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And the Peyton Manning pile-on continues.

John Harris of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review wrote an interesting column Tuesday, saying he would take Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger over Manning of the Indianapolis Colts.

For the past two weeks, Manning was often being called the greatest quarterback of all time. But after Sunday's loss in the Super Bowl, everyone is suddenly down on the Colts star.

Is "Big Ben" better than Manning?

Read the column and share your thoughts below.

As the reigning Super Bowl champions, the New Orleans Saints are guaranteed a nationally-televised home opener on Thursday night next season.

So here's a suggestion: How about the Pittsburgh Steelers against New Orleans in Week 1?

This high-profile game would pit the past two Super Bowl champions and a classic meeting between a high-powered offense versus a great defense. Quarterbacks Ben Roethlisberger and Drew Brees have three combined Super Bowl titles and are undefeated in the big game.

Pittsburgh is one of the top teams on New Orleans' home schedule next season. In addition to the Steelers, the only other teams on the Saints' home slate with winning records last season are the Atlanta Falcons and the Minnesota Vikings.

Minnesota-New Orleans would be an interesting rematch of the NFC title game. But if Vikings quarterback Brett Favre retires, this game loses all of its luster. (Possibly Tarvaris Jackson vs. Brees? No thanks.)

But Steel Town meets Bourbon Street? That sounds like a 2010 opener worth watching.

The NFL should make this happen when the schedules are released this spring.

After ranking the top players in the AFC North all week, here are the best of the best:

No. 4: Joe Thomas

Team: Cleveland Browns

Position: Left tackle

2009 stats: 16 starts

Analysis: You can go weeks -- and sometimes months -- without hearing Thomas' name called during the course of a season. That is the greatest tribute to his abilities. Thomas rarely gets penalized and seldom gives up sacks, which is exactly what you want from a left tackle. The three-time Pro Bowler is quick on his feet and not susceptible to the bull rush, which leaves defenders with few options. Thomas also is self-motivated. He has continued to play at an elite level despite Cleveland's 9-23 record the past two seasons.

No. 3: Ed Reed

Team: Baltimore Ravens

Position: Safety

2009 stats: 50 tackles, three interceptions

Analysis: Reed, 31, is considering retirement. But if he returns, Reed is still one of the NFL's elite defenders, particularly in pass coverage. Tremendous athleticism and constant film study often allow him to stay one step ahead of quarterbacks. Reed has soft hands and is a threat to take it to the house every time he makes an interception. Various injuries to his groin, foot and neck limited him to 12 games this season. The nerve condition in his neck is the most serious of his ailments and has caused some limitations in Reed's game the past two seasons with tackling and run support.

No. 2: Ben Roethlisberger

Team: Pittsburgh Steelers

Position: Quarterback

2009 stats: 4,328 yards, 26 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 100.5 passer rating

Analysis: There is a lot of debate on where Roethlisberger ranks among the elite quarterbacks in the NFL, but he is undoubtedly one of the top players in the AFC North. Roethlisberger, 27, already has two Super Bowl rings and has yet to experience a losing season in the NFL. "Big Ben" can make all the throws, has good mobility in the pocket and put up career numbers in 2009. His backyard style is unconventional. Roethlisberger takes a lot of sacks. But he still doesn't get enough credit for his ability to shrug off would-be defenders while making big plays downfield.

No. 1: Troy Polamalu

Team: Steelers

Position: Safety

2009 stats: Five games, 20 tackles, three interceptions

Analysis: Surprised? You shouldn't be. Not only is Polamalu the best player in the AFC North, but I feel he's the best defensive player in the entire NFL. No defender in the league combines world-class athleticism, smarts, fundamentals, natural football instincts and the knack for big plays better than Polamalu. Reed and Polamalu are in the same class, but Reed's aforementioned neck injury provides physical limitations Polamalu doesn't have. In five games Polamalu had three interceptions. Yes, he was injured (knee) most of last season. But Pittsburgh's performance on defense, particularly late in games, only strengthens Polamalu's case for the top spot in the debut of "Walker's Fab 40."

The AFC North earned three Super Bowl titles this past decade, which means there were plenty of great players in the division over that span.

