The Bengals have a tough chore in front of them this Sunday as they make an encore in the New Jersey Meadowlands to face the New York Jets.  The problem with the Jets is they are an enigma wrapped inside a mystery, so we don't know which team will show up.  They are 2-2, but coming off a bye week, rested, and an offensive breakthrough scoring 56 against Arizona (and scoring 85 in their last 2 games).  So the Bengals should be up to the task.

The Bengals have a couple things going for them:  1)they have the "Master of Adjustment," Marvin Lewis who said, "We've taken some lumps this year, and that doesn't change how I approach what I do."  Uuuhh, Ok, Marv.  2) Also, Dexter Jackson may see some playing time.  3) Finally, the Bengals are notorious this season for playing below their potential after playing NFC East opponents...so with that they've got a helluva shot to continue their drive to "(im)Perfection."  It is important they not look past the Jets and focus on the Steelers, remember, one week at a time fellas, one week at a time.  So with that here are your:

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On Offense:

1) Establish the Run...give the rock to Perry and Benson no matter what.  The Jets have a superb run D, allowing about 76 yards a game, so attack their strength.

2) Go deep on the Jets with a limited aerial attack.  Forget about that dink and dunk stuff underneath, take an occasional shot down field, especially on 3^rd down. 

3) Go with the compact offense...run a lot of double TE sets, go 2 WRs, 2RBs etc. 

On Defense:

1) Rush 4 (consistently), don't mix in any blitzes, play it safe, they have a lot to lose if they start gambling.  D Line has to maintain the pressure they've been getting all season.

2) Play a conservative zone with the traditional Bengal secondary "Back to the Quarterback" technique.

3) Play 8 in the box.

4) Start Dexter Jackson.
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 MMA is not so pure after all (link to story here)?

   Petruzelli (Silverback) told a confernce call after the "fight" with Ferguson (Slice) that basically the promoters prompted him to keep the fight "off the mat" where the more experienced fighter (Silverback of course) had a clear advantage.  Over the past few years it has been demonstrated that MMA is a discipline that takes a lot of hard work, and is not comprised of a bunch of bar room brawlers.  But Elite XC and CBS bet the house on just this type of dude because he could get the "eyeballs."  Sports is about entertainment to be sure, but if you don't have the skills...back away from the Octagon of your chosen sport.  Thanks...shame on the promoters because they gave a black eye to MMA.

Full Disclosure:  For the record I am a fan of the "sweet science."
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   Picks:

I've got to get back on track, the baseball playoffs will be over soon and I won't have anything to lean on if I pick poorly so here they go (Disclaimer: I know none of you are foolish enough to take these picks to the bank, but because we live in such a litigious society, I have to put this disclaimer):

Chicago @ Atlanta - I picked against Chicago last week on the road, but that was against dysfunctional Detroit (who I thought would play better without the baggage of Millen at Ford field). I am tempted to pick them this week, on the road, in the A-T-L, and I am. Chicago's D is playing pretty well and Orton is coming off a career game, so maybe he wants to lock up a job permanently (I mean beyond this season).  Atlanta is 2^nd in the league in rushing but they go as the ground game goes because there young QB is still learning.  Atlanta is making great progress, but not enough to beat ...Da Bears!

Jacksonville @ Denver - Well, I've picked Jax a couple times this season and have been disappointed as many times...so I am picking them again, against the AFC West leader, on the road, because even though they don't seem to be the Jax of old, they need this win and are still a tough, physical team...which is what you need to be to win on the road.  Plus, For at least 2 games, Denver was extremely lucky and are not as good as their 4-1 record indicate. This week Jax breaks through...Gimmie Jax (again)

Note: Dangit! 2 games and 2 road teams picked thus far...this does not bode well but I stand by my picks so far.

Carolina @ Tampa Bay - OK, Carolina looks like a top 5 NFL team, but I just can't pick another road team...This is a battle for supremacy in the NFC South. Division game, throw records out the window.  Carolina's D is ridiculous. This is a tough pick. They both are undefeated at home, but on paper Carolina wins, but that's why they play the games, I've gotta take a home team, can not pick 3 road teams...I'm takin' Carolina and their D and Steve Smith is back...Carolina

Baltimore @ Indy - This game will be close...because the Edgar Allen Poes have the best damn D in the land, so they are more times than not going to be in games and have an opportunity. That said, they (Ravens) still have a young QB and at some point I expect Indy to win at the new dome (they are 0-2 there), I mean stadium (who knew Indy's mojo was all about a dome?) So I am going with (finally) a home team and Indy.
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   LCS Thoughts:

I have the Dodgers coming out of the NL (a la St. Louis a couple years ago). The Phils were expected to win last night with Cole on the hill...but I expect the Dodgers to split and win the next one at Philly if they want to maintain a decent shot.

And it truly would be nice to see Manny go back to Boston and completely show up the pitcher when he jacks one, and send the Boston faithful into a riotous frenzy, but I still think the Rays will take them in 7.

Have a great weekend, Lot D!