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Every morning, grab a cup of coffee and get your AFC North wake-up call here:

Bengals linebacker Dontay Moch has been suspended four games for using a banned substance, pending an appeal, according to NFL.com's Jason LaCanfora.

Moch, a third-round pick in 2011, didn't play in a game as a rookie last year. After recovering from a broken foot in the preseason opener, he missed significant practice time with migraines.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello declined to comment on the report to the Cincinnati Enquirer. After the news broke, Moch posted on Twitter: “Mistakes happens! Learn [and] move forward.”

Hensley's slant: The Bengals need more of a pass rush presence opposite Carlos Dunlap, but Moch's development is being repeatedly slowed down. If Moch loses his appeal, this will mark the third straight year that a Bengals player has been suspended for using a performance-enhancing substance. Defensive end Antwan was disciplined for four games in 2010 and guard Bobbie Williams received the same punishment last season.

BROWNS: This could be Josh Cribbs' final season with the Browns, according to the News-Herald in Northern Ohio. Because new NFL rules have diminished kickoff returners, Cribbs might have to take a pay cut from his 2012 salary ($1.4 million) if he wants to remain on the team, the paper reported. Also, in a legal update, Cribbs reached a plea agreement in his speeding case. He was charged for driving 103 mph in a 60-mph zone. The charge was reduced to driving 89 mph in a 60-mph zone, which put two points on his license and carried a $302 fine. Hensley's slant: Cribbs ranked fourth in the AFC in kickoff returns, led the Browns' wide receivers with four touchdowns and a 12.6-yard per catch average and topped the team in special teams tackles. It looks like the Browns are getting a good value out of Cribbs at $1.4 million, and a paycut should not be a requirement to stay. But the drafting of Travis Benjamin does threaten Cribbs' place as a returner and receiver.

RAVENS: There have been no internal discussions within the Ravens' front office to reduce Terrell Suggs' 2012 salary after he tore his Achilles away from team headquarters, according to the Baltimore Sun. Baltimore has the right to put Suggs on the Non-Football Injury list and not pay him for the games he will be sidelined. Based on his $4.9 million salary in 2012, the Ravens could save $2 million if Suggs missed seven games on the Non-Football Injury list. Hensley's slant: As I previously wrote, trying to take money away from Suggs would be a bad idea. Whether he was injured in a conditioning test or a basketball game, he was keeping in shape, which hasn't always been the case with Suggs. Plus, it wasn't like he was racing on a motorcycle or cliff diving.

STEELERS: Wide receiver Mike Wallace and the team's top two draft picks will be absent when the Steelers open their organized team activities Tuesday, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Wallace has yet to sign his restricted free-agent tender of $2.7 million and won't be required to attend. Guard David DeCastro and offensive tackle Mike Adams, who were drafted in the first two rounds in April, will miss the offseason workouts until their schools have completed final exams, the Post-Gazette reported. Hensley's slant: Wallace likely won't return to the team until training camp. The Steelers could reduce his tender to $577,500 if the doesn't sign his tender before June 15, which is one day after the full-team minicamp ends. Pittsburgh, though, isn't expected to make such a move. Also, it is believed that DeCastro could attend the OTAs because he has already graduated Stanford.

Every morning, grab a cup of coffee and get your AFC North wake-up call here:

The Baltimore Ravens could be in line to make a repeat appearance on HBO's "Hard Knocks" this summer.

If the New York Jets pass on the show, HBO has interest in featuring the Ravens and San Francisco 49ers, sources told Fox Sports. The show, which chronicles training camp, would feature the NFL's head-coaching brothers John and Jim Harbaugh.

A Ravens spokesman told the Baltimore Sun that he was unaware of any request from HBO. The Ravens were the first team to be featured on "Hard Knocks" in 2001 when they were defending Super Bowl champions.

The Ravens might not be high on HBO's list anymore. Sources told ESPNNewYork.com that HBO has extended an offer to the Atlanta Falcons to be on this year's show.

