By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Coach Marvin Lewis took the team out west on Friday, a new idea for the Bengals and an old one around the league.

Traveling two days before the game - instead of the day before - is designed to ensure players get the jet lag out of their systems today. They were allowed to spend Friday evening with family and friends.

"It's a good opportunity for guys to rest," Lewis said. "If you fly out the day before, you tend to be a little tired when you wake up the next day. This way, we can use it to our advantage."

It can't hurt. Including games played in Seattle and Arizona, the Bengals have lost seven in a row out west. They last won Nov. 6, 1994, 20-17 in overtime over Seattle at the Kingdome. They haven't won in California since 1990, a streak of eight consecutive losses.

"We'll get a chance to get out on the field (today), and guys will be able to check their shoes," Lewis said. "We have to play on the infield (dirt) this early in the year."

Network Associates Coliseum also is the home of baseball's Oakland A's.

BLOCK SOMEBODY: There are Bengals fans wanting Jon Kitna out as the quarterback. They say he was awful against Denver with his two interceptions and two fumbles (one lost). And what happened to Corey Dillon that he rushed for just 34 yards, 244 fewer than the last time he played the Broncos?

The answer to why Kitna and Dillon had such poor statistical games begins with the offensive line. Kitna was sacked four times and hurried another 13.

The Bengals' offensive line was dominated by Denver's front seven. A repeat performance Sunday against the Raiders could result in another 20-point loss.

Right guard Matt O'Dwyer lost his starting job after getting beat twice by Trevor Pryce on one of Kitna's interceptions and fumbles. Mike Goff moves from center to right guard, and Rich Braham starts at center.

"We're struggling a little bit there," Lewis said.

More breakdowns like last Sunday by the offensive line greatly reduce the Bengals' chances of getting a win against the Raiders.

Dillon needs a little running room, and Kitna needs time to set himself in the pocket.

SOMETHING SPECIAL: Bengals special teams weren't terrible against Denver, though Brandon Bennett's lost fumble on a kickoff return led directly to three points.

Oakland has two strong-legged kickers in Sebastian Janikowski and punter Shane Lechler.

But the Raiders' return and coverage teams did not play well at Tennessee, whose special teams are among the league's best.

The Raiders gained just half a yard on three punt returns but allowed the Titans a 14.8-yard average on five returns. On kickoffs, the Titans had a 39-yard return and a 27-yard average, almost 5 yards better than Oakland.

A big play from Bengals special teams would lift a road team that needs all the help it can get Sunday.

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E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

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