Here is our AFC North all-decade team.

Quarterback: Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Analysis: You can really start and stop this argument with Roethlisberger's two Super Bowls wins in the decade. In terms of starting quarterbacks, Roethlisberger trails only the New England Patriots' Tom Brady, who won three titles in the decade. Outside of Carson Palmer of the Cincinnati Bengals, no one was even remotely close for consideration, unless you wanted to reach for quarterbacks who had one or two good seasons in the decade, such as Kordell Stewart, Joe Flacco or Derek Anderson.

Other considerations: Palmer (Bengals)

Running backs: Jamal Lewis (Cleveland Browns/Baltimore Ravens) and Jerome Bettis (Steelers)

Analysis: Typical of the AFC North, our all-decade backfield is as physical and heavy duty as it gets. Lewis, who retired after the 2009 season, registered 10,607 total rushing yards as a member of the Browns and Ravens. He had a 2,000-yard season with Baltimore in 2003. Bettis played six seasons (2000-05) in the decade with the Steelers and rushed for 5,199 yards in that span. Both players won Super Bowls and will be considered for the Hall of Fame. Although we don't have a traditional fullback, Bettis is versatile and big enough for the position.

Other considerations: Willie Parker (Steelers), Rudi Johnson (Bengals)

Receivers: Chad Ochocinco (Bengals) and Hines Ward (Steelers)

Analysis: We have a good mix at receiver. Ochocinco came to Cincinnati as a raw second-round pick who worked his way to become a six-time Pro Bowler and one of the biggest personalities in the NFL. Ward, a four-time Pro Bowler in the decade, was a former college quarterback who now is one of the toughest and smartest players in the league.

Other considerations: T.J. Houshmandzadeh (Bengals), Derrick Mason (Ravens)

Tight End: Todd Heap (Ravens)

Analysis: When you look at the total numbers over the past decade, Heap was the clear choice as the top tight end in the division. Heap caught 427 passes over that span and made two Pro Bowls. Pittsburgh's Heath Miller, who has 244 receptions, is two years younger and may eventually match Heap's production. But Heap has the better numbers to date. Former Browns tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. also put up impressive numbers in just three full seasons with Cleveland.

Other considerations: Miller (Steelers), Winslow Jr. (Browns)

Offensive line: OT Jonathan Ogden (Ravens), OT Willie Anderson (Bengals/Ravens), G Eric Steinbach (Browns/Bengals), G Alan Faneca (Steelers), C Jeff Hartings (Steelers)

Analysis: Besides leaving off three-time Pro Bowler Joe Thomas, putting the offensive line together was easier than I thought. Anderson of the Bengals got the edge over Thomas for two reasons: He's a natural right tackle and played nine years last decade at a high level. Thomas, with just three years, doesn't have the same longevity.

Other considerations: OT Thomas (Browns), OT Levi Jones (Bengals), C Rich Braham (Bengals)

Specialists: K Matt Stover (Ravens), P Chris Gardocki (Steelers/Browns), KR Josh Cribbs (Browns), LS Ryan Pontbriand (Browns)

Analysis: Stover made the Pro Bowl in 2000, and his 93.3 field goal percentage in 2006 led the NFL. He's been consistent for a very long time, which is all you ask from kickers. Gardocki and Dave Zastudil is a toss up. But Gardocki led the NFL in punts two years in a row (2000 and 2001) as well as punting yards in 2000. Zastudil cannot boast those claims. Cribbs was a no-brainer, and teammate Pontbriand made two Pro Bowls as Cleveland's long-snapper.

Other considerations: K Phil Dawson (Browns), K Jeff Reed (Steelers), P Zastudil (Ravens/Browns), B.J. Sams (Ravens)

Defense line: Casey Hampton (Steelers), Aaron Smith (Steelers), Justin Smith (Bengals)

Analysis: It's only fair that the AFC North all-decade defense runs a 3-4 scheme. Since 2001, Hampton has embodied what a 3-4 nose tackle looks like and plays like. He has five Pro Bowls in the decade, including this past season. Aaron Smith also is a prototype for 3-4 defensive ends. He's always put personal numbers aside so other defenders in Pittsburgh could flourish. Justin Smith of Cincinnati never quite lived up to his lofty draft status. But he was a consistent player for the Bengals.

