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2002

Summary

The Bengals began the season in a new division, the AFC North, as the NFL realigned into eight four-team divisions. The Bengals were successful in efforts to keep longtime rivals Cleveland and Pittsburgh as division foes, and the Baltimore Ravens completed the four-team lineup. The Bengals entered the season after an encouraging 2001 finish. But despite some noteworthy individual performances, the team sunk to the worst record (2-14) in franchise history. The team was hit hard by injuries, losing the league's second-highest number of games by starters. The offense got off to a very slow start with free agent signee Gus Frerotte at QB. The offense perked up noticeably after the 2001 starter, Jon Kitna, returned to the No. 1 QB role. For the first time since 1989, Cincinnati had a 3000-yard passer (Kitna), a 1000-yard rusher (Corey Dillon) and a 1000-yard receiver (Chad Johnson). Johnson had the first of his club-record 31 games of 100 receiving yards on Nov. 10 at Baltimore (seven-for-110). On Oct. 27 vs. Tennessee, Dillon raised his Bengals career rushing total to 6542 yards, passing James Brooks (6447) into the all-time franchise lead that he still holds through 2017 with 8061 yards. The Bengals set a team record for pass completions with 350 (since surpassed). But the team was 0-7 before getting a win at expansion Houston. The defense was inconsistent, and with nine TDs allowed on special teams or by the offense, the Bengals as a team allowed the second-most points (456) in club history. On Dec. 30, it was announced that head coach Dick LeBeau would not be retained for 2003.

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League Rankings

Table inside Article
TOTAL RUSH PASS
OFFENSE 18 (325.4) 21 (108.1) 13 (217.3)
DEFENSE 17 (329.1) 22 (125.2) 13 (203.9)
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Year Totals

Table inside Article
PLAYS FIRST DOWNS NET YDS RUSH NET YDS PASS TOTAL NET YDS PTS
OFFENSE 1054 315 1730 3476 5206 279
DEFENSE 976 315 2003 3262 5265 456
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Individual Leaders

Table inside Article
PLAYER CATEGORY
Neil Rackers Scoring
Jon Kitna Passing
Corey Dillon Rushing
Chad Johnson Receptions
Chad Johnson Receiving Yards
Nick Harris Punting
T.J. Houshmandzadeh Punt Returns
Brandon Bennett Kickoff Returns
Neil Rackers Field Goals
Artrell Hawkins, Kevin Kaesviharn Interceptions
Justin Smith Sacks
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Coaching Staff

Table inside Article
COACH POSITION
Head Coach Dick Lebeau
Paul Alexander Offensive Line
Jim Anderson Running Backs
Ken Anderson Quarterbacks
Bob Bratkowski Offensive Coordinator
Louie Cioffi Defensive Assistant
Kevin Coyle Cornerbacks
Mark Duffner Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers
John Garrett Tight Ends
Rodney Holman Strength and Conditioning Assistant
Tim Krumrie Defensive Line
Steve Mooshagian Wide Receivers
Darren Perry Safeties
Al Roberts Special Teams
Bob Surace Offensive Assistant
Kim Wood Strength and Conditioning
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2002 NFL Draft: April 20-21

Table inside Article
ROUND PLAYER POSITION COLLEGE SELECTION NUMBER
1 Levi Jones OT Arizona State 10
2 Lamont Thompson FS Washington State 41
3 Matt Schobel (acquired from Carolina in trade on 4-20-02) TE Texas Christian 67
4 Travis Dorsch K/P Purdue 109
5 (sent to Carolina in trade on 4-20-02) 145
6 Marquand Manuel FS Florida 181
7 Joey Evans DE North Carolina 219
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Pro Bowl

Player selected for the 2002 Pro Bowl: FB Lorenzo Neal

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