Ask Mark

        In more than two dozen e-mails received this week, Bengals fans most want to know if the 23-17 victory against New England was a “lucky start” and if this could be their first winning season since 1990.

        Lucky start? No. The Bengals won a close game against a team they should beat.

        Competent play from quarterback Jon Kitna in the pass offense made a big difference. The Bengals clearly are better this season — both in personnel and coaching, particularly in the person of offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski — and the question that only time will tell is, “How much better?”

        A good showing Sunday against Baltimore would help the Bengals going to San Diego to play a team that's also better but not as good as the 2-0 record it should have after pounding Washington and traveling Sunday to Dallas.

        After San Diego, the Bengals have four winnable October games — home against Cleveland and Chicago, and at Pittsburgh and Detroit.

        Because of the Week 2 postponements, the Bengals will play the first regular-season game at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. But that game can be won (see Cleveland, 24, at Cincinnati, 7, Sept.10, 2000).

        A lot of things have to go right, but the Bengals could enter November with a winning record for the first time since 1990.

        Question, from Philip: Should the Bengals trade or release Akili Smith after the season?

        Answer: No. He's still only 26, has started just 15 NFL games and is being given the room to learn and develop as a pro quarterback. Smith was badly coached and managed last year, when former coach Bruce Coslet put the team's success and offense squarely on Smith's shoulders.

        Smith also is too expensive to release, because the Bengals need more years to absorb the salary cap hit from the $10.8 million signing bonus they gave him.

        Q, from Joel: I have been a fan since 1970. Was happy to get Kitna. Who in the heck makes final decisions on draft day? Akili Smith had no business going where he did. What is your opinion is the most pressing need the team has, going forward to next year's draft?

        A: Team president Mike Brown has the final say on draft picks, after input from the two scouts, Brown family members and coaches. At this point, one game into the 2001 season, the biggest need would still be cornerback. It's a void that probably would be better addressed in free agency, because a veteran probably would contribute more quickly.

        Veterans Artrell Hawkins and Rodney Heath start, but the Bengals are hesitant to put their second- and fifth-round draft picks from 2000, Mark Roman and Robert Bean, into the lineup. Roman is a big hitter, and Bean plays the ball in the air better than any defensive back on the roster.

        If the defensive line doesn't continue to overachieve in pressuring quarterbacks, the weakness at cornerback will become more pronounced.

        Q, from Chad: Don't veterans resent these guys (rookie first-round draft picks such as Justin Smith) making so much money without playing a down?

        A: There is some resentment. But most veterans — when they're honest with themselves — realize they've benefited from the league's salary structure, even if not to the extent of a Justin or Akili Smith. Plus, Justin Smith's work ethic already has earned respect.

        Q, from Brad: Does (Justin Smith) really deserve to get the starting nod?

        A: If he does start, he'll first have to outplay ends Vaughn Booker and Reinard Wilson, who are producing now.

        Line coach Tim Krumrie will use a heavy rotation, and there is so much substitution and specialization at end that starting doesn't really matter. Smith's first action will come on passing downs.

        Q, from Deron: Why wasn't Chad Johnson used more (no receptions against New England), and will he be used more?

        A: The Bengals have multiple offensive sets, including three receivers, of whom Johnson is No.3. The Bengals didn't use many three-wide sets against the Patriots, but when they plan for a team that can be exploited by three receivers, Johnson might get 10 balls thrown his way.

        Ask Mark Curnutte a Bengals question

Q&A with Mark Curnutte NFL moves Week 2 schedule to end Bengals' challenge: Running on Ravens

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