CINCINNATI — Veteran Bengals cornerback Terence Newman sat at his locker after Sunday's 24-17 loss to Pittsburgh and vowed that the season isn't over. He's a firm believer that 3-4 Cincinnati can overcome this three-game losing streak and make a run at the playoffs.

"You have to look at the New York Giants, who won the Super Bowl going into the playoffs 9-7 last season," Newman said. "We are in a hole right now but there is a lot of football left to be played. At the end of the day, we have to make some corrections and get the ship steered in the right direction. We have to finish games. That's our biggest problem."

Pittsburgh kept the Bengals off guard with screen plays and rushing the ball. Steelers running back Jonathan Dwyer gashed the defense for 122 yards on 17 carries. He had runs of 21 and 32 when it mattered most. The team combined for 167 yards rushing against the Bengals.

"Obviously, we weren't sound in our run defense," Newman said. "Their running back was hitting the hole pretty hard and they had some success with that. That’s something we have to get corrected. We also let some passes slip out the back end and must get that corrected as well."

The 34-year old Newman has played well since coming over from Dallas. He's started all seven games and is fourth on the team in tackles with 39. His three passes defensed are tied for second. He also has a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Newman knows the recipe for success.

"We have to be consistent," he said. "I think we've played well in stretches but it all comes down to finishing a game. Not only on defense but offense and special teams as well. That's what we have to focus on in order to make this a better ballclub."

Newman played under defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer while in Dallas and respects the coach’s disciplinarian approach. Of course, the corner wasn’t thrilled about meeting with Zimmer in the film room on Tuesday.

"Whatever Coach Zim says to us, we have to suck it up and take it for what it's worth, and win a game," Newman said. "I love Zim. He's one of the guys I can’t understand why he hasn't been a head coach in the league. To be honest with you, if there is anybody in the league who deserves it, I think it's him. He motivates us to play hard on every play and we owe it to him to perform at a high level.

"We're going to self-evaluate during the bye week and try to improve on our mistakes. We still have more than half the season left and gotta get some wins. Like the late Al Davis said, 'Just win, baby.' "