GEORGETOWN, Ky. - The Bengals' quarterback derby isn't over, but incumbent quarterback Jon Kitna is prepared for a decision - even if he doesn't win the starting job.

        Kitna entered last year's training camp believing he had the skill and leadership to be the starter. This year his vision is different, with or without competition from quarterbacks Gus Frerotte, Akili Smith and Scott Covington.

        “My focus now is that I'm trying to be the best I can be, and if that's not good enough, so be it. I felt that last year I didn't prepare myself mentally for a 16-game season because I was so focused on what was going on in training camp,“ Kitna said.

        Kitna started 15 games last season and had 313 pass completions, which is second in Bengals history to Jeff Blake's 326 completions in 1995. Kitna also tied a Ken Anderson and Boomer Esiason team record for interceptions in a season (22).

        Kitna chalks up the team's 6-10 performance in part to offensive miscues and mounting frustrations due to a new system, new teammates and a nucleus of novice players.

        “I think I have a better understanding this year of what it's going to take to get over the hump, get to the playoffs or contend for the division title,” Kitna said. “I'm very excited about where we're going and I feel confident that I'm going to be the starter for this team. Nothing against Scott or Akili or Gus. It's the confidence I have in myself.”

Wilson steps up in sack race Kitna refocuses in QB competition Autographs, fireworks tonight Bengals Notebook: Rookies adjust to camp NFL Notebook: Dallas mum on Smith's future

Dodgers 11, Reds 5
Reds Box, Runs
Rare Wagner card found - maybe
White activated; Reitsma sent down
Getting Kearns out is almost a no-no
Reds Notebook: Chen's confidence up
Beltre leads Dodgers out of homer slump
Marlins 8, Cardinals 5
Mariners 5, Tigers 2
Red Sox 2, Angels 1
Contenders tweak rosters at deadline
Arbitrator could OK contraction
Louisville 6, Indianapolis 3
Ex-UC star Blount becomes a Bull again
Alleged Russian mobster charged with fixing Olympic skating
FBI investigated during Games
Schedule of Tennis Events
Ailing Kuerten hopes to play here
'Mom' Mandlikova easing back into tennis
Sampras encouraged by another victory
Tennis Masters Canada Results
Metro softball newcomers learn on the run
Local courses host U.S. Amateur qualifiers
U.S. Amateur Qualifier Tee Times
12-year-old growing up fast in LPGA events
Golf Tip with Bob Gilder

• Return to Bengals front page...