CINCINNATI -- Bengals coach Marvin Lewis has gone on the offensive, openly challenging quarterback Andy Dalton and middle linebacker Rey Maualuga to start leading their 3-4 team.

Lewis singled out the two of them during a conference call with writers in Denver and a session with Cincinnati-area media on Wednesday. He said they're both quiet guys who need to develop more of an edge and become more of a leader. As Lewis put it, "We've wallowed around here in mediocrity. Let's go."

The Bengals have lost three in a row, putting their season in jeopardy at the midpoint. They play the Denver Broncos (4-3) on Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium.

Dalton is in his second season in the NFL and agreed that it's part of the progression for him to lead now