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Home > Blogs > Big C's NFL Blitz > Archives > 2009 > October > 17 > Entry
Bengals corners must bring A-game vs. Texans
CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals’ secondary have an impressive resume of star receivers they have shut down so far this season. Receivers Greg Jennings, Braylon Edwards and Derrick Mason were all closed for business with zero catches when going against the unit. The only receiver to have some success was Brandon Marshall and even he was held in check. Marshall caught four passes for 27 yards in Week 1.
This week’s matchup against the Houston Texans will be a horse of a different color. The Texans present a dual threat on offense with wide receivers Andre Johnson and Kevin Walter.
Johnson is considered by many as being the top receiver in the league and for obvious reasons. He’s a big, fast, physical receiver with great hands and is a complete package. Walter, on the other hand, serves as the perfect complement. He’s strong, has good speed, great hands and is a precise route runner.
This is not a favorable matchup for the Bengals corners. Both receivers fared well against them last season.
Johnson caught 11 passes for 143 yards and Walter, a former Bengal, had five catches for 70 yards and two touchdowns. Houston won the game in a 35-6 shellacking of the Bengals.
To ensure that there won’t be a repeat performance by the receivers, the Bengals cannot afford mistakes in coverage and must play physical.
During the game last season, Walter’s second touchdown reception came by way of a lapse in mental judgment on behalf of cornerback Johnathan Joseph.
Texans quarterback Matt Schaub hit Walter with a short pass in front of Joseph. The receiver rolled to the ground in the process of making the catch but no contact was made. Realizing that he hadn’t been touched by Joseph until he was back on his feet, Walter alertly hauled buns down the field for a 39-yard score.
I’m certain the play is in the back of Joseph’s mind and he will seek redemption.
Joseph is the team’s best corner and is off to a fast start this season. He has three straight games with an interception with two coming in the end zone, and one returned for a touchdown. Joseph has shown outstanding cover skills and always appears to be a step away from making a play on the ball.
On the flip side, Leon Hall has struggled and will draw the daunting task of covering Johnson. Hall has shown a lack of aggression this season and appears to be a little gun-shy on making plays.
Last week against Baltimore, Hall could be seen standing around on a missed tackle by linebacker Brandon Johnson, which sprung Ravens running back Ray Rice for a 48-yard run to the end zone. Hall must play more physical, especially against Johnson.
The Bengals cornerbacks will have to play out of their minds this week or this game could turn into a shootout.
The Texans offensive approach on Sunday will be trying to take advantage of the Bengals 23rd rank pass defense. Schaub has been on fire the last two weeks completing 46 of 72 passes for 595 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions.
There is no question the Bengals secondary will be under attack.
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