DaytonDailyNews.com

CINCINNATI — If Bengals left offensive tackle Levi Jones wants to keep his starting job, he must rebound strong against the Cleveland Browns.

Jones struggled against the New York Giants, yielding two sacks and getting flagged twice for false starts.

A repeat performance against the Browns' physical defensive front of nose tackle Shaun Rogers, left end Corey Williams and right end Shaun Smith will cause the Bengals to board a jet for Dallas at 0-4 with their season essentially over.

"We've got to be physical and go in with the mentality that your guy does not touch the quarterback," Jones said. "Everybody's got to have that commitment and do it."

Jones is a flexible, athletic tackle known for being light on his feet and playing with a mean streak. But he needs to sharpen his technique, take better angles, maintain good leverage and be more physical at the point of attack.

"I've definitely got to bounce back and get everything tightened up," he said. "Whatever breakdowns there were, we've got to get them corrected — learn from it, put it in the back of your mind. Don't forget it, but move on to the next play."

Beware 'Juggernaut'

Fullback Reagan Maui'a delivered some devastating blocks against New York.

He plans to do the same against the Browns in an attempt to clear a path for tailback Chris Perry, who seeks his first 100-yard rushing performance.

"That's my job description — make blocks and create holes," Maui'a said. "Chris is starting to get a feel for the way I block and I'm getting a feel for the way he runs — the timing and everything.

"Being in sync is key between a fullback and a runner. I still have to work on fine-tuning my technique — not play high, but try to stay as low as I can, bend my knees and get good leverage. I'm working on all the little things."

Injury report

In addition to strong safety Dexter Jackson (thumb) being out, cornerback Johnathan Joseph (ankle) and free safety Herana-Daze Jones (hamstring) did not practice and are doubtful for Sunday's game.

Cornerback Jamar Fletcher (Illness) and strong safety Chinedum Ndukwe (groin) participated fully in practice, while four others had limited participation — cornerback David Jones (knee), defensive tackle John Thornton (knee), tight end Ben Utecht (chest) and tailback Kenny Watson (hamstring).

Quick hitters

• The Bengals aim for their fifth straight home victory against the Browns.

• Quarterback Carson Palmer is 4-0 in four career home starts against Cleveland. He has completed 70-of-117 passes (59.8 percent) for 811 yards, 8 TDs and 8 interceptions with a 75.1 passer rating.

• Defensive end Robert Geathers has 3.5 career sacks against the Browns — his most against any opponent.