In the first full season with Dick LeBeau as head coach, the Bengals abandoned their plans for developing quarterback Akili Smith as their starter by acquiring Jon Kitna from the Seattle Seahawks.
Despite the team’s struggles, All-Pro running back Corey Dillon had another stellar year, rushing for 1,315 yards.
[1] 2001 would turn out to be an important year for the team, as players such as Justin Smith, Chad Johnson, Rudi Johnson, and T. J. Houshmandzadeh were drafted, all those players would be important to Cincinnati in later years.
One bright spot for the Bengals that year was they defeated the eventual Super Bowl champion New England Patriots in the season opener.
Running backs (RB) Wide receivers (WR) Tight ends (TE) Defensive linemen (DL) Defensive backs (DB) Special teams Reserve at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers Top rushers Top receivers