Sleeping With the Enemy: Week Six, Bengals @ Chiefs

Welcome back to another episode of Sleeping With the Enemy where we grapple with a fan of the week's opponent. This week the HoG sat down with Adam Kiefaber of Bengal Stripes as the Chiefs square off against those offensive-powered Cincinnati Bengals. Kansas City managed to stave off an early Minnesota Vikings lead in their week-three home opener, win on the road the following week, but lost once back in the friendly confines of Arrowhead against a feisty Jacksonville squad in week five. Their third match at home should be an interesting one as both clubs are desperate for a win.

Bankmeister: It's a pretty odd scenario where two non-division opponents play one another for three consecutive years, let alone all in the same venue. If memory serves correctly, the Chiefs crushed the Bengals in the last game of the season two years ago, then faced them in the opener that would change Trent Green's career forever. Those dynamics, coupled with Ocho Cinco's "We will beat the (then 9-0) Chiefs in 2003 have established quite a little rivalry between these two clubs. And they are both struggling in their own ways, each team on a different side of the ball. After last week's loss to the Jaguars, the Chiefs dropped from four to 10 in defensive ranking while the Bengals are 30th. Conversely, Cincinnati has a potent offense while the Chiefs are miserably punt-happy. Add to that that Rudi Johnson is still questionable and Larry Johnson has yet to get anything going on the ground. That leaves this match up to Carson Palmer and Damon Huard to get some points on the board.

In your estimation, what's the relationship between T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chad Johnson like? Are they happy with the amount of balls thrown their way? Speaking of Johnson, I've heard rumors about a Web site of his where he's making donations to some good cause while continuing to cultivate his own empire of hype. Any truth to that? On the other side of the ball, what's up with a Marvin Lewis-coached team not playing good defense?

Adam Kiefaber: The relationship between T.J. Houshmanzadeh and Chad Johnson is good. You might think that they might not like sharing the ball, but theyhave been together since their days at Oregon State and treat each other like brothers. In training camp, they room together. Housh will rip on Chad, while Ocho Cinco plays Guitar Hero. They both love fast food. They are different, but you tell that they are best friends.

I'm sure they are happy with all the balls coming their way. Housh is on pace for 156 catches this season, which would break Marvin Harrison's record. Ocho Cinco is on pace for 112 catches for 1,980 yards. Chad Johnson does a lot for the community. He usually has a free camp for kids among a bunch of other things in Cincinnati area.

Marvin Lewis not being able to lead the defense has been the question/comment since he got here. In his defense, you can't lead a defense without the personnel. The injuries have been unbelievable this year, especially at linebacker. Barring any surprising recoveries, Cincinnati will start two linebackers that didn't participate in training camp at all. Dhani Jones was signed after week two and Anthony Schlegel signed on cut-down day. The other starter, Landon Johnson, might only be able to see out of one eye. Schlegel is playing hurt and the #1 corner (Johnathan Joseph) will be serving a one-game suspension this weekend. The defense is in shambles and if all the money is tied into the offense, it probably won't get any better anytime soon.

As a Chiefs follower, do you think Larry Johnson has lost a step after signing his big contract? Bengal fans are starting to question Rudi Johnson; what about your RB Johnson? Also, Damon Huard has struggled. Do you want to see the rookie start? Were Chief fans upset about the whole Trent Green thing this off-season? Who are the surprise players that Bengal fans don't know about? What is your prediction for the game and why?

B: I don't think LJ has lost a step. Rather our blocking schemes/offensive line is not the same as it was and I can't explain why. I do know that the right side of our offensive line is absolutely atrocious right now and LJ's attitude isn't helping much. Basically, the entire offensive unit is a disaster right now and Johnson is just a cog in that non-functioning machine. What needs to happen is a simple balance to the pass/run attempt ratio.

To say that Damon Huard has struggled is inaccurate. I believe he has six interceptions on the season; five of those were either tipped balls or catches that guys got drilled on and coughed up the ball. The most recent knock on him is that he looks to his second and third receiving options too soon (a.k.a. panicking), and that may be the case, but it's a bit odd to me that anyone would claim that they see his reads better than he does.

Regarding the situation in the off-season, a solid half of the fan base (I estimate) didn't want Green to become the starter again once he'd been cleared to play. I was one of those. Chiefs fans loved Trent Green, but after your boy Geathers scrambled his noodle (and didn't get flagged for it), his game was not the same. Now, after last week's Grade Three concussion, I think he's done for good. He certainly should be.

I'm anxious to see Brodie Croyle start for this football team, but not before he's ready. I'm glad Huard is still the guy. As far as the game, I imagine the Bengals might sneak out of Arrowhead with another victory, this time in the form of a 20-17 win. Wait. Seventeen points is generous for this offense. Make it 20-13.

Your prediction and thoughts on the game?

(Editor's Note: AK's breakdown, which I thought was spot on, can be found here.)

Previous Installments of SWtE:

Week Five
Week Four
Week Three
Week Two
Week One