Lewis noncommital about his future with Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said on Monday that he hasn’t talked to owner Mike Brown about his contract, which ends after this season.

Although he emphatically denies a report that he has decided to leave, Lewis was noncommittal Monday about what happens after he concludes his 15th season with the Bengals (5-9), who have lost three straight games.

Asked whether he wants to be back in Cincinnati next year, he replied by saying only, “I want to coach football.” Asked again if he wants to coach in Cincinnati next year, he simply said, “Sure.”

After a 34-7 loss Sunday to Minnesota, defensive end Carlos Dunlap tweeted: “Crazy feeling when you invest so much in anything and you don’t have any chance at any reward. Can’t even say I’m embarrassed any more I’m at a loss for words.”

Browns to stick with Kizer at QB

Cleveland rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer, who increased his NFL-leading interception total to 19 with two more Sunday, will start this week when the winless Browns play at the Chicago Bears.

“If he wasn’t up to the challenge, then if I needed to make a change, then I would,” coach Hue Jackson said. “He has some work to do this week to continue to get better, but he is going to start at quarterback for us.”

Executive takes over running Panthers

The Carolina Panthers have promoted Tina Becker as chief operating officer and gave her full control of the day-to-day operations after reports of sexual and racial remarks made by Carolina Panthers owner and founder Jerry Richardson in the workplace prompted him to put the team up for sale.

Rapper and actor Diddy indicated his interest in purchasing the Panthers on Twitter moments after Richardson’s announcement.

Devonta Freeman rushed for 126 yards and a touchdown to lead Atlanta (9-5) over host Tampa Bay (4-10). Freeman scored on a 32-yard run midway through the fourth quarter, restoring a 10-point lead for the Falcons, who remain one game behind NFC South leaders New Orleans and Carolina.