Enquirer reporter Mark Curnutte answers email from fans. Send your question to mcurnutte@enquirer.com:

        The 34-6 blowout loss to San Diego in the season opener brought 11 years of anger and frustration to the surface in many Bengals fans.

        Question, from Ryan in Symmes Township: I had the Bengals going 7-9 on the season, including a loss to the Chargers. But after watching them quit on the field, I've watched for the last time until (Mike Brown) steps down. They're 4-12 at best.

        Last year I gave up my personal seat license because I couldn't justify ruining my Sundays.

        When are they going to get a general manager?

        Q, from Tony in Aiken, S.C.: The Bengals will never win with the coaches they hire. The only qualification they need is undying loyalty to Mike Brown. When will people understand that?

        Q, from Roger in Granville: I am a longtime Bengals fan and live 135 miles away in predominately Browns country. I buy game tickets every year.

        Sunday's performance was by far the most pathetic lack of effort I have seen from any football team - regardless of level.

        What is it about this organization that produces the kind of attitude that hangs over this team? There is only one answer in my view: The Brown family must go.

        Q, from Rick in Cincinnati: This may only be my second year as a season-ticket holder, but it'll be my last if we can't do any better than 6-10 with all that talent. I thank God that the game didn't make it on TV. It was embarrassing enough just being there.

        Q, from Cory in Glen Dale, W.Va.: How do you have Corey Dillon in the backfield and give him the ball nine times? Nine times? If I had anything to do with this team, Akili Smith would start at quarterback, and if Dillon ever touched the ball fewer than 20 times in a game, Dick would be looking for a new job.

        Answer: Last things first, Dillon should run the ball 25-30 times a game, but the offensive line was not keeping San Diego defenders out of the backfield. He could have rushed 29 times and gained 30 yards.

        As for complaints about club management, fans writing these and

        similar e-mails already had answered their own questions. They blame Mike Brown for the 11 years of losing and the 53-124 record.

        But the gnashing of teeth over Mike Brown is a waste of, well, tooth enamel. He is not selling, resigning or retiring any time soon.

        The loss to the Chargers was still only one game. The fans' tone probably will change if the Bengals win at Cleveland.

        Yet if the run offense and run defense don't get fixed, 2002 could be a long, ugly season.

        Q, from Cam in San Francisco: Is it too early to be concerned about the 2002 draft class? Here's how I see it.

        Levi Jones beat out by Richmond Webb. Lamont Thompson not aggressive and beat out by (Mark) Roman. (Matt) Schobel beat out by (Sean) Brewer. Travis Dorsch is a punter, beat out by Neil Rackers. (Marquand) Manuel looks like a long-term prospect. (Joey) Evans cut.

        A: Give the Bengals credit for drafting not just for this season but also the immediate future.

        Jones will play a lot. The Bengals didn't pick a left tackle out of desperation. Jones can be groomed. Thompson will play more once he feels more comfortable with the defense. Schobel is playing.

        The 2002 draft looks like a potentially good one, but more time is needed to fully judge it.

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