Expert: Todd Isenbarger - 7/25/2000

Question
Now that Corey Dillon is going to pull a Joey Galloway and sit out however-many games just so he can become a free agent at the end of the year, i`m curious as to who has the inside track on becoming the main back in Cincy?  I went to school at South Carolina so I`d love to see Brandon Bennett get a shot but I`m intrigued by that 4th round draft pick Curtis Keaton.  Sedrick Shaw...i just don`t see it.  WHO DO YOU THINK HAS THE INSIDE TRACK FOR THAT POSITION OR DO YOU THINK THEY`LL GO WITH A RB by COMMITTEE?  

Answer
Hi good question about who will be the RB, but not a hard one to answer. Micheal Basnight has the best chance right now. If you look at his stats yards per run and yards per catch they were actually better than Dillons.He knows the system and he fits the Dillon mold perfectly. I thinks he is every bit as good as Dillon.
Also look for Curtis Keaton to get some snaps by mid-season once he learns the playbook. The coaches are very high on him. He could be a sleeper. As for Bennett he will get some work, but wont be a starter.
I hope Dillon is back, but I dont think it will hurt us.

Things are looking up this year hope to be watching them in the playoffs this year.

If you are not aware the Bengals have a new website now.

 www.bengals.com

Thanks for the question.