Saturday, October 25, 2003
Notes: Dillon's condition improving
By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Corey Dillon, who has been bothered by a groin strain, returned to practice Friday, and coach Marvin Lewis said the tailback's condition has improved since last week.
"Good work, good spirit," Lewis said of Dillon's week, which included running on the side Thursday. "I want to make sure Corey is at a point where he feels he can burst and do the things he need to do. Again, we'll make a decision before game time."
Dillon said he played well below 100 percent in Sunday's victory over Baltimore, yet Lewis said Dillon made a big contribution. He had a 2-yard touchdown run and converted two third-down runs.
Cornerback Artrell Hawkins returned to practice after resting Thursday. Safety Rogers Beckett (thigh) remains probable.
GAME BALLS: Coaches honored defensive end Justin Smith, quarterback Jon Kitna, left tackle Levi Jones and kicker Shayne Graham with game balls Sunday.
Smith led the defense with 13 tackles, six solo, against the Ravens. Kitna threw three touchdown passes. Jones protected Kitna's blind side en route to Kitna's 130.8 passer rating. Graham was 2-for-2 on field goals, moving him to 9-for-10 for the season.
MOONLIGHT: Graham's 90-percent success rate, sixth in the AFC, is the second-best season-opening streak in Bengals history. Doug Pelfrey (1996) and Jim Breech (1991) each were 90 percent to open the season, and Breech went 14-of-15 in 1991 to have the franchise's best beginning mark.
HONOR: Right tackle Willie Anderson (offense), cornerback Tory James (defense) and Beckett (special teams) are captains for the Seattle game. Lewis chooses captains weekly in recognition for outstanding contributions.
"I think it's been a positive thing," he said. "Guys want to do it. You see a little pep in their step."
Graham, Beckett and James are among the street free agents the team has signed since Lewis arrived.
"We've been fortunate in picking guys who share the same passion," Lewis said. "You don't want to add underachievers. You want to add overachievers. You bring them in, put them in a competitive situation, and let the cream rise to the top."
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E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com
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