NEW ORLEANS — Bengals fans are writing with their offseason wish lists.

Ask Mark

        Question, from John in Covington: One question that I have not heard much of is special teams. Obviously, the Bengals need someone who can kick field goals and who can kick off. What about drafting a running back who can return kicks, plus spell Corey Dillion now and then? This one guy could make all the difference in the world.

        Answer: Brandon Bennett is an outstanding backup running back, and he's a good special teams player. There is a need to improve the kick return game, but it doesn't rest entirely on the returner.

        The Bengals don't need to draft another running back. They're stocked, especially because they didn't expose Curtis Keaton to the Houston Texans in the expansion draft.

        Watch the Patriots special teams today in the Super Bowl. Bill Belichick uses several offensive and defensive starters: Mike Vrabel, Tedy Bruschi, Troy Brown, Lawyer Milloy, Ty Law and Otis Smith.

        Q, from Greg in Clemson, S.C.: With all the talk about the possibility of the Bengals signing a veteran quarterback, why hasn't Trent Dilfer's name been mentioned?

        I can't think of a better fit for a team like the Bengals, who have an outstanding running back, good skill at receiver and a tough young defense. Dilfer does not make the mistakes that (Jon) Kitna does with his forced passes. Dilfer also might be a better bargain than (Gus) Frerotte.

        A: The Bengals can't mention who's available or who interests them because that would break NFL tampering rules.

        But if a private list exists in Bengals headquarters, Dilfer's name would be on it for all the reasons mentioned.

        Q, from Hank in Landen: Why should the Bengals draft a cornerback in the first round? They should draft a defensive lineman to complement Justin Smith. The extra pressure on the quarterback will make all the DBs better.

        Then, in the second round, take (quarterback) Rohan Davey of LSU. I think this is who the Bengals want, and the talk of (drafting Kurt) Kittner from Illinois is a smoke screen. What do you think?

        A: I think it is extremely difficult to predict a draft order. The Bengals do like Rohan, as well as Kittner. A shutdown cornerback would make a good defense even better. There is greater need there than on the defensive line, especially if the Bengals can re-sign Reinard Wilson, who led them with nine sacks.

        Q, from Paul in Amelia: Ron Dugans has made himself into a spectacular special teams player. He's fast and tackles hard. He is a good receiver on a team with many “good” receivers. Has there been any thought to converting him to the defensive secondary?

        A: No. He is an excellent special teams player and a valuable receiver. The transition would be difficult, although Dugans was a two-way starter (running back and strong safety) in high school in Tallahassee, Fla.

        Q, from Greg in Canada: Do you see the Bengals (being on prime-time) television this coming season? It has been three years (Sept. 27, 1998) since they last had a Sunday night game, and I don't see how Mike Brown could allow this. Does he have any rights in the scheduling?

        A: Teams do their own preseason scheduling, but the league handles regular-season schedules. Teams can request certain opponents on certain dates (the Bengals wanted to play the Browns in the opener at Paul Brown Stadium in September 2000). But the television networks determine who's on when.

        And until the Bengals win, they're looking at a steady diet of 1 p.m. Sunday starts.

        Q, from Fred in Maryland: What happened to John Copeland? He wasn't on this year's roster. Was he traded?

        A: He was released before the season.

        Q, from Chris in Cincinnati: Who was the Bengals player who tackled Bo Jackson in the playoffs when he injured his hip?

        A: Linebacker Kevin Walker.

        Q, from Mike in Queens, N.Y.: What are the chances of the Bengals going after a quarterback like Drew Bledsoe or Mark Brunell?

        Q, from Gregory in Kuwait (from Hamilton): I am in Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. What are your thoughts in regards to the Bengals trading for Bledsoe? I think he could make them a championship team. We have a great receiving corps. We're missing the leadership at quarterback.

        A: No doubt, Bledsoe would be a big upgrade from what the Bengals have seen from their quarterbacks in the past several seasons. I can't see the Bengals taking such a huge risk on one player, even though it would be the potential difference-maker.

        The asking price for Bledsoe is going to be high, but either he or Tom Brady might available in a trade. Brunell's also under contract, and he's going to be pricey, too.

       Mark Curnutte covers the Bengals for the Enquirer. He can be reached here.
       

DAUGHERTY: Super Bowl XXXVI Don't fence him in Patriots seek to disrupt dynasty Super Bowl: The Edge Bengals Q&A with Curnutte Super Bowl XVI: 49ers 26, Bengals 21 Five named to Hall

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