Ask Mark

        The new year begins with Bengals fans asking about last year and looking forward to a new season.

        Question, from Lon in Bond Hill: With the emergence of Kevin Kaesviharn at cornerback — who the Bengals say knows the defense after just a few weeks — do you think the Bengals should scour the Arena League for more gold at cornerback, wide receiver and quarterback?

        Answer: Actually, the Bengals spotted Kaesviharn when he was in training camp with the Green Bay Packers.

        Bengals scout Duke Tobin kept tabs on Kaesviharn. When injuries hit at cornerback, Tobin grabbed Kaesviharn (who was teaching high school gym class in South Dakota) and Bo Jennings (off the Lions practice squad). Both players have made solid contributions, especially Kaesviharn, who's tied for the team lead with three interceptions and has been an outstanding special teams player.

        At least this offseason, the Bengals have no plans to go after wide receivers. On the game-tying drive Sunday against the Steelers, the Bengals used a five-receiver set — and it consisted of two rookies (Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh) and three second-year players (Peter Warrick, Ron Dugans and Danny Farmer). The Bengals will keep that core together — with veteran Darnay Scott — and legitimately can count on even more production next season, their second year in Bob Bratkowski's offense.

        As for quarterback, and this probably will frustrate some fans, the Bengals' top two QBs next season will be Jon Kitna and Akili Smith, and not necessarily in that order. They might use a third- or fourth-round pick to get a quarterback for development.

        Q, from Jimi in Matthews, N.C., originally from Cincinnati: We still don't have that good of an offensive line to protect any quarterback we put in. My question is this: Kitna (stunk) this year. Don't you think that after spending a first-round draft choice on him, and after spending three years in the league, Akili Smith should start?

        A: Smith will have every chance to win the job in training camp, just as he did last season. Many people in the organization want to see him succeed.

        You're overlooking the excellent job of pass protection by the offensive line. The Bengals ran 70 pass plays Sunday, and Kitna was sacked only twice by the defense that came in leading the AFC with 49. The Bengals have allowed just 27 sacks, and they rank an impres sive fourth in the league in sacks allowed per play. The frustrating point for fans is: Why couldn't this offense score through the seven-game losing streak?

        Kitna was pressured a few times Sunday. He threw it away wisely, and he took a big hit after delivering the touchdown pass to Farmer that tied the game at the end of the fourth quarter.

        Q, from Chad in Springfield: The Bengals threw the deep ball more Sunday than they have all year. Why not try this two months ago?

        A: They saw a hole in the way the Steelers cover the deep post. Bratkowski has said the deep pass has been called throughout the season but that Kitna often would dump it off because of coverage.

        Q, from John in Landen: What is the franchise record for the Bengals since they were formed in 1968? Who is the only head coach to have a winning record with the Bengals?

        A: Of the eight head coaches in franchise history, two have winning records: Bill Johnson was 18-15 from 1976-78, and Forrest Gregg was 34-27 from 1980-83.

        The franchise record, including playoffs and with one game remaining this season, stands at 228-298-1.

        Q, from John in Landen: What is the franchise record for the Bengals since they were formed in 1968? Who is the only head coach to have a winning record with the Bengals?

        A: Of the eight head coaches in franchise history, two have winning records: Bill Johnson was 18-15 from 1976-78, and Forrest Gregg was 34-27 from 1980-83.

        The franchise record, including playoffs and with one game remaining this season, stands at 228-298-1.

        Q, from Doug in Lancaster: Each week, I submit a question and comment concerning the Bengals being a losing franchise and remaining a losing franchise as long as Mike Brown remains in any decision-making process. I ask for your comments on the statement, but each week, I look, but do not find. Why are you protecting Mike Brown?

        A: Some readers are wondering why their letters are not used. I try to avoid duplication of questions, and I get dozens each week about Mike Brown. And, frankly, the foul language and temperment of some inquiries make them unsuitable for the newspaper.

        As for Mike Brown, I am not protecting him. He hardly needs my protection. The facts are the Bengals are 52-123 and have not made the playoffs since he took over from his late father in August 1991.

        Q, from Harold in Chicago: Why can't you ask Mike Brown a direct question: “Why do you rehire coaches who have not been successful in teaching any player they have had?” Or, “On what basis have you decided to rehire Ken Anderson and Paul Alexander, when their units have been consistently underacheiving, at best?”

        A: I asked Mike Brown to discuss any potential changes on the coaching staff on Dec. 24, and he declined until after Sunday's game at Tennessee. I'll be asking him again Monday.

        Q, from Rick in Anderson Township: How can anyone, including Mike Brown, believe that Al Roberts deserves a coaching job next year? Special Teams are involved in a major breakdown for this team almost every week.

        A: Brown says Roberts has done a good job, in spite of some periodic struggles, and it appears Roberts will be back for at least one more season.

        Q, from Richard in Indian Springs: What do you see as the Bengals main areas for upgrade in the offseason through the draft and/or free agency?

        A: Cornerback and offensive and defensive lines. They won't be going after running backs, wide receivers or linebackers. The Bengals won't be nearly as active in free agency this offseason because, Mike Brown says, they don't have the salary cap room they did last year. Re-signing linebackers Takeo Spikes and Brian Simmons -- whose five-year contracts are up after next season -- should be a priority.

        Q, from Aurelian in Florence: How can I contact Jon Kitna? I appreciated the article you ran on him in the Enquirer before the start of the season.

        I share Kitna's religious beliefs and I would like to offer him some encouragement. I realize that he has not been too consistent lately. And, in a business like this, personal character does not count much unless you put up numbers that will satisfy the fans. Nevertheless, I look up to him and I would like to let him know that.

        A: You just did. You can write to Jon Kitna, c/o Cincinnati Bengals, Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45202.

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Spikes, Simmons enjoy big win Bengals Q&A with Mark Curnutte

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