Cincinnati Bengals: 5 Things They Must Do to Beat the Tennessee Titans in Week 9

The Cincinnati Bengals and Tennessee Titans have come out to play in 2011, and have already shocked plenty of people so far this season. Both teams were thought to be in a bit of a rebuilding stage.

Now, we come to Week 9 and these two teams will show down in Tennessee, and it's very possible that the winner will take an inside track towards the playoffs, at least over each other. This is a track that the Bengals desperately need, especially being in the powerful AFC North.

It is arguably the best division in the league, and the Bengals have yet to really play the tough games against the Ravens and Steelers. Though they're 5-2, the Bengals MUST beat the Titans.

Here's five things that the Bengals need to do in order to walk away with their fifth straight victory.

Keep Chris Johnson Struggling

Chris Johnson's struggles this season are no secret. This is, by far, his worst season in his short career.

This one thing can get the Bengals a victory in and of itself—make sure that Johnson continues to have issues.

Cincinnati enters Tennessee allowing 85.4 yards per game, good for the second best rushing defense in the league. There's no doubt that they know how to keep runners at bay, and by shutting down CJ2K, you force an aging Matt Hasselbeck to throw the ball more.

If the Bengals give even an inch to someone like Johnson, he'll seize the opportunity in the blink of an eye and all of his critics are going to watch him go for 150 yards. I'm not fearful that the Bengals will let him happen; keeping Johnson down is step one.

Utilize the Running Game

Cedric Benson will return to the Cincinnati offense after missing their game in Seattle due to a suspension. Say what you want about the troubled running back out of Texas, but he certainly does have the talent to make teams regret taking him lightly.

Ask the Buffalo Bills about that.

Bernard Scott and Brian Leonard (fullback) will also get a handful of carries. Scott is more of a special teams guy, but has the ability to breakoff a few big runs here and there. Leonard is a power back who's mostly good for catching short passes out of the backfield, but he can plow through anyone.

I understand how well Andy Dalton has been playing lately, but the Titans' defense against the run is worse than against the pass. If Benson comes ready to play after three weeks off, he could collect over 120 yards and give the Tennessee defense fits. 

Blitz Matt Hasselbeck All Day

These days, Matt Hasselbeck simply crumbles under pressure. You can look at his last three games to realize that he's not what he used to be.

Hasselbeck had a terrific start to 2011, leading a lot of us to believe he was going to revive his career. As of late, such has not been the case. 

If you bring in linebackers and the entire defensive line to attack Hasselbeck, he's going to rush throws into a very talented Bengals' secondary. Reggie Nelson and Leon Hall are the stars of that secondary, and they're quick to capitalize on any offensive error.

Manny Lawson, one of the Bengals' linebackers, should be attacking every play.

Limit Andy Dalton's Passing

I've been a fan of quarterback Andy Dalton ever since his days as a Horned Frog at TCU. Considering that he's a rookie on a very young Bengals' offense, he's had one heck of a start to the season.

Despite how well he and A.J. Green have been connecting, he doesn't need to be the guy carrying Cincinnati in this one. The Titans have cornerback Cortland Finnegan and safety Michael Griffin roaming in the secondary, and those are tough guys to fool.

I don't think Dalton is going to be under excessive pressure, but the Titans' secondary is at least decent, and will keep up with the Bengals' receivers. If this game is left in the passing game, Dalton is going to look silly against Finnegan and Griffin.

As I've said in a previous slide: Stick to the running game against Tennessee.

Put Pacman Jones in on Special Teams

Adam "Pacman" Jones finally returned to the Bengals against Seattle, over a year since the last time he saw an NFL field. He came in for one punt return before pulling a hamstring.

Sixty-three yards later, the Bengals saw what they've been missing. I understand Brandon Tate later returned a punt for a touchdown, but let's give Jones credit here—that was the first play he saw since 2010. Tate's been pretty mediocre all year, he was due!

Special teams may be a more minuscule part of football to some people, but Jones' quick feet can help the Bengals start in enemy territory every time. If you start closer to the end zone, good things are bound to happen.