NOTEBOOK From Heinz Field

Series: The Steelers lead the series, 39-28. Their home record is 23-11.
Coming up: The Steelers play three of the AFC's weakest opponents before the season finale in Baltimore on Dec. 28. Sunday, the Steelers welcome the defending conference champion Oakland Raiders (3-9) to Heinz Field (1 p.m., CBS). On Dec. 14, the Steelers will visit Giants Stadium to play another disappointing defending division champion, the New York Jets (4-7). On Dec. 21 at 4 p.m., the Steelers close Heinz Field for the season against the San Diego Chargers (2-10).
The Bus: Steelers tailback Jerome Bettis had 20 carries for 62 yards to become the 10th NFL player to surpass 12,000 yards for his career. "Jerome Bettis is what's good about the NFL," Steelers coach Bill Cowher said. "You talk about an unselfish guy, you talk about a guy who is there for you every Sunday, who does it the hard way. He is a class act, he is great with the community." Bettis said Sunday's loss killed any celebration. "The milestones and the yards are very insignificant right now," Bettis said. "After the game is gone and the days are longer, that's when you think about that kind of stuff. But right now you don't worry about it." Bettis' third-quarter touchdown on a 1-yard run moved him into sixth place on the Steelers' all-time scoring list (338 points, two more than kicker Kris Brown).
Replay suggestion: Replay official Dale Hamer shouldn't expect a Christmas card from the Cowhers this December. Cowher was furious that Hamer did not review Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch's backward pass that was ruled a fumble that killed a Steelers scoring chance late in the first half. "I would think you would at least look at the play," said Cowher, who couldn't challenge because the play came in the final two minutes. "I don't know if those are local guys. I hope not. There is no reason that play should not have been reviewed." Cowher was then told that Hamer said it was clear and didn't need to be shown to referee Bernie Kukar. "I guess that's why he's retired," Cowher said.
Bengals: Quarterback Jon Kitna completed 18-of-32 passes for 271 yards. "He has been a hell of a leader," Bengals rookie coach Marvin Lewis said. "The stuff that he does makes us better as an offense, other than throwing the ball, is just endless. Endless. As far as directing guys, getting them in the right places, it is just tremendous." Chad Johnson, who began the game tied with Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward with 65 receptions to lead the AFC, caught six passes for 117 yards, including a second-quarter touchdown.
Steelers receivers: Ward caught 13 passes for 149 yards to become fifth in all-time yardage for the Steelers. Ward passed Buddy Dial, who had 4,723 yards. Plaxico Burress caught eight passes for 112 yards. "They played great," quarterback Tommy Maddox said. "They made some really great catches, they ran some really good routes. I can't say enough about either one of them. Going in, we wanted to get the ball in their hands. I can't say enough about Hines -- on the last drive, he was hurt and could barely breathe, [but] he did not want to come out." Maddox completed 28-of-42 passes for 313 yards, but hyperextended his knee late in the first half. An MRI test has been scheduled.
Inactives: Steelers tight ends Jay Riemersma and Matt Cushing were inactive. Also not playing were running back Dante Brown, offensive tackle Barrett Brooks, defensive lineman Chris Hoke, wide receiver Freddie Milons and linebacker Alonzo Jackson. Not playing for the Bengals were cornerbacks Jeff Burris and Dennis Weathersby, strong safety Marquand Manuel, offensive tackle Scott Kooistra, guard Victor Leyva, wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh and defensive end Elton Patterson.
-- Tom Williams