Dick LeBeau, in his first full season as Bengals coach, has his team off to its best two-month start since the 1990 Bengals: 4-3 and tied for third place in the AFC Central. The Bengals are in contention for a playoff spot, as opposed to where they were last season: 1-6.

        Since then, LeBeau's Bengals are 8-9. He is 8-12 overall and is credited with giving the team focus, discipline and an identity that's built on the rush offense.

        LeBeau discussed the first half of the season Friday at Paul Brown Stadium with Enquirer Bengals beat writer Mark Curnutte. The team is off Sunday before playing Nov.11 at Jacksonville.

        Q: What effect did the Sept.11 terrorist attacks have on the season? On you?

        A: “It affected all Americans, the realization that what we know won't be any more. It's so easy for all of us to get involved in our little niche in the world, and those events forced us all to look at a larger picture.”

        Q: What has surprised you most in the first seven games?

        A: “I've been pleased when we've done things right and disappointed when we haven't. There's too much variance between those two. What we've done, really, is given ourselves an opportunity to compete in the upcoming weeks. That's an opportunity we haven't had in the recent past. That's exciting to us, not surprising.”

        Q: What has pleased you most?

        A: “The attitude of the players. We have not become discouraged.”

        Q: After the 2-0 start, did you see visions of the Colts who went from 3-13 to 13-3 in one year? Where were you emotionally?

        A: “I was ready to play the next snap, just like I ask the players to do. The only thing the Baltimore game demonstrated was if we play well, we can compete well with quality teams. Those are milestones. They give credence to words. These are deeds. Other than that, it's gone.”

        Q: Is there anything you'd have done differently in the past seven weeks?

        A: “There are a lot of things. That's part of the learning experience. I have great experience in the National Football League, great experience in football, but let's be honest, I have limited experience as a head coach. I hope every day I'm getting better at my job. That's what I'm asking our players to do.”

        Q: What are your goals from here on out?

        A: “We're 4-3. I'd be really happy if we were 5-2. So if we can improve ourselves one win, we have an excellent chance of getting where we want to get. We want to bring championship football back to the area. And to do that, you've got to get that victory total up there 10, 11, 12 games.”

        Q: With nine games left, you'd like to finish 6-3?

        A: “Eleven and five is always safer; 10-6, you're going to have a good chance year in and year out of being there (the playoffs).”

        Q: If you could put one moment from the last two months in a bottle and save it, what would it be?

        A: “Because of the play of our team against Baltimore, I was chosen NFL Coach of the Week in a Staples program, and they gave $5,000 to a local elementary school (Little Flower of St. Therese School in Mount Airy). And I presented it. And the day I walked in with those kids and to see the reception and the look in their eyes and the position our franchise and players hold in the community and the lives of those little people, that's something I'll never forget.

        “It was the stuff of life.”

        Q: Another theme that has emerged is the communication, or lack of it, between quarterback and receivers in the pass offense. Where is that now?

        A: “(Detroit) was our best game. We needed every play. For the offense to go out and deliver a 13-play drive and get the lead right back, those are building points. They are substantial things that point to growth.”

        Q: How do you react to the rave reviews you've received from around the country for the job you've done?

        A: “You'd rather have them say that than the alternative. The truth is this is a team that has better players. The players we maintained last year are a year older. I don't think I have that much to do with it.”         Q: What kind of fan mail have you received?

        A: “I've had a lot of support. I've had hardly any negative communication. I open my mail. I don't have my secretary do it. As my time allows, I try to answer it. These people have enough interest to write the Bengals, and I will try to get at least a line back to them. I can't always honor that. But the support I've received has been very sustaining.

        “My favorite one was, I opened the letter, and in gaudy bold print was "You are an idiot.' I said, "Here's a guy who really knows me.'”

Attitude pleases LeBeau

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