By John Byczkowski
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Bengals fans lifted the paper sacks from their heads Tuesday and greeted the news of defensive whiz Marvin Lewis' hiring as head coach.

A good move, many said, but there's much more team president Mike Brown needs to do before the Bengals end a 12-year playoff drought.

"Anything's a step up, but it gets back to Mike Brown," said Eric Burger of Springdale. "He needs to step aside as general manager. That's my ultimate opinion."

Amy Damron of Amelia said she hoped the Bengals would clean out the front office and hire a general manager. Lewis' hiring is a good move, she said, but "there's a lot more they could do."

Several fans said they're glad the new coach comes from outside the organization, marking the first time since Sam Wyche was named head coach after the 1983 season that the Brown family didn't promote from within.

The April draft also is key to the team's turnaround.

The Bengals have the first pick in this year's draft, but many fans said the team should trade it for more choices in later rounds.

"They need to be really creative in this draft because there's so many needs," said Keith Brewer of Franklin.

Rob Schoborg was giddy about Lewis' hiring.

"I think (Lewis) can really do a lot with the talent we have on our defense, especially the linebackers," said Schoborg, an Independence, Ky., native who lives in Lexington.

Lewis' defense with the Baltimore Ravens was key to that team's Super Bowl victory two years ago, and Lewis led the Redskins to a No.5 defensive ranking this season, his first with Washington.

Brewer agreed that Lewis will have a big impact on the Bengals' defense.

"He's always had the top-10 defenses and great talent," he said. "He's made players into Pro Bowlers."

Brewer said he's worried the offense, which struggled last season, won't improve as quickly unless the offensive coaching staff changes.

"Hopefully, Mike Brown will let (Lewis) make changes," he said.

Mike Perin of Mason said Lewis could be the guy who gives the Bengals their first winning season since 1990, "as long as he can hire who he wants to hire, as long as he has the say-so of who plays for him, as long as he doesn't have to have Mike Brown overrule him on things."

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