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.
League Rankings
TOTAL | RUSH | PASS | |
---|---|---|---|
OFFENSE | 18 (325.4) | 21 (108.1) | 13 (217.3) |
DEFENSE | 17 (329.1) | 22 (125.2) | 13 (203.9) |
Year Totals
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 |
Individual Leaders
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 |
Coaching Staff
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 |
2002 NFL Draft: April 20-21
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 |
Pro Bowl
Player selected for the 2002 Pro Bowl: FB Lorenzo Neal