If you eliminate all the commercials and network promotions, the Bengals and Jets could probably play Sunday's game in about 90 minutes. It looks like it will be run run run...halftime...then more run run run.
The two teams like it that way. Each team wants to pound the ball, control the clock, score a few points and go home with a win. It's the kind of game that keeps the clock ticking and focuses the attention on the trenches.
"I think we're built to be a team that can win in December and January" says Jets head coach Rex Ryan. I think Marvin Lewis could have made the same statement word-for-word.
The Jets are the NFL's top rushing team, averaging nearly 167 yards per game. The Bengals are sixth in rushing, averaging 132 yards per game. Thomas Jones has rushed for more than 1,300 yards for New York. Cedric Benson has covered more than 1,200 yards for the Bengals.
Combine that with two stingy defenses, the Jets are first in the AFC, the Bengals are fourth and we can expect a very conservative, physical approach by both teams.
Passing won't be the first option. The Bengals don't like that kind of offense any more and the Jets don't feel comfortable making Mark Sanchez pass a lot.
The teams will run, the clock will run, and the NFL regular season will end. Maybe in record time.
The game should be rough and tumble, quick and dirty.