Hensley's slant: I would be shocked if the Ravens agreed to be on the show. When the Ravens were on "Hard Knocks" 11 years ago, their head coach was Brian Billick, who never minded the media attention and actually seemed to enjoy it. The same can't be said for John Harbaugh, who seems uncomfortable when the local media shoot parts of the open media viewing of practice. That's why I can't see Harbaugh signing off on cameras in meeting rooms and having it broadcast on national TV.

BENGALS: The team announced that it re-signed offensive tackle Dennis Roland, who was used mainly as an extra blocking tight end last season after being the primary starter at right tackle in 2009 and 2010. Bengals coach Marvin Lewis also did not completely rule out re-signing Bobbie Williams. “We can’t close the door to it,” Lewis said, via the Cincinnati Enquirer. “What Bobbie has meant to this team, he’s been an incredible locker room guy and in the huddle.” Hensley's slant: The thinking here is that Williams would be a solid fallback option if the Bengals don't like any of the guards available in the early rounds of the draft. I still see the Bengals having a good shot at either Stanford's David DeCastro with the 17th overall pick or Georgia's Cordy Glenn at No. 21.

BROWNS: The team wraps up its pre-draft visits by meeting with Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill on Sunday and Monday, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. The paper believes that the Browns have four options with the fourth overall pick if they decide not to trade down: Tannehill, Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon, Alabama running back Trent Richardson and LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne. Hensley's slant: I'm still not buying the Browns' interest in Tannehill at No. 4. There's also a chance that he won't even be available when the Browns are on the clock at this spot. Some predict the Miami Dolphins will trade to move up to No. 3 to take Tannehill.

STEELERS: Tight end-fullback David Johnson signed his restricted free-agent tender, which will pay him $1.26 million this season. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac expects the Steelers to carry three tight ends this season and sees the team cutting Weslye Saunders if it likes recently signed Leonard Pope. Saunders has reportedly been suspended the first four games for violating the NFL's policy on performance enhancing substances. Hensley's slant: This scenario could very well happen because the suspension might be causing the Steelers to reconsider why they signed Saunders as an undrafted free agent. He left South Carolina after his junior season because he was kicked off the team in September 2010 for violating team rules. That was one of the reasons teams didn't draft him even though he was regarded as one of the top tight ends coming out of college last year.

Some might have been surprised when the Bengals agreed to a one-year deal with guard Jacob Bell. It has been four weeks since he visited Cincinnati.

But adding Bell makes sense, especially signing him to a short-term contract. The Bengals needed a right guard heading into the draft, and they could do much worse than a lineman who has 100 career starts. This isn't to say Bell was signed to be the starter, because he's a below-average run-blocker.

So, what does the signing of Bell mean? He's a one-year insurance policy. The Bengals will still likely draft Stanford's David DeCastro or Georgia's Cordy Glenn if one is available at one of the team's two first-round picks. The addition of Bell means they don't have to draft one of them.

The Bengals have more flexibility and can take the best player available at the 17th and 21st overall picks. They don't have to draft solely on need. And, even if the Bengals don't draft a guard, Bell will probably have to beat out Clint Boling and Otis Hudson for the job.

Finding someone to fill the spot long manned by Bobbie Williams was one of the last glaring holes in Cincinnati's starting lineup. The Bengals addressed left guard earlier this offseason when they signed Panthers free agent Travelle Wharton.

Football Outsiders analyzed the biggest holes facing each AFC North team going into the offseason. While I can't reveal everything because it's an Insider post, I'll provide the most interesting nugget of information for each team.

BENGALS: Running back, guard. This is a no-brainer because the starting running back (Cedric Benson) and the three guards that started the most games (Nate Livings, Mike McGlynn and Bobbie Williams) are unrestricted free agents. Best note from Football Outsiders: Livings and McGlynn combined to blow seven run blocks that directly resulted in negative yardage.

BROWNS: Running back. Honestly, Football Outsiders could have named every position on offense. Running back stands out because of injuries and ineffectiveness. Peyton Hillis, Montario Hardesty and Chris Ogbonnaya all failed to provide big plays in the running game. Best note from Football Outsiders: The Browns ranked 30th (2010) and 32nd (2011) in second-level yards by running backs. They also ranked 24th (2010) and 31st (2011) in open-field yards.

