By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Just as the Bengals' season came to an unexpectedly abrupt end Sunday, the offseason started briskly Monday.

Though Jon Kitna was the only NFL quarterback to play all of his team's snaps in 2003, coach Marvin Lewis would not commit to the seven-year veteran for 2004 and left the door open for Carson Palmer to win the job.

YEAR IN REVIEW

• Lewis not satisfied, but says foundation is solid • Teammate: 'Good riddance,' Corey • The envelope please ... • 2003 season recap • 2003 storylines • Lewis plans no changes, credits his co-workers • 17th pick could bolster defense • Major free agent acquisitions pay off in starting lineup • Johnson a hot property • Kitna wants to stay Bengal • Rookie class makes immediate contributions • Season stats

Asked if Kitna were No. 1 heading into the offseason, Lewis said: "We're going to evaluate that. I'm not going to make a decision on that. I told Jon that today. And we're going to wait and see what's best. Jon and I are going to talk again."

On the heels of an 8-8 season, Lewis briefly touched on a number of issues in his post-season news conference that pointed toward 2004.

He said that re-signing running back Rudi Johnson is a priority, declined to comment in detail on Corey Dillon's presumed departure, announced that he planned no changes on his coaching staff and hinted that the team would seek help on defense via free agency and the draft.

Kitna said he wants to come back to Cincinnati and told management that he would restructure the last year on his four-year contract that's due to pay him a base of $3.375 million in 2004.

While Kitna said he wants to return, tailback Dillon has made it clear he does not. Dillon attended a team meeting early Monday morning and cleaned out his locker.

"He has not told me that," Lewis said of Dillon's wish to leave. "But he has told everybody else that. It's his prerogative to speak his mind. But I'm not going to let Corey take away anything from what our football team did."

If Dillon is released or traded, Johnson figures to become the featured back. Johnson is a restricted free agent in the offseason, which means he can entertain offers from other teams but the Bengals retain the right to match. He rushed for 957 yards and nine TDs.

"He's got to be a guy we make sure we take care of the right way," Lewis said.

Johnson split carries down the stretch with Dillon but never once complained.

"I was just happy to be out there and help my team win," Johnson said. "Sometimes, as a runner, you get into the groove a little bit better if you play the whole game, but if you do your job when you get in there, everything will be all right anyway."

Lewis said the evaluation process is beginning on college players and potential free agents. The Bengals will draft 17th on April 24. Veteran free agency begins March 3.

"There's no question we have to improve defensively in our secondary," Lewis said.

The Bengals finished No. 28 in total yards allowed.

"We have a lot of good people and good guys, but do we have to improve as football players? Yes," he said. "We've got to get some warriors."

We've got to get some more guys who realize if we're down by 10 or up by 10, we've got to play with the same mentality."

Lewis sent his players home with a packet of information that included a tentative schedule of spring team events and information from strength and conditioning coach Chip Morton.

Lewis said several players - including cornerback Artrell Hawkins (knee), linebacker Brian Simmons (shoulder) and defensive tackle John Thornton (shoulder) - were looking at minor surgery to address injuries.

Lewis also said the Bengals organization continues to research, with Hamilton County officials, options for the playing field at Paul Brown Stadium. Installation of the long-blade synthetic turf in place of natural grass is one option.

Lewis repeated his words of Sunday that the loss to Cleveland would not diminish a good season.

"We just scratched the surface," Lewis said, "and our guys realize that. We have a ways to go. We had fun. They got a taste of success."

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