Other considerations: DT Kelly Gregg (Ravens), DE Kimo von Oelhoffen (Steelers), DE Trevor Pryce (Ravens)

Linebackers: ILB Ray Lewis (Ravens), ILB James Farrior (Steelers), OLB Joey Porter (Steelers), OLB Terrell Suggs (Ravens)

Analysis: You can win a lot of games with this group. You have intelligence and physicality in the middle, and plenty of pass-rush ability on the outside. Lewis, a future Hall of Famer, is the captain and emotional leader of the all-decade defense. Farrior also has the smarts to keep everyone in line, while Suggs and Porter can fly around and wreak havoc on the quarterback. There were several very good candidates at outside linebacker. But Porter and Suggs were dominant forces in the AFC North for a longer period.

Other considerations: OLB James Harrison (Steelers), OLB Adalius Thomas (Ravens)

Defensive backs: CB Chris McAlister (Ravens), CB Ike Taylor (Steelers), S Troy Polamalu (Steelers), S Ed Reed (Ravens)

Analysis: Polamalu and Reed are two of the all-time great safeties, so there is no debate there. Also, fans may recently remember the aging and injured McAlister who was cut by the Ravens last year. But at one point "C-Mac" was the most physically dominant cornerback in the division. Taylor won two Super Bowls with the Steelers and is the best of what's left at cornerback. I also considered Anthony Henry, who played in Cleveland for four years during the decade and had one stellar season when he led the NFL with 10 interceptions in 2001.

Other considerations: CB Henry (Browns), S Rod Woodson (Ravens)

Here are the most interesting stories Wednesday in the AFC North:

• Former Washington Redskins head coach Jim Zorn is a potential candidate to replace Hue Jackson as quarterbacks coach of the Baltimore Ravens.

Morning take: This would be a good hire for the Ravens and particularly quarterback Joe Flacco. Zorn wasn't a great head coach, but he has a proven track record tutoring quarterbacks.

• Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer is looking for depth at the Senior Bowl.

Morning take: Cincinnati's defense is good. But I wouldn't consider it deep behind the starters, particularly in the secondary.

• Running back Willie Parker won two Super Bowls and created lasting memories with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Morning take: Parker had a great run in Pittsburgh, and you have to respect that he entered the NFL undrafted. But it's likely the pending free agent played his last game with the Steelers.

• Cleveland Browns president Mike Holmgren still isn't ready to commit to quarterback Brady Quinn.

Morning take: With rivals Ben Roethlisberger, Carson Palmer and Joe Flacco in the AFC North, Holmgren needs to figure out if Quinn fits with this group. The Browns can't get out of the basement in the division without solid quarterback play.

We looked ahead to the offseason in our latest "Thought of the Day" in the AFC North.

The question was which team has the quicker fix: The Pittsburgh Steelers or Baltimore Ravens?

Both teams entered this past season as Super Bowl contenders and fell short. Therefore, which organization is closer to becoming a title contender in 2010?

Here were responses from our AFC North inbox:

Dan from Omaha, Nebraska, writes: This is an easy one, James. Pittsburgh is closer. Pittsburgh's biggest problems this year were motivation and injuries (Troy Polamalu). Pitt played down to its level of competition all year. Pitt played well against the good teams and bad against the bad ones. There’s a reason they call it a Super Bowl hangover. There’s something to it and Pitt is neither the first or last team to suffer from it.

Don from Pittsburgh writes: This one is easy. B-more signs one big-time WR and its problems on offense are solved. Pittsburgh on the other hand has a horrible secondary, no real backup for 31-year-old James Harrison, a D-line that has been old for three years now, an O-line that is just lacking talent, and a hole at backup RB if Willie Parker leaves in free agency. The Steelers are also experiencing quite a lot of turnover in their coaching ranks this year.

Joey from Cincinnati writes: Both teams should be solid again, but you have to say that Pittsburgh is the team most likely to rebound. There are many reasons why this is the case, but you can pretty much sum it up with two words: Big Ben. Ben Roethlisberger is proven and a game changer. Joe Flacco hasn't shown it, and until he does, I'll pick the Steelers every time.

