By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

A day later, Pittsburgh's successful fake field goal was still a sore spot with the Bengals.

Linebacker Kevin Hardy, who calls the signals on field goal defense, said after the game that special teams coach Darrin Simmons signaled for an all-out block.

Simmons said Sunday that he did not signal for an all-out block.

The result of the miscommunication was a 23-yard Steelers pass completion that put the ball at the Bengals 9-yard line and led to the first touchdown of Pittsburgh's 17-10 victory.

Coach Marvin Lewis reacted strongly Monday when told about the comment of Steelers coach Bill Cowher that they spotted an opening in Bengals special teams.

"It's obvious after the fact," Lewis said. "We don't execute, but that's one for them, and I'm glad they get to pat themselves on the back. That's a good thing."

Lewis also said his players are instructed not to talk about a possible communication problem.

"Players shouldn't talk about that, but there was," Lewis said. "There's no business for us to spread to anybody what goes on in this building. It doesn't help us."

INJURY UPDATE: Lewis said wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (hamstring) is probably out for the Browns game. Tight end Matt Schobel (hamstring) is doubtful. Linebacker Riall Johnson (calf) is expected to be out.

BUCK STOPS HERE: During his Monday news conference, Lewis said: "When we lose, it's my fault - and I will take responsibility for it. Just like when we win, it's (the players') fault."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Lewis turns 45 today.

STAT CHECK: The Bengals' pass defense remained in the top five of league statistics. They are No. 4 (not counting the Monday night game) at 150 yards a game. They are 14th in total defense and pass offense but are near the bottom (28th) in rush defense at 152 yards.

REFLECTIONS AT 0-3: The four of 105 teams to start 0-3 and make the playoffs since 1978 were the 1981 Jets, '92 Chargers, '95 Lions and '98 Bills. "Nothing can surprise you, but I didn't want to be (0-3) at this point," Lewis said. "We played three football teams that are very good, as everybody knows, and this could have happened."

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E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

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