Cincinnati BENGALS   2002 Record: 2-14 Head Coach: Marvin Lewis first season TEAM LEADERS   Passing Jon Kitna 294-473, 3,178 yards, 16 TDs, 16 INTs   Rushing Corey Dillon 314 carries, 1,311 yards, 7 TDs   Receiving Chad Johnson 69 catches, 1,166 yards, 5 TDs   Kicking Neil Rackers 15-18 FGs, 30-32 PATs, 75 points Schedule | Roster | Statistics | Stadium

By Dave Clark, SI.com

You look at the Bengals on paper and wonder why they can't hang in the AFC North. The reason: too many question marks.

Especially with a defense that no longer features Takeo Spikes. The questions begin in the secondary (as usual). The Bengals surrendered a respectable 203.9 passing yards per game. But look past that. They gave up a league-worst 28.5 points per game, they ranked 31st in the league in passing touchdowns allowed (30) and they were one of just three teams that managed only nine interceptions for the season -- one more than the Bucs' Brian Kelly and the Raiders' Rod Woodson.

Little has been done to improve the situation. Tory James could make a significant impact. Jeff Burris is still decent, but past his prime. Then there's quite a dropoff in terms of experience. Mark Roman, Marquand Manuel, Chargers castoff Rogers Beckett, cornerback-turned-safety Kevin Kaesviharn -- while all show promise, there's an awful lot of green in a secondary that's supposed to be orange and black. Dennis Weathersby may have been a fourth-round steal, but his recovery since being shot in April has been slow. Who will step up at safety? And can fans tolerate another season of Artrell Hawkins doing his Rod Jones impression?

Also, Reinard Wilson took a big step backward in 2002. After a career-best nine sacks in 2001, Wilson posted a goose egg last season. Will a battle for his job motivate Wilson to reach his potential? Can Marvin Lewis get Duane Clemons or Carl Powell to emerge at left end?

Offensively, it's important to realize Carson Palmer won't contribute right away. Bengals' coaches say Jon Kitna is still their guy. And while Kitna's numbers are not abysmal, the Bengals' record since he arrived in 2001 is (8-24).

Corey Dillon may or may not want to be there. But his talent is indubitable. All this guy has done is average 1,253 rushing yards and 235 receiving yards in his six seasons in the league, all with the lowly Bengals.

But other than Dillon and right tackle Willie Anderson, the offense will have a very different look to it. Linemen are shifting with the hope that second-round pick Eric Steinbach can contribute immediately. The Bengals also want Reggie Kelly and Tony Stewart to be more effective blockers than tight ends of the past. The receiving corps, like the secondary, is very young.

>> Impact Signing

Plenty of names here: TE Reggie Kelly, DE Carl Powell, LB Kevin Hardy, CB Tory James, DT John Thornton, DE Duane Clemons. But also plenty of uncertainty as far as how much some of these veterans have left in the tank.

>> Impact Loss

LB Takeo Spikes. Led the Bengals in tackles four times. Bengals' fans have fond memories of big hits, coming from out of nowhere to make a play, flying from one sideline to the other to catch a ballcarrier. He was also the guy who spoke up when necessary, criticizing teammates for missing workouts. He never quit even though he didn't want to be there. It's not easy to replace a Takeo Spikes. Also, there's a gaping hole at fullback after the departures of Lorenzo Neal and Nicolas Luchey.

>> Fantasy Stud

RB Corey Dillon -- While Carson Palmer is being considered the savior of the franchise, Dillon just motors on, rushing for more than 1,300 yards for the third straight season in 2002. Despite playing for the Bengals, Dillon is dependable enough to pick up decent yardage every game. You expect to score more TDs, but it's hard to find a lot of goal-line opportunities.

>> Fantasy Sleeper

WR Chad Johnson -- He's barely a sleeper after breaking the 1,000-yard barrier in just his second season. He was one of the most productive receivers in the second half last year, racking up five 100-yard games in the final eight contests. Unfortunately for fantasy owners, he had just three touchdowns in that span and five all season -– one reason the Bengals had the league's worst record. Keyshawn's cousin should continue to shine, and maybe get a few more scores in the mix, whether it's Jon Kitna or Palmer at quarterback.

>> Bengals will not make the playoffs because ...

Let's summarize, Bengals fans. No Takeo. Green secondary and receiving corps. Your starting quarterback is Jon Kitna and, more importantly, your general manager is still Mike Brown. In other words, please continue to be patient.