Mike Pallatto from Houston writes: Baltimore in my view is easier to fix. Pittsburgh is getting old on defense, and that will take time to fix, especially considering they draft players and hardly ever make any big free-agent signings. The offense is pretty much set, but they need depth at RB and OL.

Tim from Philly, PA, writes: The Steelers only need to add a little depth on defense. We can be corrected in the draft. The Ravens look like they may be losing even more depth on defense and offense with the possible retirements of Derrick Mason and Ed Reed.

Hank from Bel Air, MD, writes: The Steelers are in a better position today. Much will depend on the CBA. Baltimore could be in a position to losing a number of starters, especially in the wide receiver area. It sure looks like Flacco is going to have many new faces to throw the ball to and that doesn't bode well for Baltimore. Flacco and his new receivers will need a year or two to get on the same page. Baltimore is also short on tight ends. Todd Heap is good but the Ravens couldn't go with a lot of two tights during the year

James Savich from Bradenton, Florida, writes: I believe that the Steelers are closer to a title than the Ravens. Baltimore is getting old and key players might not be back next year. Pittsburgh has a nice draft pick this year, and the core of that team is coming back. If Pittsburgh picks up one of these three positions they will be solid next year, either a offensive lineman, linebacker, or a cornerback.

AFC North Final Word

James Walker: I have confidence in both front offices to make the necessary moves to be a contender next season. But as of January, Pittsburgh has fewer concerns. With a healthy Polamalu next season, the Steelers are already a playoff team in my opinion. Add depth and a few upgrades here and there through the draft and free agency, and Pittsburgh should have a bounce-back season. Meanwhile, the Ravens have a lot of free agents (Mason, Jared Gaither, Mark Clayton, Dawan Landry, Fabian Washington, Justin Bannan, Troy Smith) who have key roles with the team. They will have to take care of those decisions in addition to finding a big-name receiver, which will not be easy in an uncapped year. The possible retirements of Mason and Reed are also major, pending issues the team may have to deal with. I expect more work for Baltimore this offseason.

If you have any future "Thought of the Day" topics for the AFC North, feel free to send them to our division inbox.

ESPN NFL draft guru Mel Kiper has his first mock draft of the offseason.

Here is how Kiper sees the 2010 draft so far for the AFC North:

Cleveland Browns

Pick: No. 7

Kiper's selection: Joe Haden, CB, Florida

Analysis: Cleveland's draft direction is very unpredictable at this point with new president Mike Holmgren and general manager Tom Heckert stepping into new roles. However, Haden is the highest-rated cornerback in the draft. The Browns have a lot of needs and a shutdown defensive back is one of them. Haden would allow Eric Wright to become Cleveland's second cornerback and move Brandon McDonald to the nickel, where McDonald played well earlier in his career.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Pick: No. 18

Kiper's selection: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa

Analysis: If no worthy cornerbacks are available, the Steelers could take a hard look at their offensive line. Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger takes a ton of sacks, and some (not all) of the blame can be put on the players up front. The Steelers have passed up taking offensive lineman high in the draft recently. Kiper believes they are due in 2010.

Cincinnati Bengals

Pick: No. 21

Kiper's selection: Aaron Hernandez, TE, Florida

Analysis: A big-play receiver would help Cincinnati's offense more. But unfortunately for the Bengals, this is not a deep year for receivers. So they may have to settle for another position, and tight end also is an area of need. Hernandez is arguably the best pass-catching tight end in the draft. I'm also told there's a good chance Hernandez will wow some teams at the NFL combine with his athleticism. So while his stock may be late-first round now, it could rise out of Cincinnati's reach in the next several months.

Baltimore Ravens

Pick: No. 25

Kiper's selection: Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma

Analysis: I'm surprised Kiper sees two AFC North teams taking tight ends in the first round. Similar to the Bengals, I think receiver is Baltimore's biggest need on offense. Ravens starting tight end Todd Heap had a solid season in 2009. So Gresham would likely start next year as a backup if he joined the team. I think Baltimore's first-round pick could be better used at another position if the Ravens want an instant impact.

