Thursday, April 8, 2004
Bengals' new look getting newer
By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer
These are not Dick LeBeau's Bengals.
In the 15 months since Marvin Lewis replaced LeBeau as Bengals coach, Lewis continues to make over the team.
The release last week of backup offensive lineman Scott Rehberg represented the 31st departure of a player who was on the 53-man roster for the 2002 final at Buffalo.
"You want to keep honing the team to sharpen it," Lewis said Wednesday while standing in the middle of a locker room filled with new faces. "It's a competitive environment, and you have to be able to compete."
Lewis' .500 finish was the team's second non-losing record in 13 years.
Free agent guard Bobbie Williams, who chose the Bengals over the Bills, is the latest addition.
"That's all I've heard about is the change that has happened since (Lewis) came here," Williams said after participating in the morning workout. "A good coach is going to bring good players, and I'm just glad to be a part of it."
It's not just LeBeau's players who are going. Since Lewis' first game as head coach Sept. 7 - a loss to Denver - 15 players are no longer under contract with the Bengals. That list includes four starters.
Since the season finale Dec. 28, 10 members of the Bengals' 53-man roster are no longer with the team. Former starting guard Matt O'Dwyer was on injured reserve.
There is a formula.
"It's important to add guys who add stability on and off the field," Lewis said. "Guys who were hungry and showed passion in every area."
E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com
GONE
Since the 2003 season finale, the following 11 players are no longer under contract with the Bengals.
| Player | Pos. | Comment |
| Brandon Bennett | RB | Signed as UFA with Buccaneers |
| Jeff Burris | CB | Released |
| Oliver Gibson | DT | Released, signed by Bills |
| Mike Goff | G | Signed as UFA with Chargers |
| Artrell Hawkins | CB | Released, signed by Panthers |
| Riall Johnson | LB | RFA tender offer withdrawn |
| Shane Matthews | QB | UFA remains unsigned |
| Matt O'Dwyer | G | Signed as UFA by Buccaneers |
| Scott Rehberg | OL | Released |
| Mark Roman | FS | Signed as UFA by Packers |
| Glen Steele | DT | UFA remains unsigned |
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