Ask Mark

        It's the slowest time of the year in the NFL, but Bengals fans have a number of questions about their favorite team.

        Question, from Jason in Columbus: Realistically speaking, are the Bengals going to be able to re-sign Takeo Spikes and Brian Simmons if, for example, they drop (Darnay) Scott and sign (Michael) Westbrook?

        And briefly, what is the deal with this IRS thing? Are the Bengals correct in portraying it as a governmental snag? Or will it have some ramifications down the road?

        Q, from Saul in Brooklyn, N.Y.: I'm a huge Bengals fan, and I'm not just saying that because I'm well over 250 pounds.

        So tell me this: Why hasn't Mike Brown given Spikes and Simmons long-term extensions? The Bengals need to lock these boys up for the long haul. Do it yesterday, or we'll all be kicking ourselves come next season.

        Answer: Scott and Westbrook could be a wash. If Scott is released (with his $3.9 million cap count), much of that money figures to go into Westbrook's pockets.

        Re-signing both Simmons and Spikes will be a challenge, because they are both at the top of the list of young, talented NFL linebackers.

        The Bengals, in my opinion, shouldn't be messing around with wide receivers right now. The group they have — with or without Scott — will be much more productive in 2002. They invested two draft choices on receivers in 2000 (Peter Warrick and Ron Dugans) and 2001 (Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh). Sink or swim with them and Danny Farmer.

        If the Bengals aren't happy with Scott's health and/or attitude, they should release him and use the savings to try to extend the linebackers' contracts, both of which are up after the 2002 season.

        Spikes and Simmons are the emotional and physical leaders of a defense that has become the team's strength under coordinator Mark Duffner.

        As for the $14 million IRS bill delivered to the Bengals on April 15, the team will pay it initially but will be reimbursed by Hamilton County taxpayers. The Bengals will withhold rent payments on Paul Brown Stadium ($1.5 million this year, $1.4 million next year) until the matter is resolved.

        The IRS is taxing the $26 million made on the sale of personal seat licenses in the stadium. The county will pay because of a June 2000 amendment in the Bengals' stadium lease that makes the county responsible for any claims made against seat-license revenue.

        The Bengals and county officials agree the $26 million shouldn't be taxed and plan to fight it in court. The decision could affect other stadium deals around the country.

        Q, from Nick in Philadelphia: I am more than a little disturbed by the projections of the NFL publications for next year. You have often said that the team's recent history plays a big part in the poor projections. The Bengals' secondary is rated a D; I give it a B. The QB is rated a D; I give it a C. I'm telling all these Eagle fans that it's a playoff year for the Bengals. Will you please tell me that I'm right?

        A: No can do. The Bengals will be better, just as they were better in 2001. But will that be good enough to end the 11-year playoff drought? As is often said, that's why they play the games.

        Until it produces more than 14 points a game and cuts down on its turnovers, the offense will be a question mark.

        The defense, however, intact after posting a No. 9 ranking, is attracting attention nationally and making the Bengals media darlings of some forecasters.

        Q, from David in Madison Place: In pro football, why does it take so long for teams to sign their draft choices? Each player can only get so much money, based on the salary cap. It seems everyone waits to July.

        A: Teams are waiting for some picks to sign, so they can “slot” their player based on what players around them are getting. The Bengals have signed two of their six picks, and negotiations are going relatively smoothly between the club and representatives for first-round pick Levi Jones.

        Q, from Jason in New Carlisle: How about taking a chance on Andy Katzenmoyer if he is healthy? Perhaps playing close to home could help resurrect his career while providing depth to the squad.

        A: Interesting idea, but I don't see the Bengals doing it. Linebacker is their deepest position.

       Mark Curnutte covers the Bengals for the Enquirer. He can be reached at mcurnutte@enquirer.com.

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