By Kevin Kelly
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis (left) chats with running back Corey Dillon on Tuesday. (Associated Press photo) | ZOOM |

GEORGETOWN, Ky. - The schedule suggests the Bengals' work ends today.

But in the mind of head coach Marvin Lewis, the conclusion of his first training camp at Georgetown College is just another step toward a larger goal.

"The things we did here this year helped us learn better as a football team," Lewis said Wednesday. "We'll improve on it as we go. I think people know more now what to expect, what my expectations are. That's important."

Taking over a team that finished a franchise-worst 2-14 last season, Lewis and his assistants have started to change attitudes inside the locker room.

The enthusiasm and optimism present before training camp began in late July remain, even after 31 practices and two preseason games.

"I think he's done wonderful things here so far," said backup quarterback Shane Matthews, one of seven key free agents signed during the offseason. "Obviously the bottom line is winning football games, and we want to win a lot of games here."

Several issues faced Lewis as he entered his first training camp as a head coach. All seem to have been addressed.

"I think we've laid a foundation of what training camp is for," Lewis said. "You don't come into training camp to get in shape. You arrive here ready to go so we can go on to getting ready for football and playing games."

The defensive line, bolstered by the additions of free agents Duane Clemons (Chiefs), Carl Powell (Redskins) and John Thornton (Titans), has looked impressive so far.

In its first two preseason games, Cincinnati's defense has held opponents to 3 yards per carry and 443 total yards per game using primarily a four-man rush.

The defensive line also has accounted for all four of the team's sacks.

"We're getting confident making plays," Lewis said.

With no quarterback controversy and Jon Kitna working almost exclusively with the first-team offense, the Bengals have averaged 329.5 yards and 18 points per game this preseason.

The club's red-zone production, among the poorest last season, also is improved.

Cincinnati has had the ball inside the 20-yard-line seven times and scored a touchdown or field goal six times.

"Offensively we're understanding how important each and every snap is," Lewis said. "More people are stepping up and helping each other communicate where they belong. It's big. You can see that and get a good feel for that."

A significant amount of time has been spent during training camp on special teams. That unit allowed five touchdowns and ranked near the bottom of every special teams category last season.

Lewis points to Tennessee, which visits Paul Brown Stadium on Saturday, as a model for special teams success.

"They have a number of guys they keep on their football team solely because of how well they play on special teams," he said. "That's the impact we're going to make here."

The Bengals have 73 players on their roster but must trim that to 65 by 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Lewis hinted Wednesday that those who can contribute on special teams could have an edge.

Probably most important is that the Bengals break camp in relatively good health.

That may be due to a rigorous, well-attended offseason workout and conditioning program.

"I think we've been able to keep up the pace," Lewis said. "I don't see us being a leg-weary team right now. We've been able to go and we've been able to taper off and get ready to play the football games. That's important. That's how you play the season."

Titans at Bengals

What: Preseason home finale.

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

TV: 11:35 p.m. (tape delay), Ch. 12.

Radio: WCKY-AM (1360), WOFX-FM (92.5).

Enquirer staff writer Mark Curnutte contributed to this report.