Tampa Bay's defense is considered one of the league's best.

        But the Bengals' defense is rated close behind the Buccaneers' in rushing yards and total yards allowed. It ranked one spot higher in passing yards against.

        “We're very concerned about them,” Bucs coach Tony Dungy said. “No.1, they're playing very good defense. They really make it tough for people to run.”

        The Bengals are 17th against the run at 114.8 yards a game. The Bucs are 12th in rushing defense at 106.5 yards.

        “Obviously, the linebackers are the guys that catch your attention,” Dungy said. “First (Takeo) Spikes and (Brian) Simmons have great speed and play physically up front.”

        The Bengals are allowing 20.7 points a game (14th), and the Bucs are ninth at 18 points a game.

        NO SELLOUT:

        The Bengals-Buccaneers game did not sell out by the 1p.m. Thursday deadline and will not be televised in the Cincinnati market.

        STAT OF THE DAY:

        The Bengals are ranked last in the league in scoring at 14 points a game.

        ATTITUDE:

        Quarterback Jon Kitna wondered aloud this week if there are some Bengals players who aren't tired of losing.

        “We have to get to the point where each guy is tired of losing, is tired of not playing our best, is tired of coming in on Mondays saying, "Man, we sure beat ourselves in that one,'” Kitna said. “We have to get tired of it and we have to make up our minds that we're going to do everything possible.”

        Then Kitna was asked if there are players in the Bengals' locker room who are not yet tired of losing.

        “It is possible,” he said.

        INDOOR WORK:

        The Bengals stretched and ran sprints in the Paul Brown Stadium gym Thursday before heading outside to practice in the rain. Cornerback Artrell Hawkins didn't practice and is doubtful with a sprained ankle.

        Robert Bean would get the start in place of Hawkins opposite Mark Roman, who will have the chore of covering wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson.

        Bengals guard Matt O'Dwyer practiced but remains doubtful with a knee injury. The Bengals miss the push O'Dwyer provides in the middle of the line.

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