RAVENS: Interior offensive line, special teams. Everyone knows the Ravens could have major holes with center Matt Birk and left guard Ben Grubbs becoming free agents. The best observation was the struggles of the special teams, especially the coverage teams. It could get worse because four of Baltimore's top five tacklers on special teams are set to become unrestricted free agents: Tom Zbikowski, Haruki Nakamura, Brendon Ayanbadejo and Jameel McClain. Best note from Football Outsiders: According to Football Outsiders, the Ravens' special teams went from a No. 4 ranking in 2010 to 30th this season, which has to bother a former special-teams coach like John Harbaugh.

STEELERS: Defensive line. Nose tackle Casey Hampton is coming off ACL surgery, and defensive end Brett Keisel severely hurt his groin in the playoff loss at Denver. Backup nose tackle Chris Hoke retired and defensive end Aaron Smith could be next. Best note from Football Outsiders: Early indications suggest that Ziggy Hood will slide over to nose tackle in place of Hampton, Cameron Heyward will start in Hood's old spot on the strong side, Keisel will return at right defensive end.

Here are the major injuries for the division teams in this weekend's wild-card games:

BENGALS: Outside of key starters on injured reserve (cornerback Leon Hall and guard Bobbie Williams), the Bengals look like one of the healthiest teams in the playoffs. Two backups, S Taylor Mays (hamstring) and LB Dontay Moch (illness), are both doubtful and won't play. There are seven players who are probable. One of them is QB Andy Dalton (illness), who had his first full practice of the week today. ... As for the Texans, QB T.J. Yates (left shoulder) and WR Andre Johnson (hamstring) are both probable. Both had full practices all week.

STEELERS: C Maurkice Pouncey (ankle) is officially listed as questionable after not practicing the past two days. But The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting that the Pro Bowl center is out after aggravating his left ankle last Sunday at Cleveland and again in practice. If Pouncey is sidelined, Doug Legursky (probable, shoulder) would move from left guard to center, and Chris Kemoeatu will start at left guard. QB Ben Roethlisberger (ankle), who said he had a setback with the injury in last Sunday's game, is probable after full practices on Thursday and Friday. Three defensive starters -- LB James Harrison (toe), S Troy Polamalu (calf) and DE Brett Keisel (groin) -- are all probable after missing practices Wednesday and Thursday but returning for a full one Friday. This could mean that Woodley and Harrison will both be playing Sunday. They have started just one game together since Week 4. ... For the Broncos, S Brian Dawkins (neck) is out as expected. This will be his third missed game in four weeks. Third-year safety David Bruton (questionable, Achilles) is expected to replace Dawkins.

As the regular season begins to wind down, it's time for the playoffs -- as well as draft talk -- to begin to heat up.

ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay offered his first 2012 mock draft Wednesday, with a draft order that projected the Cleveland Browns at No. 4 and 24 (from Atlanta), the Cincinnati Bengals at No. 18 (from Oakland) and 21, the Baltimore Ravens at No. 27 and the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 28.

You'll need an Insider subscription to view the entire draft, but here's a look at the AFC North part of it:

4. Cleveland Browns

Player: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Hensley's comment: The Browns are taking someone on the offensive side of the ball. That's obvious. The drafting of Richardson means a quick exit for Peyton Hillis.

18. Cincinnati Bengals

Player: David DeCastro, G, Stanford

Hensley's comment: This makes a lot of sense because the Bengals are expected to part ways with longtime guard Bobbie Williams. If you believe Andy Dalton is your franchise quarterback, you need to start investing in offensive linemen.

21. Cincinnati Bengals

Player: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

Hensley's comment: Safety is a bigger need in the secondary, but coach Marvin Lewis knows the importance of having talented young cornerbacks. He used first-rounders on Leon Hall and Johnathan Joseph.

24. Cleveland Browns

Hensley's comment: There's such a need for playmakers that it wouldn't be surprising to see the Browns use another first-rounder on offense. A downfield presence like South Carolina's Alshon Jeffery would be a solid pickup if he's still available.

