More Bengals e-mail from Enquirer readers

Some reader e-mail on a Wednesday night:

Question, from Wes in Dayton, Ohio: The team is clearly losing the battle on both lines
(offense and Defense). What adjustments have they made to try to fix the problems of run-stopping and opening some holes for Rudi (Johnson) to take the heat off Carson Palmer?

Answer: Not sure what adjustments can be made to improve the run defense. Maybe a drop in
the caliber of competition will help. As Marvin Lewis says, the Bengals have to tackle better and
play their assignments more consistently.

As for the offense, the line isn't doing badly. The run blocking is improving, as witnessed by the improved run production from Rudi Johnson against Baltimore and Pittsburgh. One
of the reasons for the relatively high number of sacks (11) is Palmer might be holding onto the
ball too long.

Question, from James in Middletown: I just have a simple question for you -- I was just
wondering if the Monday Night game against the Broncos will be televised locally or blacked out?

Answer: The Denver game on Monday night, Oct. 25, is indeed sold out and will be shown on
ABC stations locally.

Question, from Jon in Columbia Township: Why do you think the fans of the Bengals have such high expectations of Marvin Lewis in only his second year?

Answer: The 8-8 finish of 2003 might have raised expectations and hopes beyond what this
rebuilding team is capable of delivering. Some of Palmer's mistakes could have been expected, but the defense -- especially against the run -- seems to be getting worse. Imagine how it would have been this season had the Bengals snuck into the playoffs in 2003.

Bengals fans want badly to win as a payoff for 13 years of suffering. The Bengals have delivered just two non-losing records since 1990, as you probably know.