DaytonDailyNews.com

Whatever happened to Bengals rookie wide receiver Jerome Simpson?

The second-round draft pick from Coastal Carolina was expected to make an impact this season by claiming the No. 3 role behind Pro Bowlers Chad Ocho Cinco and T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

But three events conspired to derail those plans: the re-signing of Chris Henry on Aug. 19; quarterback Carson Palmer's right elbow injury on Sept. 21; and Simpson's sprained right ankle suffered on his only catch of the season, a 2-yard gain late in a 38-10 loss to Pittsburgh on Oct. 19.

The coaches have enough problems in trying to solve the downfield passing game and getting backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick in sync with the starters that Simpson has been relegated to the back burner.

"I want to get back on the field," said Simpson, who could be ready to play at Pittsburgh on Nov. 20. "Being a competitor, I've still got that fire in me. It's not fun being injured. I've never had an injury before, so it's really a different experience for me. I'm trying to find the positive — just being smarter about the game and studying it more."

Ironically, Simpson has the season's longest catch, a 42-yarder against the Detroit Lions in the preseason. He has outstanding athleticism and a solid work ethic, but needs to mature in all aspects of the game both physically and mentally.

Simpson is getting a "redshirt" season to learn the speed of the game. Look for him to blossom in 2009.

Browns Steinbach's back

It didn't help the Browns' cause in a 34-30 loss to Denver that left guard Eric Steinbach was hurt and didn't play.

But his oblique (abdomen) muscle strain is healing and Steinbach promises to be in the lineup at Buffalo on Monday night.

"I've gotten a lot better in the last week," he told the Browns' Web site. "This injury isn't like a knee or an ankle where you can push it. This one just takes time."

Seth McKinney subbed for Steinbach, helping the Browns amass 399 total yards, and they didn't allow a sack in quarterback Brady Quinn's debut.

Amid charges from tailback Jamal Lewis that some of his teammates "quit" against the Broncos, the Browns feel a sense of urgency.

"The thing that's puzzling is that we've been having good weeks of practice leading into the last two games and then we don't finish," Steinbach said. "But we haven't given up on the season."

Ravens Dirty work

Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata takes on double teams up front. His dirty work keeps blockers off the linebackers.

Inside linebacker Ray Lewis had two interceptions, helping the Ravens to a 41-13 victory at Houston.

"Just knowing the work I do, being double-teamed and all that, helps our guys make plays," Ngata said. "It's always great to see guys make plays when you're working so hard. Also, when I make tackles, it's great to see the hard work pay off, too."

What has Lewis taught him?

"A lot," Ngata said. "Intensity — playing with speed and excitement. You never know how long you're going to play, and if you want to play long like Ray has, you've got to take care of your body."

Steelers Ben struggling

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been sacked 28 times this year and has thrown more interceptions (11) than touchdown passes (10).

His three picks hurt the Steelers in their 24-20 loss to visiting Indianapolis.

Head coach Mike Tomlin called Roethlisberger's performance "not up to snuff because we lost."

"That is how I evaluate everyone's play," he said. "Sometimes (quarterbacks) get a little bit too much credit when we win and they get a little bit too much blame when we lose. We are looking to win. That is how he looks at it. That is how I look at it. And that is how the rest of the guys in that locker room look at it."

Contact this reporter at(937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com.

This week's schedule

Philadelphia (5-4) at Cincinnati (1-8), 1 p.m. Sunday

Baltimore (6-3) at N.Y. Giants (8-1), 1 p.m. Sunday

San Diego (4-5) at Pittsburgh (6-3), 4:15 p.m. Sunday

Cleveland (3-6) at Buffalo (5-4), 8:30 p.m. Monday (ESPN)

Week 10 Star — Ravens QB Joe Flacco completed 15-of-23 passes for 185 yards, 2 TDs and a passer rating of 118.9 against the Texans.

Week 10 Goat — Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger threw 3 interceptions in a 24-20 loss to the Colts. He's tossed 8 picks the past 3 games.

Quote of the Week

"They took our bye week, so we had to show 'em that they can throw obstacles at us and we'll just try to overcome them. We're trying to be in the playoffs this year." — Ravens TB Willis McGahee after a 41-13 win at Houston. The game was scheduled Sept. 14, but postponed because of Hurricane Ike. Both teams were forced to take Week 2 byes.