27. Baltimore Ravens

Player: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

Hensley's comment: The Ravens need a guard to replace free agent Ben Grubbs more than a tackle. Remember, left tackle Bryant McKinnie was signed to a two-year contract. This could be the year when the Ravens have to look at inside linebacker in the first round.

28. Pittsburgh Steelers

Player: Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia

Here are the main injuries around the division and what they mean:

BENGALS: Cincinnati could be starting two backups on the right side of the offensive line. Mike McGlynn is taking over at RG for Bobbie Williams, who has been placed on injured reserve. RT Andre Smith (ankle, questionable) didn't practice Thursday and Friday. Anthony Collins would replace Smith, who has been among the most-improved players on the team. DE Carlos Dunlap (hamstring), who has been out for four of the past five games, is probable after being limited in practice all week. RB Cedric Benson (back), CB Nate Clements (hamstring), S Chris Crocker (knee) and LB Manny Lawson (ankle) are all probable.

BROWNS: Cleveland finally made it official and ruled out QB Colt McCoy (concussion), who hasn't practiced since getting hit in the head by Steelers LB James Harrison. Seneca Wallace makes his fifth start for the Browns. TE Ben Watson (concussion, placed on injured reserve), FB Owen Marecic (concussion) and SS T.J. Ward (foot) are also out. WR Josh Cribbs (groin) and RB Montario Hardesty (calf) are questionable. RB Peyton Hillis had full practices all week and wasn't listed on the injury report.

RAVENS: CB Lardarius Webb (toe, questionable) is considered the most serious after not practicing all week. Jimmy Smith and Cary Williams are expected to start for Baltimore at cornerback. LB Ray Lewis (toe, questionable) is expected to return after being sidelined for four weeks. DE Cory Redding (ankle, questionable) returned to practice after missing Wednesday and Thursday. DT Haloti Ngata (back, questionable) has been limited all week but should start. K Billy Cundiff (left calf, questionable) didn't practice this week but that was considered precautionary because he kicked last Sunday with the same injury.

STEELERS: Official designations will come out Saturday because the Steelers play on Monday night. QB Ben Roethlisberger (ankle) practiced for the first time this week, although it was on a limited basis. SS Troy Polamalu (hamstring), C Maurkice Pouncey (ankle) and WR Emmanuel Sanders (foot) all didn't practice.

Revisiting the Cincinnati Bengals' 20-19 loss to the visiting Houston Texans:

The Bengals didn't just lose a pivotal game in their season. They lost one of the cornerstones to their offensive line.

Cincinnati placed right guard Bobbie Williams on injured reserve after he broke his ankle Sunday. Head coach Marvin Lewis said he will look at both Mike McGlynn, who replaced Williams on Sunday, and rookie Clint Boling before deciding on who will start Sunday at St. Louis.

Williams, who played for the Bengals since 2004, has made all 118 of his starts at right guard for the Bengals. During his time in Cincinnati, he missed only seven games -- three due to an appendectomy in 2006 and four for a suspension for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances.

This could be the last game in Cincinnati for Williams, who is in the last year of his contract.

“Bobbie thinks he has some good years in him and I think he does,” center Kyle Cook told the team's website. “Whether it’s here or somewhere else, I wish him the best. I hope he comes back, but it’s out of my hands and probably out of his hands too.”

STAT THAT STICKS: 10 -- Number of plays of 17 yards or more given up by the Bengals defense on Sunday

OVERHEARD: "It hurts. I think everyone is frustrated with it. We made a lot of plays in this game and played really good at times. To have a game slip away like this where you had a chance to win, it hurts.” -- Bengals offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth

WHAT'S NEXT: The Bengals play at St. Louis (2-10), which hasn't won at home since beating New Orleans on Oct. 30.

CINCINNATI -- The Cincinnati Bengals aren't a playoff team this year.

That's not to say they're eliminated from the postseason. That's not to say the Bengals will fail to reach the playoffs next season and the next five years after that. But Sunday's 20-19 loss -- make that punch-in-the-gut collapse -- to the Houston Texans illustrates one point: The Bengals aren't ready.

