Stillers vs. Bungals Abbreviated Pregame Analysis (Game #12, vs. Cinci)

Stillers vs. Bungals Abbreviated Pregame Analysis (Game #12, vs. Cinci)

The struggling 7-4 Stillers host the 8-3 division-leading Cinci Bungals on Sunday in a game that will virtually crown the division champ.� We here at Stillers.com already previewed this matchup back in Oct, and as little has changed, readers are encouraged to peruse those offerings on this site.�

Some keys to consider for this big game:

- Cinci, already light in the butt along their D front, will be missing starting DT Bryan Robinson.� The Stillers jammed the ball down the throat of the Bungals in the previous tilt, and with ugly weather in the forecast, the Stillers will look to do the same this Sunday.�

- Marv Lewis� approach to the game.� In the Oct. meeting, Lewis pulled a �January Cowher�, being as tight as a drum in the days leading up to the game, which showed as the Bungals were tight and timid in the first half of that tilt.�

- Chris Hope.�� This guy hasn�t made a play, either in the running or the passing game, in weeks.� He might not make one on Sunday, either, but let�s hope this former Academic All-American has sense enough to take Rudi Johnson low this Sunday, rather than the absurd shoulder-grabbing follies that The Dope has grown overly fond of the past 4+ games.�

- Chris Kemoeatu.� The burly rookie guard took some snaps with the 1st team offense, and could be used in lieu of KenDoll Simmons if Simmons should struggle.� Then again, facing a lousy D-line that is missing a starter (Robinson, as noted above), Simmons could very well cut the mustard and give the mirage that he�s a capable starting guard for a team with playoff aspirations.� Frankly, I�d like to see Kemo start this game and play from beginning to end.� After all, even though Kemo�s a rookie, could he really do any worse than KenDoll Simmons, the guy who leads the Stillers in false starts ??�

The key matchups:

- CB Ike Taylor vs. WR Chad Johnson.� Ike somehow got the best of Chad in meeting #1 and hasn�t played remotely that well since. �Chad has to be stewing about that game and should come out smoking.� Blustery Pittsburgh weather could mitigate this matchup.� It will also be interesting to see if Cowhard sicks Ike on Chad on every snap, as he did back in Oct due to secondary injuries, or if DeShea will get a piece of Chad as well.�

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- DeShea vs. TJ �Housemanad�.� If Ike follows Chad, DeShea draws PJ, who is the 2nd best #2 WR in the league (just behind Reggie Wayne).� The Stillers will need to limit his productivity on Sunday.�

- Foote and Farrior versus RB Chris Perry.� The Stillers, led by Foote's slow-afootedness and Farrior�s mediocre play, have been victimized by middle-dumps to opposing RBs, and Perry has the speed and quickness to damage after the catch.� With blustery weather on the forecast, Cinci will try many short dumps to Perry and their TEs.�

* Synopsis:� This is the biggest must-win game of the season.� Lose here, and the Stillers not only lose the division, but also creep precariously close to missing the playoffs altogether.� Win here, and the Stillers regain their swagger and win any tie-breaker with the Bungholes.�� Playing with desperation, fury and pent up frustration, the Stillers will prevail over the Bungals, 23-19.