BRONCOS (2-0) VS. BENGALS (1-1)
SUNDAY, 1 P.M. ET, PAUL BROWN STADIUM, CINCINNATI uTV: CBS, DIRECTV 705
Announcers: Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts, Evan Washburn
About the Broncos: The formula for success continued for the Broncos in their 34-20 win against the Indianapolis Colts: run the ball and play outstanding defense. Not only did that happen, but QB also helped the cause with 22-for-33 passing for 266 yards with one interception. RB
and rookie bined for 120 rushing yards, and CB
and OLB scored defensive touchdowns. Ray’s 15-yard fumble return came after OLB third sack of the game of QB and provided Denver’s final points of the game before a two-point conversion. OLB broke an arm on a play on which he was credited with a half sack, giving him 1361⁄ for his career and moving him ahead of Jared Allen on the career list, where he sits at No. 10.
About the Bengals: Running the ball is becoming a problem for the Bengals. In Sunday’s 24-16 loss to the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati had 16 attempts by running backs, while QB passed 54 times. RB who had 31 yards on nine runs in the season opener, struggled even more Sunday with 11 carries for 22 yards.
had 17 yards on five carries. In two games Hill and Bernard have combined for 95 yards on 30 attempts (3.2 average). Bernard did contribute nine receptions for 100 yards and the Bengals’ only touchdown. But despite outgaining the Steelers 412-374, the Bengals only converted four of 16 thirddown chances and failed to score a touchdown in three of their red-zone trips, two ending at com- the 3- and 7-yard lines.
We’ll see how often this matchup actually happens, but Dalton has to get the ball in Green’s hands more than the two catches for 38 yards he had Sunday. Denver’s also might be matched against Green. As good as Green is, the excellence of Talib and Harris means the Bengals can’t attack a weakness.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
Cincinnati lost Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu in free agency, but Boyd is stepping up in their place. This year’s second-round pick had two catches for 24 yards in Week 1, then added to that with six receptions for 78 yards against the Steelers.
Career interception returns for touchdowns by Talib, most among active players. Those nine TDs have come on 31 interceptions, and he has averaged 18.7 yards a return. His five with the Broncos are the most in club history.
KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Controlling Denver’s pass rush. That is a key in every game for a Broncos opponent. Denver has eight sacks in two games, so Bengals tackles and get the assignment of blocking them this weekend. With Ware likely out, Ray and will have to contribute along with Miller.
The Broncos opened the season with two home games, while Cincinnati has been on the road both weeks. Siemian will be making his first regular-season start on the road, so he and the reshaped offensive line will have to show they can handle the Cincinnati noise.
Broncos backs have rushed for 127 and 128 yards the first two games, while Bengals backs have totaled 56 and 39. Whoever runs better will have a leg up, allowing for offensive balance and manageable third downs.
Howard Balzer