| Bengals need to stop Maurice Jones-Drew to have a chance against the Jaguars. (US Presswire) |
Bengals at Jaguars -- Week 4
Where: Everbank Field, Jacksonville, Fla. (grass, outdoors)
When: Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET (CBS)
Spread: Bengals favored by 2.5
Forecast: Temperatures expected in the mid-80s, 30 percent chance of rain
Records: Bengals (Overall: 2-1, AFC North: 1-1), Jaguars (Overall: 1-2, AFC South 1-1)
Past results: For the second consecutive year the Bengals play at Jacksonville in the first half of the season.
Recent meetings: Nov. 2, 2008 Bengals 21, Jaguars 19; Oct. 9, 2011: Bengals 30, Jaguars 20. Series record: Jaguars lead, 11-7.
What matters: The Bengals need to find a way to stop the run. They enter the game ranked 31st in the NFL against the rush. They've allowed at least 120 rushing yards in all three games. They only allowed that many five times last season. Better believe the Jaguars and Maurice Jones-Drew are well aware of the deficiency. If Cincinnati can't slow Jones-Drew and force the Jags to rely on Gabbert, the path will be paved for an upset.
Who matters: BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Against a Jaguars rush defense ranked 30th in the NFL, the potential exists for a big day. Green-Ellis needs one after being derailed last week against Washington (17 rushes for 38 yards). The Redskins set their defense up specifically to slow him down and it worked. Even more, Green-Ellis saw a streak of 579 consecutive touches without a fumble come to an end. He's averaging only 3.6 yards per carry and Cincinnati would like to see the running game match Andy Dalton and the proficient passing game.
Key matchups: LT Andrew Whitworth vs DE Jeremy Mincey. The Bengals LT rates among the best in the NFL in pass protection, but Mincey gave him trouble last season. In the Week 5 Bengals win, Mincey notched a sack and two other hits on the quarterback. Dalton's shown this year when he's able to sit in the pocket and find his stable of receivers, he's lethal. Containing Mincey will be the key aspect in keeping Dalton clean. .
Injuries of note: CB Leon Hall (hamstring) is yet to practice this week after missing the Washington game. Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer was optimistic about his return, but Hall was listed as questionable. … CB Nate Clements (calf) hasn't practiced this week. He's been playing both corner and safety as an invaluable member of the secondary. His injury is another reason Cincinnati brought back S Chris Crocker this week.
Inside stuff: The Bengals opened up the playbook last week and hit three long touchdown passes against a blitz-heavy Redskins defense. The Jaguars won't set up that way. Their defensive philosophy forces teams to throw underneath and refuses to allow the explosive play. Offensive coordinator Jay Gruden remains pleased with Dalton's decision-making in that regard.
Connections: Former Bengals offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski now holds the same position with Jacksonville Jagaurs. He'll face his former team for the first time Sunday. Without doubt, he'll have a feel for the Bengals defense as he calls plays.
Record watch: If Cincinnati can top 30 points Sunday, it will be only the fourth time in franchise history they've scored at least 30 points in three consecutive games. They've never accomplished the feat four times in a row.
Stat you should know: A.J. Green leads the AFC in receiving yards with 311. That puts him on a pace for 1,658 yards this season which would be the second highest NFL total in the last eight years (Calvin Johnson, 1,681 in 2011).
Looking ahead: The journey to 5-1 continues if Cincinnati can go on the road and beat Jacksonville, their manageable early-season slate continue with Miami and Cleveland the next two weeks.
Prediction: Bengals 34, Jaguars 20
Follow Paul Dehner Jr. for Bengals updates on Twitter at CBSBengals.