By Mark Curnutte and Shannon Russell
The Cincinnati Enquirer

The 2002 Bengals could set a pair of franchise futility records next week in the home finale against New Orleans.

A loss to the Saints would make them 0-8 at Paul Brown Stadium for their first winless record at home . They also would become the first Bengals team to lose more than 13 games in a season.

ATTENDANCE

The smallest announced crowd of the 23 games in PBS history watched the Bengals lose Sunday.

The game, played on a relatively balmy 42-degree December afternoon under partly sunny skies, had an announced 42,092 tickets distributed.

The previous low was the last Bengals game at PBS, Dec. 1 against Baltimore, with 44,878 tickets distributed.

CHAD'S DAY

Wide receiver Chad Johnson had 91 receiving yards, leaving him just four short of 1,000 for the season.

But Johnson was not happy with his four-catch performance.

"I played a (bad) game," Johnson said. "I started off bad, and (quarterback Jon) Kitna tried to say he didn't play his best game. No, no, no. It was my fault. Those big plays, one in the end zone, those are situations where I keep us moving. I put the weight on my shoulders that I'm the go-to guy."

POINT CHECK

The Bengals defense allowed all 29 points Sunday.

Opponents have now scored 416 points against the Bengals, 65 when the defense has not been on the field.

The franchise record for most points allowed is 460, by the 1999 team.

LONG RUN

The 34-yard punt return Sunday by T.J. Houshmandzadeh is the longest of the season. The previous long was 11 yards, also by Houshmandzadeh.

1,100

Running back Corey Dillon's 59 rushing yards pushed him over 1,100 for the sixth time in six seasons. He has 1,132 yards and a 4-yard average.

RACK IT UP

Neil Rackers' 51-yard field goal in the first quarter was the third longest of his career.

Rackers was 3 for 3 and is now 14 of 17 for the season.

Rackers declined again to talk to reporters, but his holder, Nick Harris, said Rackers is "smashing" the ball.

CRAZY LEGS

Jon Kitna's 5-yard touchdown run in the second quarter was his third of the season, a career high.

40-SOMETHING

Ron Dugans' second-quarter reception was his 40th of the season. He added five more to move into second place on the team with 45.

STACK OF SACKS

The Bengals sacked Jacksonville quarterback Mark Brunell three times for a loss of 11 yards.

Defensive end Justin Smith's first-quarter sack for a five-yard loss was his fifth of the season. He shares sack leadership with tackle Tony Williams.

Free safety Cory Hall had two sacks for a six yard loss.

INJURY REPORT

Receiver Peter Warrick is questionable for the Saints game. Cornerback Artrell Hawkins, who also was inactive Sunday, is questionable with a thigh injury.

Defensive end Vaughn Booker (rib cage) is doubtful.

New injuries Sunday were to defensive lineman Bernard Whittington (groin), cornerback LaVar Glover (hamstring) and Hall (shoulder). They are all questionable.

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