San Diego Chargers host high flying Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13 – NFL Preview
San Diego Chargers will go head-to-head against thriving Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13 game on Sunday, December 02, 2012, at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California.
It is a contest between two teams that are taking their season in opposite directions. At the time when Bengals are going through a stunning comeback, Chargers are faltering to understand how to end a game on a winning note.
Bengals have won three games in a row and has gone from a 3-5 record to finish after Week 12 with 6-5. The team is hoping to continue its winning momentum and a win against Chargers will further increase their chances of reaching the playoffs.
However, a loss here could turn their season upside down as was the case in Week 5 where they lost against Miami Dolphins after winning three consecutive games and then went on to lose four in a row.
Bengals are currently sitting just outside the playoff qualifying position. They are placed seventh in American Football Conference (AFC). Talking about the team’s chances of going into the postseason, Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said:
"The anticipation comes down to these last five (games) now and what they mean and how important they are. We're in OK position. We're not in great position, but we're in OK position. And we've got to improve upon it each and every week."
Quarterback Andy Dalton has been in outstanding form as the player has scored nine touchdowns in last three victories without throwing a single interception.
The running game also seems to be blooming as the team posted 221 yards in last week’s 34-10 victory over Oakland Raiders.
Running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis put up a season-best 129 rushing yards on 19 carries and scored a touchdown.
The defence also seems to be picking up the gas as they have turned the ball over on seven occasions in last three games.
Meanwhile, Chargers (4-7) look to be lost in finding a way to win a game. The team again lost the game after getting into a winning position in Week 12 against Baltimore Ravens.
This seems to be Chargers’ story throughout this season. Even head coach Norv Turner admits it. Turner said:
"I guess for you guys, you can say that, and it's easy to say. It's a play we had guys in position to make the play and we didn't handle it very well. We've lost a lot of guys throughout on offense and on defence, and we have guys that just keep coming in.
Obviously, it affects you in certain situations."
If failure to finish games on winning note was not enough, Chargers are now facing even bigger problems due to injuries. They will be without left tackle Justin Gaither who is placed on season-ending injury list.
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