Ask Mark

The Marvin Lewis era has begun, and many fans are caught up in the excitement and hope that Lewis embodies.

Question, from Bill in Camden: I've never been so excited about a Bengals season. I hear a lot that "an 8-8 season would be great."

I don't know if I will be satisfied with that. I just hope it's going to be better than expected - for once. It would be nice if that game against the Browns in December means something. At least that would make it exciting.

What do you think about the upcoming season?

Answer: I think there was more for Lewis to work with, coming in, than last year's 2-14 record might have indicated.

Bengals quarterback John Kitna hopes for better results in 2003. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

I think Jon Kitna is the right choice to be given the starting quarterback job.

I think Kitna will have a profoundly positive effect on rookie quarterback Carson Palmer.

I think pressure is greater on middle linebacker Kevin Hardy and cornerback Tory James, outside of Kitna, than any players on the roster.

I think offensive lineman Eric Steinbach, taken 33rd overall at the top of the second round, might have been the steal of the draft.

I think the defense and special teams are in need of more repair than the offense.

I think the defensive line, with the additions of some proven NFL free agents, will perform more effectively.

I think there are still legitimate questions about the secondary.

I think special teams coach Darrin Simmons faces the most challenging job on the staff.

I think Peter Warrick will never meet the unrealistic expectations some fans have for him, but that he is poised to have his best and most consistent NFL season.

I think the Bengals will be a better-conditioned team in 2003.

I think the Bengals have to learn to hold second-half leads and to play well in the fourth quarter.

I think I'm looking forward to seeing rookie linebacker Khalid Abdullah play more than any other newcomer.

I think the Bengals are excessively thin at offensive tackle behind starters Willie Anderson and Levi Jones.

I think fans will respond to the improved overall performance of the team, even if the Bengals end up finishing 6-10 or 7-9.

I think the range of victories is 6 to 9, the latter if everything goes absolutely right.

I think if the Bengals win nine games that Lewis is NFL coach of the year.

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Bengals beat writer Mark Curnutte of the Enquirer can be heard nationally today at 3:45 p.m. on ESPN Radio.

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