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Y! MyWebBackup QB in the spotlight again
Sunday, October 12, 2008
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Cincinnati Bengals acquired quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick on Sept. 1, 2007, for a moment like this — an emergency.
Fitzpatrick, who was traded by the St. Louis Rams for a seventh-round draft pick, will start for the second time in three weeks when the Bengals face the New York Jets. Starter Carson Palmer's inflamed right elbow needs rest.
"That's the life of a backup," Fitzpatrick said. "You've got to be ready to go at a moment's notice."
QB's best friends
Running the ball better on offense and limiting explosive plays on defense are the Bengals' goals.
Success in both areas would ease the pressure on Fitzpatrick, who yielded four turnovers (three interceptions and a fumble) in a 20-12 loss to Cleveland.
The Jets are No. 6 in the league in scoring (28.8 points a game) and fifth against the run (75.6 yards). But they're susceptible through the air, ranking 31st in pass defense (265.0).
Breaking through
Is this Chad Ocho Cinco's breakthrough game? The five-time Pro Bowler has been limited to 14 catches for 159 yards (11.4) and one touchdown.
"I'm not sure what's going to happen," he said. "It's been frustrating all year. Of course, I've had to keep my mouth shut. I really don't want to say anything to be a distraction. But when my opportunities do come, I am here to make the plays."
Friendly enemies
Two former Chicago Bears tailbacks — the Bengals' Cedric Benson and the Jets' Thomas Jones — will battle.
Jones was quoted as saying Benson expected to be handed the job in Chicago because he was the No. 4 overall draft pick in 2005.
"I'm not going to get into any kind of word battle with that guy," Benson said. "He probably shouldn't have said that, though."
