ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

Here are the most interesting stories in the AFC North:

• Terry Pluto of the Cleveland Plain Dealer writes that a Browns victory over the Bengals should quiet speculation of a coaching and quarterback controversy.

Morning take: In Cleveland, the win will only buy approximately a week of peace, perhaps two since the Browns have a bye upcoming.

• Paul Daugherty of the Cincinnati Enquirer believes things could get worse for the Bengals before they get better.

Morning take: Some of it depends on the long-term health of quarterback Carson Palmer (elbow). But with that brutal schedule, it may not matter.

• Speaking of quarterbacks, Mike Bires of the Beaver County Times says Baltimore Ravens rookie quarterback Joe Flacco could be in for a shock tonight against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Morning take: Flacco's personality is about as mellow as it gets for NFL quarterbacks. But how much freedom will offensive coordinator Cam Cameron give his prized rookie in his first road game?

• ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski tells John Grupp of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review he expects the Ravens to blitz early and often.

Morning take: Everyone will pressure the Steelers until they prove they can protect the quarterback. It will interesting to see what adjustments Pittsburgh will make after last week's nine-sack debacle.