Peter Diana, Post-Gazette photos "Really, as the game went on [Maddox] did a good job with the no-huddle ... I did not think about Charlie [at that point] and really did not ever think about using Ben. [Roethlisberger] at that point." "... As the second half unfolded, unfortunately, we did not have Jerome in the game. I wish I would have gotten him into the game in the second half." -- Bill Cowher Click photo for larger image. More Steelers News: Steelers Notebook: Several starters injured

Blame it on the coach.

That's what Bill Cowher did yesterday, taking full "responsibility" for the two most debated coaching decisions in town after the Steelers' 23-17 overtime loss to Jacksonville Sunday at Heinz Field -- why did he leave quarterback Tommy Maddox in the game and why did he not use Jerome Bettis in certain situations in the second half?

"I certainly am the first to tell you I accept that responsibility and I am responsible," Cowher said to open his buck stops here news conference yesterday.

He did not admit that staying with Maddox, who had three interceptions and lost one fumble, was wrong, but he did explain it. He thought of replacing Maddox with Charlie Batch after Maddox threw two interceptions on the first three series but then Maddox began playing better.

"I did feel as though he had settled down," Cowher said. "Really, as the game went on he did a good job with the no-huddle as we began the fourth quarter.

"I did not think about Charlie [at that point] and really did not ever think about using Ben [Roethlisberger] at that point."

Cowher, who gave a similar talk to his team on Monday, seemed to regret more his decision not to play Bettis in the second half, particularly for not using him to run three times on first down at the Jaguars' 26 in overtime.

"Why was he not in the game in the last series, was that not similar to San Diego?" Cowher said, repeating a question he has heard from many the past two days. "I will say to you it's a legitimate question and the only thing I will say, as the second half unfolded, unfortunately, we did not have Jerome in the game. I wish I would have gotten him into the game in the second half."

Cowher explained that he and the coaches preferred to stay with the fleet and smaller Willie Parker when the Steelers used the no-huddle and spread offenses.

"But [Bettis] was not in the game in ... overtime. He had not been in the game in the second half. That's a decision that I am responsible for."

Cowher said he will talk to Bettis about his decision "at some point."

Cowher confirmed that Roethlisberger will return to start Sunday in Cincinnati after missing the loss to Jacksonville with a hyperextended knee. He's listed as probable on the injury report this week. Cowher also confirmed that Charlie Batch has moved up to No. 2 "as of today" because Tommy Maddox's shoulder was injured against Jacksonville and he is listed as questionable this week.

It went unexplained when the injury occurred in a game in which Maddox played to the bitter end.

"I was just made aware of it yesterday," Cowher said.

Maddox apparently did not tell anyone he had a shoulder problem during the game.

"No one was made aware of anything during the course of the game," Cowher said.

Was it his throwing shoulder?

"I'm not sure right now," Cowher said.

Even without the injury, it's possible Cowher would demote Maddox after his play Sunday. His last interception was returned for a touchdown in overtime. His first interception set up Jacksonville's first touchdown. His fumble after the snap from the Jacksonville 27 in overtime killed the Steelers' chance to win with a field goal.

Charlie Batch, right, talks with Tommy Maddox during a rough afternoon for Maddox Sunday at Heinz Field. Click photo for larger image.

Quincy Morgan returned the overtime kick 74 yards to the Bengals' 26 but Cowher said he did not think of trying what would have been a 44-yard field goal immediately.

"Not with how far away we were. If we were closer I would have considered kicking it on third down. But I thought, because of the wind, that we needed to get closer than where we were."

While Cowher called it "one of the most frustrating losses that I've experienced in my 14 years here," he said there is no more time to worry about it, especially with Sunday's AFC North showdown between the second-place Steelers (3-2) and first-place Bengals (5-1) in Cincinnati.

"When you're looking at a team that is already a game ahead of you, it certainly makes this game a very, very important football game. Is there a lot of football left to be played? No question about it, but we're starting our division schedule right here.

"Three out of our next four games will be against our division. We have to be able to understand that, accept that, and this will be a challenge because these guys are playing very well now and leading our division and you can't afford to fall too far behind them."