Bengal Players support marv.

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Rey Maualuga

SAM linebacker Rey Maualuga had a message for head coach Marvin Lewis last week.

"I told him I didn't want any surprises. I told him I didn't want to be shocked," Maualuga said Tuesday night. "I told him if he left, he'd have to take me with him. I can't put it into words how good it is to have him back. He's experienced, he's got a passion for the game, he's a hell of a coach. He keeps us rolling."

The Bengals that could be tracked down Tuesday night felt the Lewis re-signing is the first step in solidifying a shot at the playoffs after losing seven games by seven points or less. But left tackle Andrew Whitworth also challenged his teammates because there is only so much coaches can do.

"I think it's a great move and that Marvin is a great coach," Whitworth said. "And I'm not taking away the importance of the coach. But there has to be a point when there are guys acting like they have their own set of rules and want to go their own way, the other players have to show leadership and accountability by setting them straight and telling them they're no different than the rookie free agent or the 53rd player. In the NFL, only the players can do that. Players have to do that in the locker room."