While multiple players are pulling out of the Pro Bowl, one very interesting name remains: Ed Reed.

The Baltimore Ravens safety is contemplating retirement following last weekend's 20-3 postseason loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Because of a nerve condition in his neck, Reed says he’s "50-50" on returning next season. Yet, as of Thursday, Reed is still on the AFC roster and scheduled to take the field again in less than two weeks.

But I don't expect that to happen.

Reed will visit with doctors soon to help determine his playing future, and it's highly unlikely playing in the Pro Bowl will be recommended. In addition to his neck, Reed also suffered groin and foot injuries during the season.

Numerous players, such as Green Bay Packers cornerback Charles Woodson, Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Jake Long and quarterbacks Ben Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tom Brady of the New England Patriots, have backed out of the Pro Bowl to recover from injuries.

With so many thoughts on health, family and retirement, Reed probably didn't get to his decision just yet. But look for Reed to soon join a long list of Pro Bowl players this year who said "Thanks, but no thanks."

Here are the most interesting stories Thursday in the AFC North:

• Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Antwan Odom (Achilles) is working to get back for the 2010 season.

Morning take: Odom was on a tear last season with eight sacks in six games. His return should be big for an already solid Bengals defense.

• Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco made strides in his second year. But struggles in the playoffs capped his season.

Morning take: Most people will remember the last couple of games. But when you look at Flacco's entire season, including 3,613 passing yards, there is a lot to get excited about.

• Ben Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers is among several quarterbacks who declined a Pro Bowl invite.

Morning take: I think I'm the fourth alternate. So if Peyton Manning takes the Indianapolis Colts to the Super Bowl, I will be waiting by the phone.

• New Cleveland Browns president Mike Holmgren says it's important to set up a good business model.

Morning take: Things are looking very structured in Cleveland for a change. It will be interesting to see if this translates into more victories in a competitive division.

Ben Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers was the first Pro Bowl alternate Wednesday to replace New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. But team doctors recommended Roethlisberger (shoulder) turn down the invite until he was fully recovered.

Roethlisberger hurt his right shoulder in Pittsburgh's regular-season finale against the Miami Dolphins. The injury will not require surgery.

The NFL announced Wednesday that Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub will replace Brady, instead of Roethlisberger, on the AFC roster.

"His shoulder was not 100 percent from our final game in Miami," Steelers head of public relations Dave Lockett said. "Our doctors and trainers have recommended that he should allow it to heal 100 percent."

Roethlisberger became the Steelers' first quarterback to throw for more than 4,000 yards in a season. After winning the Super Bowl last year, Pittsburgh finished 9-7 and missed the playoffs this season via a tiebreaker.

After losing several coaches in the past week, the Pittsburgh Steelers made an addition for 2010 by hiring Sean Kugler to be their offensive line coach.

Kugler was the former offensive line coach of the Buffalo Bills. You can read more about Kugler and his stint in Buffalo here in Tim Graham's AFC East blog.

Pittsburgh's offensive line has been a hot topic of discussion the past several seasons. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger likes to extend plays, which makes him very hard to block for and results in a high number of sacks.

Kugler will replace Larry Zierlein next season. It will be interesting to see what adjustments Kugler has in mind to fix Pittsburgh's much-maligned unit.

CINCINNATI -- Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer has the gaudy career statistics. He also has two Pro Bowls and a $100 million contract.

But outside of Tony Romo of the Dallas Cowboys, no quarterback this weekend needs a playoff win to enhance his reputation more than Cincinnati's former No. 1 overall pick.

"[The postseason] is how quarterbacks are remembered, created, judged," Palmer said candidly as Cincinnati (10-6) prepared for Saturday’s playoff game against the New York Jets (9-7).

Palmer, 30, is in his seventh season and has virtually no big-game experience. In his only playoff appearance in 2005, Palmer completed one pass to former teammate Chris Henry before blowing out his knee on Cincinnati's opening drive.

This weekend will mark the first postseason game for Palmer and Cincinnati since that devastating wild-card loss to the rival Pittsburgh Steelers. It took the Bengals four years to recover, while Pittsburgh and quarterback counterpart Ben Roethlisberger went on to win two Super Bowls in that span.

