Simpson said the Blues were hopeful of turning their season around and returning to the winner’s list when they travelled to Perth to meet the West Coast Eagles this weekend.
However they will need to do that fast, following their fourth loss from five outings on Sunday - this time against the Sydney Swans.
Coach Brett Ratten tried to shield his players from criticism, declaring the onus was on him.
“The coach is the person in charge of the place,” Ratten said after the match.
However, speaking from Visy Park on Monday morning, Simpson said it was the players who needed to face the fire.
“We take full responsibility,” Simpson said.
“Brett’s maybe just saying that in the media but we, as the players, definitely take responsibility for how we’re starting [matches].
“Brett’s up in the coaches’ box. He can’t really do much once the game’s started. He can pull a few changes but it’s definitely on us once the game starts.”
The Swans, on the back of winning the contested ball count 41-17 in the first quarter, raced to a 33-point lead at quarter-time. They eventually won by 39 points.
Despite having beaten the likes of Geelong and St Kilda, Carlton has now slipped to eighth after its horror five weeks.
“The past couple of weeks have been pretty disappointing,” Simpson said.
“We’re lacking a bit of flair and confidence at the moment, so it’s something we’re going to have to find and something we’re going to have to look at.”
Many Blues supporters vented their frustration at their players during the match, some booing both at quarter time and then after the final siren.
Simpson admitted the Carlton faithful, like the players, had high hopes in 2010.
“During the game you don’t really notice it [booing] too much. After the game you look back at it,” he said.
“I think expectation on us, as a group, that we have on ourselves is a lot higher than it used to be and I think the supporters have got high expectations.
“They got a taste of finals last year ... they expect good performances and last night wasn’t good enough.”
The Blues are certain to be without young midfielder Kane Lucas - who injured a hamstring against the Swans - when they travel to Perth while they will sweat on the AFL match review panel’s assessment of a match-day report laid against defender Andrew Walker.
However in better news, Simpson said utility Ryan Houlihan should return against the Eagles.
