DaytonDailyNews.com

CINCINNATI — Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer stands firmly behind coach Marvin Lewis, who's being heavily criticized for the club's 0-2 start.

In fan voting on ESPN's SportsNation, Lewis and the St. Louis Rams' Scott Linehan are tied for 30th in the "NFL Head Coach Approval Ratings" with 8 percent approval. Minnesota's Brad Childress is 32nd and dead last with a 6 percent rating. Buffalo's Dick Jauron is No. 1 at 94 percent.

Lewis is also getting heat from CBS Sports commentators who wonder if he's "lost" the locker room.

"What somebody says on the outside, who has no idea what's going on here, all he sees is 0-2," Palmer said. "In no way has Marvin lost this locker room or lost any attention from players.

"We're going about it as business. It seems like it's the end of the world to a lot of people, but this team still has a lot of hope left. ... The Giants started 0-2 (in 2007 and won the Super Bowl).

"Definitely, the season can keep going downhill. ... But this team is going to fight and scratch and try to get ourselves back into this."

A 'guarantee' — sort of

After Sunday's 24-7 loss to Tennessee, Lewis said: "We're going to get to work and we're going to go beat the New York Giants in New York."

Is that a guarantee?

"C'mon, please," Lewis said. "I said that's what we're going to do. Are we going to go in there and put our tail between our legs?"

Hope springs eternal

Lewis believes the team will get turned around: "Players are very resilient. But we have to play mentally tougher to get things done. You have to play consistent all the way."

Browns injuries

Browns starting left guard Eric Steinbach did not practice for the second straight day on Thursday, Sept. 18, and could be a game-time decision for Sunday's game at Baltimore.

Steinbach strained his shoulder in last week's loss to Pittsburgh. He was kept inside for treatment along with linebacker Willie McGinest (hamstring) and wide receiver Donte' Stallworth (quadriceps).

Coach Romeo Crennel said wide receiver Braylon Edwards is dealing with an injured shoulder and running back Jamal Lewis is nursing ankle and hamstring injuries.

Shaun Smith, who will replace the injured Robaire Smith at right end, suffered a small fracture in his left hand during the Steelers game and will play with a cast on.

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cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report.