Mark Curnutte

Question, from Brian in Columbus: What do you think about our defensive line this year? Is there any chance we can add some depth before the season, besides Jason Gildon? I think the line play will be critical, so we can keep our linebackers roaming.

Answer: Gildon, an outside linebacker and rush specialist, is headed to Buffalo.

No question the Bengals tried to add veteran players on the defensive line, particularly Warren Sapp in free agency. The Bengals seemed to be counting on Daryl Gardener, but the poor condition of his back will probably force him to retire.

So the Bengals will begin the season with the same front-line players who ended the season - ends Justin Smith and Duane Clemons and tackles John Thornton and Tony Williams.

The remainder of the rotation probably will be young and inexperienced, with the exception of Carl Powell. The remaining six defensive linemen on the roster did not play in 2003. Second-year player Langston Moore and rookie Matthias Askew could end up being the third and fourth tackles. The Bengals released Oliver Gibson and let Glen Steele leave in free agency.

Though coach Marvin Lewis likes to say run defense is played with 11 defenders, it starts upfront. The Bengals would likely target any game-tested defensive tackle released by another team during training camp.

Q, from Ben in Amelia: With the Bengals still looking to add depth at the defensive tackle spot, would they give Darrell Russell a look or is he too much of a question mark as far as attitude and behavior go?

A: It's unlikely Lewis will give a chronic problem child like Russell a look.

Released in the past few days by the Buccaneers - who don't care about personal character - Russell reportedly failed an alcohol test and is facing another league suspension. He is a two-time violator of the NFL drug policy.

Q, from David in Ft. Lauderdale: Who was on the 1989 roster?

A: The defending AFC champions finished 8-8 but featured a roster with some of the best Bengals players in franchise history.

Quarterback Boomer Esiason threw 28 touchdowns. Tailback James Brooks rushed for 1,239 yards and scored a combined nine touchdowns. Offensive tackle Anthony Munoz earned one of his 11 Pro Bowl berths.

Esiason and Brooks were also Pro Bowlers, as were safety David Fulcher, tight end Rodney Holman and guard Max Montoya.

The team started 4-1 but finished 4-7.

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E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

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