By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

In efficient, workman-like fashion, the Bengals went about their fourth of 14 on-field coaching session practices Thursday.

"What's different is we know what's expected of us by the coaches," said second-year Bengals defensive tackle John Thornton of Marvin Lewis' second spring.

The Bengals have 81 players under contract. All but two, rookie free agents Scott Rislov and Jamall Broussard of San Jose State, attended the voluntary coaching session Thursday. They are not eligible to participate until next week, after their senior class has graduated.

All 11 of the Bengals' draft picks were in attendance. On-field coaching sessions will continue Tuesday through Thursday next week.

Asked if he was impressed by the turnout at the voluntary sessions, Lewis said: "It's expected. Winning is voluntary, too."

Lewis, in his second year as Bengals coach, has changed the team's attitude. A year ago, the Bengals were battling to earn respect coming off a 2-14 finish.

"We erased the past last year," Thornton said. "We're working hard to build on what we did last year. The guys have a confidence about them. We know we have a good team. We just have to work hard."

GOOD VALUE: The Bengals have 10 more on-field coaching sessions and will finish June 18.

The two-hour practice sessions provide a first look at what has changed in the offensive and defensive schemes in the offseason, even though players are not allowed to wear pads.

"This way, by the time we get to training camp, we've seen everything," Lewis said.

LOOKING AHEAD: The Bengals can take 84 players to training camp in July, thanks to the exemption they receive for allocating four players to NFL Europe.

NFL teams are limited to 80 players at training camp, plus additional spots for the Europe league players.

The four Bengals playing in Europe are running back Skip Hicks, linebacker Kenny Jackson, center Mike Mabry and offensive tackle Justin Sands.

Once some of the 11 draft picks from the 2004 class begin to sign, the Bengals are expected to begin cutting a corresponding number of veteran players.

NO NAMES: For the first time in many seasons, Bengals players do not have their last names printed on the backs of their practice jerseys.

The change is permanent under Lewis.

Asked if the absence of individual names was a move to promote the team concept, Lewis said: "It's a save-money thing. We know who they are. We don't need their names on their backs."

Game jerseys, by NFL rule, will carry individual names on the back.

E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

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