By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

The Bengals went heavy on the defensive side when they signed free agents in the offseason.

Six of the 10 major signings were defensive players, and all six started at one time.

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

A quick look at each:

• Rogers Beckett: Picked up off waivers in June, the strong safety started nine games and was a big contributor on special teams. He had 84 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions on defense and had 16 tackles on special teams.

• Rich Braham: Re-signed initially to be a backup at guard and center, Braham started the final 15 games at center and stabilized the offensive line. He was a bargain and helped in the development of rookie left guard Eric Steinbach.

• Duane Clemons: The defensive end was sort of an afterthought but emerged from a backup role to start 13 games and tie for the team lead with six sacks. He added the "warrior" mentality coach Marvin Lewis looks for.

• Shayne Graham: One of the most pleasant surprises of the season, the waiver-wire kicker was signed less than a week before the Bengals' first game. He led the team with 106 points and was 22-of-25 on field goals (88 percent) and perfect on 40 extra points.

• Kevin Hardy: The middle linebacker started all 16 games and led the team with 120 tackles. Though he is a solid pro, questions persist about his ability to defend the run straight at him.

• Tory James: One of the most important acquisitions, especially early, James made four interceptions, the most for a Bengals cornerback since Corey Sawyer's four in 1997. James also played special teams and showed some wear later on.

• Reggie Kelly: The tight end made 11 starts but missed five games with a broken bone in his foot. A solid blocker, Kelly had 13 receptions for 81 yards and one touchdown.

• Carl Powell: The defensive end started three games and had 29 tackles with a half sack and one fumble recovery.

• Kyle Richardson: The former Baltimore punter was signed Oct. 7 and punted 49 times for a 33.5-yard average. Consistency was sometimes a problem.

• John Thornton: He started every game and played through the middle of the schedule with a separated shoulder. He had 57 tackles and tied for the team high with six sacks.

Return to Bengals front page...