Bengals at Falcons: 3 key matchups
Three key matchups
Falcons DE John Abraham vs. Bengals LT Andrew Whitworth: The Eagles used a heavy dose of maximum-protection and reverses to keep Abraham under control last week. He has four sacks this season and 40 sacks in five seasons with the Falcons. He needs 1.5 to tied Travis Hall for the fifth spot on the team's all-time sack last. Whitworth, the former LSU standout, is massive at 6-foot-7, 335 pounds. He has started 59 games at either left guard or left tackle since being drafted in the second round of the 2006 draft.
Falcons LT Sam Baker vs. Bengals DE John Fanene: Baker has struggled at times against some speed rushers this season. Fanene is expected to return from a hamstring injury. Fanene has missed the past four games, but has returned to practice. The hope is that he can add some pop to the Bengals' pass rush. The Bengals' defensive line has only six sacks, the second-fewest in the NFL, with Buffalo and Minnesota. One of their main offseason goals was to create more pressure on the quarterback.
Falcons CBs Christopher Owens vs. Bengals WRs Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco: Owens likely will get the start at right cornerback with Dunta Robinson recovering from his concussion. The two veteran receivers have combined for 57 receptions, 792 yards and three touchdowns. The Falcons will not match up against receivers, so Owens will have to take whoever shows up on his right side of the defense. He played well down the stretch of last season, but was on the left side. The Bengals' celebrity receivers will have a height advantage over the 5-9 Owens.
History lesson
- This is the 12th regular-season meeting. Bengals lead the series 7-4.
- In the last meeting, in 2006, the Falcons won 29-27.
- The Falcons have won the past two meetings.
- Coaches Mike Smith and Marvin Lewis coached together with the Baltimore Ravens from 1999-2001.
About the Author
Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.
