|
|
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Receiver Peter Warrick headed for the door with a garbage bag full of equipment slung over his shoulder and a downcast expression on his face.
For the first time in a long time, Bengals players were sad to see a season end.
``I was really looking forward to practicing this week,'' Warrick said Monday, alluding to the playoff berth that slipped away.
ADVERTISEMENT
The NFL's worst team since 1991 made major breakthroughs in Marvin Lewis' first
year as head coach, surpassing everyone's expectations by staying in playoff
contention until the final game.
By any measure, their 8-8 season was an unqualified success, a clean break with their embarrassing past.
So, why all those long faces? They knew it could have been a whole lot more.
After taking control of the AFC North, the Bengals lost three of their last four games to keep their streak of futility intact -- no winning record or playoff appearance since 1990.
For the first time in 13 years, they played meaningful games in December in front of capacity crowds. That made it more painful when the season ended just like all the others.
They were going home for the playoffs.
``Even though we went 2-14 last season, I'm probably more disappointed this season,'' Pro Bowl offensive tackle Willie Anderson said, standing in front of a locker still stuffed with gear. ``I really thought we were going to the playoffs. I haven't even packed up. I planned on being here until the end of January.''
Nobody planned on their amazing ascent after they opened the season 1-4. Quarterback Jon Kitna was only another loss or two away from handing his job over to rookie Carson Palmer. Fans had already given up on the season.
Then they came together and started playing the way Lewis wanted. They eliminated the gaffes that always seemed to drag them down, and moved into contention in a weak division.
A victory over previously unbeaten Kansas City moved them into first place and the national spotlight. With a chance to make the playoffs, they reverted to form.
That's one of the main areas Lewis will address in the offseason. Much of his attention will be on revamping a defense that fell apart in December. He also wants to bring in free agents who are accustomed to playing in big games.
``We've started to turn the corner,'' Lewis said. ``We're not around it. Every time we peeked around it, we kind of got slapped back. We'll keep fighting to round the corner.''
In his first season, Lewis turned over roughly half the roster, but couldn't get enough out of a team that still tends to freeze under pressure.
There could be one major offseason change. Corey Dillon, the franchise's all-time leading rusher, cleaned out his locker and insisted he should be traded or released. He'll likely get his wish.
``Get him out of here,'' Anderson said. ``Some of that stink is still around here. You can still smell it in close games. We need passionate guys. We need people that love football, that want to come here and be great, not just be an average Joe and pick up the paychecks.''
Another major change could come at quarterback, where Lewis has a delicate decision.
Kitna kept Palmer on the bench and kept the Bengals in contention with a career year: 26 touchdown passes, 3,591 yards passing, the only NFL quarterback to take every snap.
During the season, Lewis suggested he might let Palmer and Kitna compete for the starting job in training camp. Lewis was vague about his plans when the season ended.
``I have one year left on my contract, and we'll see what happens,'' said Kitna, who has offered to renegotiate. ``The thing I expressed to Marvin is, I don't want to be anywhere else.
``Carson is going to be a heck of a quarterback and I can't wait to watch him, but we'll see what happens in the long run.''
No matter what happens, players figure it will work out for the best. That's the biggest change on a team that had come to expect misery, and got it year after year.
``Who knows what's going
to happen next year?'' receiver Chad Johnson said. ``Next year, we might go
undefeated. I'm excited. I can't wait.''