Lewis: No shakeups on coaching staff

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis this afternoon placed responsibility for the second-half defensive collapse Sunday primarily on players and not his assistant coaches, including coordinator Chuck Bresnahan.

"They've got to be more responsible; at some point, players have to make plays," Lewis said this afternoon, a day after his team blew a 28-7 lead, surrendered 42 second-half points and lost 49-41 to San Diego.

Lewis also promised "subtle changes" in playing time for defensive players but withheld specifics. Asked if there would be any changes in the starting lineup, Lewis said, "Wait until Sunday."

Most likely would be cornerback Tory James, whose play has diminsished through the season. Rookie Johnathan Joseph has quickness, closing speed and a willingness to tackle that James seems to have lost.

The Bengals (4-5) will play Sunday at New Orleans against the Saint (6-3).

Lewis said he would no assume play-calling responsibilities for the defense from Bresnahan, similar to what he did in a 2004 game at Cleveland when Lewis took over coordinator's work from Leslie Frazier.

The head coach also took responsibility. "I've under-achieved as a coach," Lewis said.

Lewis simultaneously criticized his defense -- "We played like we had three thumbs out there" -- and defended it. "We had a bad half," Lewis said. "You (media) were praising them a few weeks ago when they were holding people to (low-point totals)."

He called the defensive performance the result of mental and physical errors, both of which, he said, "are correctable."