Palmer said he "absolutely" appreciates this playoff opportunity more than he did four years ago.

"This doesn’t happen every year. It doesn't happen every year to anybody," Palmer said. "When you come into the league and you go to the playoffs right away, you just assume that is what it is and it will be that way every year. ... It's hard not to think that coming into the league and right away going in.

"But now, seven years in and this is only my second time going, I realize how special the opportunity is and how much we need to take advantage of it, because it doesn't come around often."
(Read full post)

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A team-by-team analysis of the division. The arrow indicates which direction each team is trending.

Cincinnati Bengals

Final Power Ranking: No. 9

Biggest surprise: No one outside of Cincinnati’s locker room believed this team would win the AFC North this season. But the Bengals ran roughshod through the division with a 6-0 record. For the first time, the Bengals looked like a true AFC North team. Cincinnati ran the football extremely well and had the NFL’s fourth-ranked defense.

Biggest disappointment: When the Bengals drafted tackle Andre Smith with the sixth overall pick this past April, most NFL observers knew it was a bad pairing. Smith made several questionable business decisions leading up to the draft, including switching agents twice, and the Bengals are notoriously one of the league’s toughest teams when negotiating big-money contracts. As a result, Smith missed all of training camp in a contract dispute. He then broke a bone in his foot and missed the first nine games.

Biggest need: Cincinnati’s roster is talented, but its biggest need is another deep threat at receiver. No. 1 receiver Chad Ochocinco gets too much attention because there isn’t another player to stretch the field. Veteran Laveranues Coles does most of his work underneath at this stage of his career. Andre Caldwell made solid strides in his second year but is more of a possession receiver. Adding a speedy receiver via the draft or free agency could take Cincinnati’s offense to another level next season.

Team MVP: Tailback Cedric Benson is the engine behind the Bengals. He led the team with 1,251 rushing yards. His play took the pressure off quarterback Carson Palmer and helped keep the defense off the field. The Bengals were 6-0 when Benson rushed for more than 100 yards.

Schedule breakdown: The Bengals’ 1-3 record in the final month of the season has been a subject of debate. One school of thought is the team already had swept the division and was more concerned about the “second season.” Another school of thought is the Bengals are backing into the playoffs. Saturday’s wild-card game against the New York Jets will answer a lot of questions.

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Baltimore Ravens

Final Power Ranking: No. 11

Biggest surprise: Ravens coaches told anyone who would listen in the offseason that second-year tailback Ray Rice was going to be a stud, and they were right. Rice made his first Pro Bowl after rushing for 1,339 yards and catching 78 passes out of the backfield. Getting Rice and quarterback Joe Flacco in the 2008 draft laid a great foundation for Baltimore’s offense.

Biggest disappointment: Baltimore’s inconsistency this year has been baffling. Following a 3-0 start, the Ravens were 6-7 in their final 13 games. Baltimore has the talent to compete with anyone. But penalties and poor secondary play often prevented the Ravens from putting together consistent stretches throughout the season. It’s anyone’s guess which team will show up in the playoffs.

Biggest need: A big-play receiver has been a void in Baltimore for quite some time. Derrick Mason, Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams are all free agents in 2010. So general manager Ozzie Newsome has important decisions to make this offseason. Flacco looks like a franchise quarterback in the making, and it’s the responsibility of the front office to make sure he has enough weapons to continue his development.

Team MVP: Rice is the obvious choice. He was the one constant during an otherwise up-and-down season.

Schedule breakdown: Losses to the Bengals on Oct. 11 and Nov. 8 killed any chance of the Ravens winning the AFC North. Baltimore made the playoffs as a wild card for the second straight year. But a home playoff game would have made a significant difference.

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Pittsburgh Steelers

Final Power Ranking: No. 13

Biggest surprise: Rookie receiver Mike Wallace exploded on the scene this season. The third-round pick opened training camp as the fourth receiver behind Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes and Limas Sweed. But Sweed's early struggles opened the door for Wallace, who turned out to be a natural fit in the offense. Wallace had 39 receptions for 756 yards. His blazing speed allowed Wallace to lead the team with 19.4 yards per catch.

