NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Bengals coach Dick LeBeau could look across the field at Adelphia Coliseum and see the model for his team.

        The Titans, in many respects, are what Cincinnati aspires to be, a tough rushing offense with an efficient quarterback and a smothering defense.

        “I don't know if Dick and I come from the same school of thought, but, gosh, if you run the ball as well as they do, do you need to throw it?” Titans coach Jeff Fisher said.

        The Bengals already have some of the ingredients.

        Tennessee has running back Eddie George. The Bengals, at least until the end of the season, have Corey Dillon. Re-signing him is the team's primary offseason concern, president Mike Brown has said.

        Quarterback Akili Smith, in spite of a miserable second season, has potential to be like Tennessee's Steve McNair — a player who can beat teams with his legs as well as his arm. A few Bengals insiders are questioning the coaching Smith has received and the team's passing scheme. In other words, the passing game's failure is not all Smith's fault.

        The biggest difference is on defense. Defense is the major reason Cincinnati is 3-10 and Tennessee is 10-3.

        While the Bengals' defense is allowing 22.6 points a game, down from 28.8 in 1999, it's far from the 14.3 points a game the Titans allow. That number is the third lowest in the NFL.

        “They don't make many errors,” said LeBeau. LeBeau was asked about any similarities in styles.

        “They win,” he said. “That's definitely in concert with my philosophy.”

Bengals hope to emulate Titans Titans win while Bengals build Titans mission? Stop Dillon Who's got the edge? By the numbers Players to watch

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