Linebacker Brian Simmons said the Bengals better make good use of their bye week. The Bengals will practice today before getting Friday, Saturday and Sunday off.

        “The bye week should be focused on trying to figure out what is going on around here - why we at least can't get in the ballgames and give ourselves a chance to win,” he said.

        Coach Dick LeBeau said the bye week is a chance to get in extra work but make sure nagging injuries heal.

        “Somewhere, we've got to get ourselves consistently playing well,” LeBeau said. “You have the chance to get people healed, and we have our share of injuries. We will try to somehow make those two meet.”

        GOFF HEALING: Starting right guard Mike Goff, who has missed the last three games because of a lacerated knee, said Wednesday that he will be healthy enough to play in the Tennessee game on Oct. 27.

        BELATED CONGRATS: Right tackle Willie Anderson on Sunday played in his 100th game.

        It also was the 94th NFL start for the Bengals' 1996 first-round draft choice. He has missed just two games, both in 1999, because of injuries.

        UNHAPPY, BUT GOOD: Corey Dillon is on pace to rush for 1,237 yards this season, which would make him just the fourth player to reach 1,000 in each of his first six seasons. The others are Barry Sanders, Eric Dickerson and Curtis Martin.

        Those three topped 1,100 yards in their first six seasons, and Dillon is on pace to join them on that plateau.

        Dillon said earlier this week that he is sick of the Bengals' losing ways and hinted that he might retire with three years remaining on his five-year contract.

        SACK PACK: Defensive tackle Tony Williams, who tied a career high with five sacks in 2001, leads the Bengals with three - for 28 yards in losses - through six games.

        The Bengals have just seven sacks, after recording a franchise record 48 in 2001.

County studies suing hapless Bengals Simmons hopes week off gets team on track Owens won't be disciplined for autograph Bettis finally healthy, productive Brown having quiet season for Browns Jags deny dumping Boselli on Texans NFL Injury Report

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