@ STARTERS (CIN): QB: Carson Palmer #9 HB: Chris Perry #23 FB: Reagan Mauia #36 WR: Chad Johnson #85 WR: T.J. Houshmandzadeh #84 TE: Ben Utecht #81 LT: Levi Jones #76 LG: Andrew Whitworth #77 C: Kyle Cook #64 RG: Bobbie Williams #63 RT: Stacy Andrews #79 LE: Robert Geathers #91 DT: Domata Peko #94 DT: John Thornton #97 RE: Antwan Odom #98 LOLB: Rashad Jeanty #93 MLB: Dhani Jones #57 ROLB: Keith Rivers #55 CB: Jonathan Joseph #22 CB: Leon Hall #29 FS: Marvin White #26 SS: Dexter Jackson #28 STARTERS (NYG): QB: Eli Manning #10 HB: Brandon Jacobs #27 FB: Madison Hedgecock #39 WR: Plaxico Burress #17 WR: Amani Toomer #81 TE: Kevin Boss #89 LT: David Diehl #66 LG: Rich Seubert #69 C: Shaun O'Hara #60 RG: Chris Snee #76 RT: Kareem McKenzie #67 LE: Justin Tuck #91 DT: Barry Cofield #96 DT: Fred Robbins #98 RE: Mathias Kiwanuka #97 LOLB: Danny Clark #55 MLB: Antonio Pierce #58 ROLB: Gerris Wilkinson #59 CB: Aaron Ross #31 CB: Corey Webster #23 FS: Michael Johnson #20 SS: James Butler #37 INJURY REPORT: Jonathan Joseph (doubtful) GAME INFO: September 21, 2008; 1:00p.m. ET; CBS (check local listings); Sunny, high of 80; PREVIEW: So far so good for the Giants, who weren't expected to mount a very good title defense this season in wake of losing both their starting defensive ends to injury and retirement. The offense has showed up in a big way with Eli Manning at the helm and outstanding talent and depth at the receiver and running back spots. Many predicted them to finish last in the division, myself included... we're looking a little foolish at the moment. As for the Bengals, it already looks like it will be a long year. If they lose this game, its early curtains for their season. PREDICTION: Giants. I just can't see how Cincinnati could possibly hang with them.
I'm rooting for the Bengals to win this game ... and not only because I hate the Giants, but because I have Houshmandzadeh on my fantasy team! (unfortunately ...) Step it up, Palmer!
Better than the Rams, but not as good as the Redskins. This should be another easy win. The Bengals' offensive line hasn't given Palmer any sort of protection for the past two years, so I expect our D-line to have a field day. And this is probably the worst defense we'll face all season.
I was curious to see how your DL would respond to the loss of Umenyiora and Strahan. Tuck is better this year than last. That sucks, as a Cowboys fan. Him and Umenyiora are going to be quite the bookends for years.
The Bengals defense forces turnovers and they have weapons on offense. I don't think they are as bad as they've looked. Marvin Lewis is also desperate. They will either fight and turn things around, or they will completely fall apart to get him canned. (Like the Falcons did last year with a coach they didn't believe in.) Giants should win, obviously, but they are a little turnover prone and that's a concern.
The Bengals have a -1 turnover ratio, currently. Plus, their D.C. is Mike Zimmer. Their defense is handicapped.
