 6’4” 345 RDE are simply unmovable (2.8 yards allowed per rush).
FREE SELECTION: The Ravens showed little sign of offensive life during the preseason with 12.5 points and 224.2 yards per game while offensive line will be a major issue. We give the Week 1 nod to the Cincinnati Bengals –1 ½.