Biggest disappointment: Pittsburgh’s fourth-quarter defense was a season-long issue that couldn’t be resolved. The knee injury to safety Troy Polamalu hurt. But the Steelers had to be disappointed no one stepped up in his absence during the crucial moments of games. Things were so bad that at one point coach Mike Tomlin called a surprise onside kick with a two-point lead late in the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers. Many commended Tomlin for the move, but it was a strong statement that the coaches had lost confidence in the defense.

Biggest need: The William Gay experiment didn’t go well. So look for the Steelers to upgrade the cornerback position. Perhaps budding rookie cornerbacks Keenan Lewis and Joe Burnett can make enough strides in their second year to fill the void. Cornerback also could be a target with Pittsburgh’s first-round pick (No. 18) in April.

Team MVP: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had a career year with 4,328 passing yards and 26 touchdowns. A strong case can also be made for Polamalu, but Pittsburgh likely would be a sub-.500 team had Roethlisberger missed most of this season.

Schedule breakdown: Pittsburgh’s five-game losing streak in November and December sealed its fate, particularly losses to bottom-feeders such as the Oakland Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs and Cleveland Browns. It was actually surprising the Steelers were still in the playoff hunt in the final week. A three-game winning streak to end the year came a little too late.

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Cleveland Browns

Final Power Ranking: No. 25

Biggest surprise: Despite flashes of brilliance, running back Jerome Harrison spent most of his career buried on Cleveland’s depth chart. But a season-ending injury to Jamal Lewis (concussion) finally gave Harrison the opportunity he craved. He finished with a career-best 862 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Harrison’s 286-yard performance against the Kansas City Chiefs on Dec. 20 was third all time.

Biggest disappointment: The high-profile quarterback battle between Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson was a dud. The Browns entered training camp believing they had two starting-caliber NFL quarterbacks. But by the end of the season, the team wasn't sure either player is the long-term solution. Quinn won the job but was benched after three games. Anderson didn’t do much better with his opportunity. Quinn eventually returned and had some good moments before suffering a season-ending foot injury.

Biggest need: This may sound like an easy out, but Cleveland’s biggest need is overall talent. The Browns are lacking depth and impact players at just about every position. New president Mike Holmgren has his work cut out for him. The Browns have question marks at quarterback, receiver, tight end, linebacker, safety and cornerback.

Team MVP: Browns return specialist Josh Cribbs had arguably his best season with four returns for touchdowns (three kickoffs, one punt). Look for Cleveland to rework Cribbs’ contract in the offseason.

Schedule breakdown: The Browns ended the season as the hottest team in the AFC North. Cleveland’s four-game winning streak over the Steelers, Chiefs, Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars provided hope and potential momentum going into next season.

Here are the most interesting stories Friday in the AFC North:

• Baltimore Ravens first-year defensive coordinator Greg Mattison is making his mark with the team.

Morning take: Despite some rough stretches earlier this year, the Ravens are third in the NFL in total defense. Mattison deserves a lot of credit for that.

• The Cleveland Browns also have a lot of decisions to make with pending free agents such as running backs Jerome Harrison and Lawrence Vickers.

Morning take: Expect new president Mike Holmgren to watch a ton of film on the Browns between now and free agency. Harrison and Vickers look like keepers, but there are several more difficult decisions that await.

• The Pittsburgh Steelers selected quarterback Ben Roethlisberger as their 2009 Most Valuable Player.

Morning take: This was an easy pick. But it would be an interesting debate on who is more important to the team: Roethlisberger or safety Troy Polamalu?

• Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Rashad Jeanty is looking to step up in place of injured starter Rey Maualuga (ankle).

Morning take: Linebacker is probably the area Cincinnati has the most depth this year. Jeanty isn't green. He started 15 games in 2008.

In our latest "Take your pick" in the AFC North, we asked our community to select this year's biggest Pro Bowl snub in the division.

There were many names up for consideration, but only one player could be chosen.

