Notes: Palmer takes loss hard

-- Carson Palmer was not around Paul Brown Stadium by the time outside reporters were allowed in at 3 p.m. today.

But it was clear, from the words of his head coach that the fifth-year quarterback was taking his performance in the Arizona loss hard.

Palmer threw four interceptions in a game for the first time in his pro career. Lewis said he spoke directly to Palmer in the third quarter of the 35-27 loss to the Cardinals.

"Obviously, our quarterback is a fine player, and he’s not going to have days like that often," Lewis said. "We can’t allow him to shoulder this. He’s pulled us out of those jams many times. We don’t want him to feel, as he does, responsible."

-- Rookie Leon Hall is apparently the new starting left cornerback in place of Deltha O’Neal. Hall and Johnathan Joseph were the Bengals’ starting cornerbacks the past two games.

O’Neal, though, has fought knee and back injuries this season.

"I just thought that the other two guys are doing what we need to be doing and doing it better," Lewis said. "I like the rotation of things. We're able to dole out the snaps a little better.

"Deltha's done a great job, where he is right now. We’ll see where we go each week. I'll do that week-to-week."