* While the Bengals have very little to cheer about after finishing a 4-11-1 season on Sunday, Dec. 28, give them some credit for winning their last three in a row.

That might not be as encouraging as it looks, though. The combined record of those three teams they defeated was 14-34. And in the two weeks before "the streak," the Bengals lost to the Ravens 34-3 and then the Colts 35-3.

So the Bengals can beat bad teams. That's a start.

* One thing the Bengals lost by winning out - a higher draft choice than Cleveland.

The hapless Browns, 4-12, set an NFL record Sunday by completing 24 consecutive quarters without an offensive touchdown.

How soon will Browns fans be asking, "Wherefore art thou, Romeo?"

Quite possibly, today.

* I like the addition of Willy Taveras to the top of the Reds lineup. I tried last year to get him for my fantasy team. No power, but plenty of SBs.

Speed kills and the Reds could be rather speedy this coming season. They went through a terrible stretch of seasons relying on the power of Ken Griffey Jr. and Adam Dunn. How did that work out?

So why not rebuild the team for speed? Sure, they could still use a power hitter, but they have pretty good power with Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Edwin Encarnacion and Brandon Phillips. And new catcher Ramon Hernandez will also provide some pop.

Personally, I would like to see Chris Dickerson get a shot at left field. If healthy, he can produce speed and power.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2409 or jmorris@DaytonDailyNews.com