This is one in a regular series of looks at the 2000 Bengals by position.

        • Projected starter: Akili Smith. This is his team. The Bengals will go as far this season as the second-year pro from Oregon can take them, coaches and management say. He started four games in 1999 and has worked since February with offensive coordinator Ken Anderson to learn the offense. Smith is beginning to temper his desire to make a big play on every snap and is learning the art of throwing away the ball to avoid a sack. Smith has a rocket arm and figures to use more receivers than just his wideouts. He is tall enough to see over the line and hit receivers — namely the tight ends — across the middle. Smith also is winning the respect of his teammates.

        • 2. Scott Mitchell. He is a veteran with 66 starts, two in the playoffs, and more than 14,000 passing yards. He has starred and struggled in Miami and Detroit. The Bengals like his experience and expect him to be able to step in at any time and lead the offense.

        • 3. Scott Covington. Covington has a year under his belt in the Bengals' system and has more mobility than either of the quarterbacks ahead of him.

Running backs now fighting for job Spotlight on quarterbacks Ex-Bearcat to oppose Bengals

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