GEORGETOWN, Ky. — Bengals defensive players aren't resting on their No. 9 league ranking of last year.

        They share coordinator Mark Duffner's goal to gain a top-3 ranking this season. They also know each individual has to play better to make it a reality.

        Reaching the goal starts with an attitude.

        “I think so. I don't see why not,” Bengals middle linebacker Brian Simmons said when asked if the team can climb into the top 3.

        “The thing we have to fight against is guys getting overconfident and complacent about what we did last year. This year and last year aren't connected in any way.

        “What we did well last year, what we didn't do well, doesn't matter. We're going to have to establish ourselves and play error-free football to get where we want to get.”

        Management did its part. It re-signed regulars Artrell Hawkins at cornerback and sacks leader Reinard Wilson at defensive end, both unrestricted free agents. The Bengals also brought in free-agent cornerback Jeff Burris after missing on Walt Harris.

        The Bengals tried to add free agent Sam Adams to an already strong rotation at defensive tackle, but Adams did not accept the team's three-year, $9 million offer.

        “We got everybody back. That's a big plus,” said Takeo Spikes, the Bengals' outside linebacker and defensive captain. “A lot of teams can't say that.”

        The Bengals also drafted safeties Lamont Thompson and Marquand Manuel. Thompson, who led the nation with 10 interceptions at Washington State last season, already is penciled in as the starter at free safety. Cory Hall moves back to strong safety. JoJuan Armour, last year's starter at strong safety, is a backup. Manuel will get some playing time.

        A primary goal is to increase the number of interceptions. Only four teams had fewer than the Bengals' 13 last season.

        “A lot of it will have to do with the secondary,” Hawkins said. “We need a lot more interceptions.”

        Hawkins tied Kevin Kaesviharn for the team lead with three interceptions.

        “We have to continue to be physical up front, continue to get to the quarterback like we did last year,” Hawkins said.

        The Bengals set a franchise record with 48 sacks, nine by Wilson and 8.5 by Justin Smith.

        The Bengals were 11th against the run and 12th against the pass.

        “We have to beat out six more teams,” Smith said of what it will take to get into the top 3. “I'm really not too worried about goals, as long as everybody's playing as hard as they can — that's how I've always played — we're going to be better. If we keep running to the ball, get more sacks, get more pressure, we should win more games. So we should be all right. Just as long as we win.”

        Bengals coach Dick LeBeau, the team's former defensive coordinator, is helping set the tone for the defenders.

        “Well, first thing, we stress how far we have yet to go,” he said. “Your team is reflective of its won-loss record, and we have a long ways to go there.

        “We made some significant strides on defense. And we think the latter part of the season, we played very well on defense. This is a young defense, and its accomplishments should lie in front of it. I don't think anybody should be looking back at last year and being self-satisfied. We should be a hungry bunch. We have a lot to learn and a lot to prove.”

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