"When it came to discussing two of his more outspoken offensive players, Bengals coach Marvin Lewis had different messages for running back Cedric Benson and wide receiver Chad Ochocinco.

Benson was critical of the offense's direction this season, especially the play-calling of coordinator Bob Bratkowski. Since it appears Bratkowski will return, the odds of Benson re-signing are dim but Lewis is holding out hope.

"Ced can be discouraged but Ced is going to answer your question and not look in the mirror and realize that he's part of that. Unfortunately we all are," Lewis said. "Ced's passion and energy will make us a great football team again and I don't want to curtail that and you have to take the bad with the good. I opened up the season talking that it was going to be difficult for Ced with all the attention going to the receivers and that he was going to have to hang through this."

Benson will be an unrestricted free agent this season. He has had back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons., so there's the possibility that the Bengals could apply the franchise tag.

The one thing that Benson had to enjoy hearing, though, is that a true fullback will be part of the offense next season."