Ask Mark

        Another 0-5 start for the Bengals hasn't slowed the e-mail.

        Question, from David in Columbia, S.C.: Did the Bengals really offer Dick Jauron $4 million a year to be general manager of the Bengals? Does this mean Mike Brown steps down?

        Answer: Brown on Sunday night denied the Fox Television report from earlier that day. Terry Bradshaw said on the network's pregame show that Brown was thinking about offering the Bengals general manager and head coaching jobs to Jauron at the end of this season.

        Although his title is Bengals president, Brown is the team's untitled general manager. He has been criticized for years for his handling of the team, which has not gone to the playoffs in 11 years. Counting the 0-5 record this season, the Bengals are 53-128 since Brown assumed control from his late father before the 1991 season.

        I can't see Brown giving up control of the Bengals.

        Jauron also denied the rumor before the Bears' Monday night game at Champaign, Ill.

        “I have no idea where these things come from,” he said. “There's certainly no truth to any of it. I have absolutely no idea how things come about or start.”

        Q, from Da'Juan in Detroit: I'm a Lions fan, and last year we had to put up with a embarrassing 0-12 start, so I was wondering, is there a chance the Bengals can match or even top that?

        A: I don't see the Bengals going 0-12. The next seven games feature two games against the Steelers, two against the Ravens and one each against the Browns (at home), Tennessee and Houston.

        The next three games are a time of potential turnaround. The Bengals play the 1-3 Steelers at home Sunday. After the bye week, Tennessee (also 1-3) comes to town. Then, on Nov.3, the Bengals will play at 1-3 Houston.

        There's the chance to jump back into the race in the AFC North, the NFL's worst division. A 7-9 record could win the division and get into the playoffs.

        A winless season is highly unlikely. I thought this looked like an 8-8 or 9-7 squad during training camp. Now, after the terrible start, 4-12 or 5-11 looks like the best a Bengals fan could hope for.

        Q, from Mike in Willowick, Ohio: Is it the right move to go to Kitna, “sink or swim,” when the season is basically over after five games again? We need to really find out about Akili Smith. Play him for the rest of the season. One game against maybe the best defense in the league (Tampa Bay) will not tell you. Now the coaches are being selfish to try to make themselves look good. What are 4-6 wins going to do for next year?

        A: Four to six wins could save some coaches' jobs. This is my opinion, but I think the Bengals organization - the front office, at least - already has decided Smith was a mistake and has given up on him.

        The Bengals say he fits into their plans at quarterback, especially because the position has been a mess of their own making.

        Kitna displayed his leadership and knowledge of the offense at Indianapolis. Gus Frerotte was not given the time or opportunity to show what he can truly do because of the training-camp quarterback competition. Kitna gives the Bengals their best chance to win games this season.

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Bengals' next 3 games best chances for wins Cowher lauds Kitna as right choice Steelers trace slump to Bengals Bengals E-Mail: Jauron report probably false NFL Notebook: Browns' Holcomb has broken leg

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