By Mark Curnutte
Enquirer staff writer

The Bengals practiced Friday, wrapping up a week in which coach Marvin Lewis' Cincinnati honeymoon might have ended.

The 1-2 Bengals play Sunday in Pittsburgh and are coming off one of the most disappointing losses of the Lewis era. The Bengals could not match Baltimore's physical style of play in a 23-9 loss. The defense cannot stop the run, and first-year starting quarterback Carson Palmer committed four turnovers.

"We're only as good as our last game," Lewis, 9-10 as Bengals coach, said when asked if fans were growing impatient. "I think people, people are on board with us, and they are as disappointed as we are when we don't win now.

"They're not going to shun it off. They're not going to blame the field, the black pants or Paul Brown Stadium any more. It comes to me."

As he has throughout the week, Lewis' public comments Friday took a macro view.

"You may luck in and win a game, but you're not going to be good for a long haul if you don't build a strong foundation," he said. "We're doing it right now with some young players."

The Bengals will start two rookies defensively - middle linebacker Caleb Miller and Madieu Williams, who moves from free to strong safety to make room for returning strong safety Rogers Beckett.

Kevin Kaesviharn, who started the last two games at free safety, was downgraded Friday to doubtful with back spasms.

Fifth-year wide receiver Peter Warrick also was downgraded to doubtful with a shin bruise. Warrick's health was suspect since the Bengals signed wide receiver Cliff Russell off their practice squad Wednesday. The team apparently wants to give Warrick this week and the bye week off before the game Oct. 17 at Cleveland. Left tackle Levi Jones (knee) did practice Friday but remained questionable for the Steelers.

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E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

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