Let's see. The Bengals haven't produced a winning team in a decade. In the
last 10 years their record is a pathetic 47-113. They're 11-37 in the last
three years and seemingly going nowhere, yet there's an alarming sameness
about their organization.
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CAMP AT A GLANCE
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| Akili Smith has struggled in two NFL seasons. |
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Location:Georgetown College, Georgetown, Ky.
Rookies report: July 20
Veterans report: July 20
Preseason schedule:
Aug. 4:at Chicago
Aug. 10:at Detroit
Aug. 25: Buffalo
Aug. 30: Indianapolis
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When the losing can easily be traced to the watch of team president Mike
Brown, it's difficult to imagine why Cincinnati's football faithful (or
whatever's left of them) continues to tolerate this rampant failure.
Man in the spotlight
Quarterback Akili Smith was given no competition last
year and that seemingly backfired as he didn't take the kinds of steps
forward a No. 1 pick is supposed to take. Following Smith's poor season that
included only three touchdown passes, six interceptions and 36 sacks, the
Bengals declared the job open. The problem is, the competition they brought
in (Seattle reject Jon Kitna) doesn't exactly inspire playoff hopes.
Key position battle
Quarterback. Kitna is being given every chance to
unseat Smith, though the Bengals are privately praying that Smith emerges as
the man.
Biggest adjustment
Perhaps running back Corey Dillon to his difficult
surroundings, though he should be used to it by now. Dillon has wanted out of
Cincinnati for a couple years now, but as a restricted free agent, no one
could wrest him away from Bengals' management without mortgaging the future
by giving up high draft pick compensation.
Rookie report
The Bengals are looking to Missouri defensive end Justin
Smith to put some fight into their anemic pass rush. Oregon State receiver
Chad Johnson, the cousin of Keyshawn Johnson, is raw but talented. He should
provide immediate depth while starter Darnay Scott recovers from a broken
leg. San Jose State tight end Sean Brewer could, too, be a quick-learning
impact player.
Bengals' complete offseason moves
