Marvin Lewis switched up his Monday routine when he took some time usually reserved for position coaches and told his players they reflect him.
"As I told our football team today, the way they play is a reflection of me," Lewis said. "I met with them. It's a reflection of me. It's not the coaches, it's me. And that's why it was my meeting today, because there are things we need to do better. If we flinch, it's my fault, and I understand that. "
After looking at the tape of the 35-6 loss to the Texans, Lewis said lack of effort wasn't an issue.
"Lack of finishing, making the run, making the block," he said. "Tackle, coverage. That got us beat."
| ! Lewis |
"Those don't seem to go very well," he said with a smile about votes of confidence. "I'd prefer not to have one of those."
Also, rookie safety Corey Lynch went on season-ending injured reserve Monday with a knee injury that Lewis said involved a bone injury.
Lynch, a sixth-rounder from Appalachian State, suffered the injury on special teams Sunday in Houston. He played in seven of the team's eight games and had three tackles, a sack, and an interception as well as five special-teams tackles.
Wide receiver Glenn Holt (shoulder) is a question mark heading into the week, but Lewis expects to have tight end Ben Utecht (chest), cornerback Jamar Fletcher (hamstring), and middle linebacker Corey Mays (ankle) back, as well as SAM linebacker Rashad Jeanty after he hurt his foot Sunday.
Lewis also said Carson Palmer continues to rest and won't throw this week as sits out the Jacksonsville game as well as the Nov. 9 bye.
"Carson wants to play," he said.
