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Tuesday, October 09, 2001

Bengals notebook


Changes contemplated at 'a couple of positions'

By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

        Bengals coach Dick LeBeau hinted Monday that he is considering lineup changes following two consecutive losses.

        “I don't like the way we played,” he said. “We're looking at everything. I don't want to say what we may or may not do. But we may change a couple of positions.”

        LeBeau wouldn't discuss specific positions, but the secondary, wide receiver and defensive line appear most likely.

        The pass offense has been out of sync for the last six quarters, and defensive backs have been unsuccessful at preventing key third-down completions. Rookie defensive end Justin Smith has learned the defense quickly. His six tackles against the Steelers gave him 14 in three games.

        Don't expect any change at kicker, though Neil Rackers' 51-yard missed field goal Sunday was his fourth straight miss after he went 3-for-3 in the opener.

        No kickers are scheduled to come into Cincinnati for tryouts.

        LeBeau was asked Monday what he will do about Rackers.

        “I hope he kicks about five field goals and six extra points this Sunday,” LeBeau said. “We missed a spot. He only had one kick, and it was a 51-yard kick, and a pretty good crosswind was blowing up there. None of us did very well.”

        LeBeau made six non-injury changes in the starting lineup in 13 games as head coach last season.

        Cornerback Robert Bean was one player LeBeau put into the lineup. Another second-year cornerback, Mark Roman, the team's 2000 second-round draft pick, started two games as a rookie because of injuries, but has had limited playing time this year.

        LeBeau has started Artrell Hawkins and Rodney Heath at cornerback this year and used Tom Carter as the third corner on passing downs. Bean, who could replace Carter, is being patient.

        “I have wondered,” he said about playing time. “But my dad told me to be patient, don't worry about how they got things set up right now. My chance will come.”

        QUESTION AUTHORITY:

LeBeau's decision to punt on fourth and 10 from the 15-yard line with 1:29 remaining Sunday was questioned Monday. The Bengals trailed 16-7 at the time.

        “They did what I hoped they would do, and that is put a guy back there to catch it,” he said. “And I hoped he would drop the ball, and we would get the football at midfield with a new set of downs and not be looking at fourth-and-10 at our own 15.

        “We needed two scores, not one score. They put the guy back there, and he caught the ball, and that was the game.”

       

        THE MESSAGE:

Linebacker Takeo Spikes liked what LeBeau told players Monday morning.

        “He said you've got to be accountable for everything that you do out on the field,” Spikes said. “When you look at yourself in the mirror, did you do everything you possibly could to help us win? And if your answer is not yes, you don't have the right to complain.”

       

        EXTRA POINTS:

Rookie offensive tackle Freddie Moore was waived ... Sunday's game vs. the Browns at Paul Brown Stadium is a sellout.

       



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