1. DO THE BENGALS KEEP THEIR COORDINATORS OR MAKE A CHANGE?

Early signs are they won't change, though Bob Bratkowski's offense has leveled off around the No. 10 ranking in the NFL and Chuck Bresnahan's defense can't get out of the 20s. Widespread injuries at running back and linebacker hurt.

If they would make a change, a couple of names to keep in mind: Offensive coordinator - current Bengals quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese, who is annually courted for a promotion by other teams. Defensive - Bengals staff consultant Donnie Henderson, the former Jets coordinator and long-time Lewis confidant; or Mike Nolan, Lewis' successor as Ravens defensive coordinator who might be let go as 49ers head coach.

2. WHAT TO DO AT OFFENSIVE TACKLE?

Stacy Andrews played well in 11 starts at right tackle in place of the injured Willie Anderson. Anderson is optimistic about returning in 2008 healthy and ready to start. Levi Jones has come on strong at left tackle, where Andrew Whitworth is a solid backup. How much money will the Bengals be willing to offer Andrews, who figures to be a popular target as a free agent, and would Andrews be willing to return without a chance to start?

3. WHO WILL BE THE NO. 1 RUNNING BACK?

Rudi Johnson missed five games with a hamstring injury and is due a $3.2 million base salary this coming season. He has two years remaining on his deal. Will the Bengals terminate his contract or bring him to training camp to see how much of his sub-par 2007 performance was the result of the hamstring? Furthermore, how confident are the Bengals that injured tailbacks Kenny Irons and Chris Perry can come back, and how much do they trust the current tandem of Kenny Watson and DeDe Dorsey?

4. DO THEY RE-SIGN DEFENSIVE END JUSTIN SMITH?

Nothing against Smith's performance - no one on the roster works harder - but can the Bengals afford a top-dollar price for an end that doesn't get double-digit sacks? To Smith's credit, he's always near 100 tackles and started his 107th consecutive game Sunday at Miami. The club and Smith's agent, Jim Steiner, have been unable to reach agreement on a multi-year contract. Smith is still young; he turns 29 on Sept. 30.

5. AND DO THEY EXTEND THE CONTRACT OF RECEIVER T.J. HOUSHMANDZADEH?

He is first-time Pro Bowler that has improved with age, but he turned 30 in September. He has one year remaining on his current contract and is due a $2.625 million salary in 2008. He will command a significant raise.

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