Here is a sample from our AFC North inbox:

Joel from Columbus, Ohio, writes: Johnathan Joseph was the biggest snub from the Cincinnati Bengals. It's gotten to where teams just avoid him. He's got hands of stone or he'd have double digit picks and a few more TDs. There's no corner in the league I'd trade Joseph for. As of now, his presence alone causes havoc.

Eric from Cincinnati writes: Johnathan Joseph got the biggest snub by a mile. There is absolutely no way you can look at the stat lines or play of Champ Bailey or Nnamdi Asomugha and say that either one of them has had a better season than J. Jo, or Leon Hall for that matter. But I give J. Jo the slight edge over Hall, because of Hall's performance in the San Diego game. Regardless, if Bengals fans are this mad just imagine how mad the players are. I would not want to be whoever faces them in the wild-card round.

Kevin from Indianapolis, Ind., writes: Biggest snub would have to be Leon Hall. Look at his stats from ‘08 and ‘09. He was ranked first in ‘08 with 27 pass defenses and three interceptions and third right now with 30 pass defenses and six interceptions. Compared to other corners, he is easily top three. I also include Johnathan Joseph in the top three as well.

Josh B from Raleigh, N.C., writes: I'd have to say LaMarr Woodley was the biggest snub. Unfortunately there are only so many spots available. Cedric Benson and Ben Roethlisberger had good seasons, but not to put them in above the others who got in. I just don't see it.

Eric W. from Los Angeles writes: There is no bigger snub than the Bengals' lack of any representation maybe in the history of the league. It has been almost 40 years since a division championship team has sent no one to the Pro Bowl. I think Benson should have gotten in over Maurice Jones-Drew despite trailing him a bit in the stats, if only because he's been more important to a successful team this year.

Matt from New Jersey writes: I think the biggest snub was Ben Roethlisberger. He not only threw for 4,000 yards for the first time in his career, he also has led the Steelers on a comeback trail to the playoffs. Even though they probably won’t make it, they came so close because of him. I really think he should have made it.

Joey from Cincinnati, Ohio, writes: The top snub HAS to be Santonio Holmes. Not only has he surpassed future Hall of Famer Hines Ward as the Steelers' No. 1 receiver, but the numbers don’t lie, either. Santonio is tied for third in the league with Reggie Wayne for yardage, and he's caught 18 less balls. If that's not Pro Bowl production, what is?

Kovacs from Santa Monica writes: Um, hello...Ryan Pontbriand, the best long-snapper in football! In all seriousness, I'll go with Cedric Benson. It's tough to argue with Jones-Drew, Chris Johnson and Ray Rice, but the steadiest player on the division winner should be in. Also weighing in Benson’s favor, in my opinion, is the fact that Roethlisberger probably will get in when all is said and done. It's likely that either Philip Rivers, Peyton Manning or Tom Brady will play in the Super Bowl and pass up the Pro Bowl.

Dave from Newark, Del., writes: I think the person who was snubbed the most from the AFC North is Derrick Mason. This year he finally reached career achievements that are only reserved for the top wide outs in history. How many can claim 800 career receptions or an eighth 1000-yard receiving season?

Ben Hensley from Cincinnati writes: Why does nobody mention Dhani Jones as a snub in the Pro Bowl? I've seen all kinds of people mention that Hall, Joseph and Benson were snubbed, but you can certainly make a case for Dhani Jones as well. He the leading tackler and leader of the Bengals defense which got them to where they are today. He also plays well against the pass, and I can easily make a case that he had a better year than Ray Lewis.

Greg from Cleveland writes: Based on his play the past few weeks especially, I'd nominate Jerome Harrison as the biggest snub for the Pro Bowl. He has showed us this season that if given the full-time RB job and consistent carries he is one of the best backs in the league. This, mind you is all based on potential and the promise that this will continue into 2010.

(Editor's note: Jerome Harrison? C’mon, man!)

AFC North final say

James Walker: As you can see, there were definitely some interesting names mentioned. The Bengals don't have the star power of the other division winners, but it doesn't mean their players didn't play at a high level. Of all the Bengals, I think Benson had the best individual season and was worthy of the Pro Bowl, especially with his performance in big games within the division. But the competition at tailback every year is so fierce that it's hard to take any of Benson's competition off the list.