Playoff teams come through in the clutch in December. They don't allow a rookie third-string quarterback to drive 80 yards in the final minutes to score the winning touchdown.

Playoff teams finish off teams on their home turf during a playoff run. They don't squander nine-point leads in the fourth quarter. They don't let a receiver go uncovered across the middle of the field on second-and-goal in the final seconds.

It would be easy to say the Bengals looked like the Bungles. Let's not go there. The Bengals simply looked like a young team that flinched when they needed to punch back.

“It’s a defeated feeling today," safety Chris Crocker said. "I can’t even put it into words how bad this hurts, especially being in it until eight seconds left. We just had so many opportunities. I can’t even put a word on how much this hurts."

Crocker added, "It was just one of those games where there were missed opportunities time after time after time. It was our own fault. We put ourselves in bad positions. Offensively and defensively, we just made critical errors all day long. And that’s why we lost this game.”

Some might argue that this is putting too much into one game. But Marvin Lewis was the one who called this the "biggest" game of his nine-year Bengals coaching career. Instead, he suffered one of the biggest collapses. Lewis talked about a "rebirth." Instead, he watched a loss that might have killed his best coaching season.

Hey, what's that saying ... If a team falls and there is no one there to see it, does it make a sound? Ok, that's a low blow, but it's accurate. The second-smallest crowd (41,202) in Paul Brown history showed up, leaving 24,333 seats unfilled. Those empty seats matched the Bengals' empty feeling.

"As far as the team goes, they are very disappointed and I’m going to have to pump some air in them," Lewis said. "We have to make some corrections and get back on track. Before this game, we controlled our own destiny, and now I can’t tell you what is going to happen. We have to move forward and see what happens."

The Bengals entered this game with a hold on the sixth and final playoff spot in the AFC. They left with a 7-6 record, one game back of the New York Jets (8-5), who grabbed the No. 6 seed away from them.

Even if Cincinnati is able to get that playoff spot back in the final three weeks, the Bengals will be a playoff team in name only. The Bengals are a team that will do damage in future seasons. They have the NFL's best rookie quarterback-receiver combination in the past two decades. They have a defense that will come back stronger with a healthy Leon Hall and Carlos Dunlap.

At this point, Cincinnati isn't on the same level as Baltimore and Pittsburgh. And the Bengals proved today that they can't beat a Texans team that is without its top two quarterbacks and star wide receiver Andre Johnson.

The Bengals are now 1-6 against teams that currently have winning records.

"It's not even about the playoffs anymore. It's about winning games," Crocker said. "We can't think about the postseason until we start winning games. It's a remote idea right now."

Everything that the Bengals did right -- a 97-yard touchdown drive, a 49-yard field goal in the final seconds of the first half and a season-high four turnovers forced -- gets lost in what the Bengals did wrong.

Cincinnati had first-and-goal at the Houston 1-yard line in the first quarter until right guard Bobbie Williams' false start (that led to a field goal instead of a touchdown). The Bengals were 1 of 3 in the red zone.

Cincinnati had a 13-point lead to open the second half until quarterback Andy Dalton was stripped from behind on the second play of the third quarter. Rookie tight end Colin Cochart couldn't block Connor Barwin, who caused the fumble inside the Bengals' 20-yard line (leading to a quick Texans touchdown).

And Cincinnati forced a fumble early in the fourth quarter, but defensive end Frostee Rucker coughed it up while trying to score. Then, Bengals safety Reggie Nelson and linebacker Manny Lawson fought over the ball, which allowed the Texans to regain control at their own 2-yard line.

Leading 19-10 at the time, the Bengals could have had the ball in the red zone and with a chance to put the game away. But three Bengals couldn't hold onto the fumble. The Texans marched 83 yards for a field goal to pull within 19-13 and set up the dramatic finish.

"That should have been one of the [turnovers] that would have helped us tremendously," Lawson said.

Their biggest downfall came on the final drive. On third-and-15, the Bengals allowed Yates to scramble for 17 yards. Then, after a 17-yard pass interference penalty on cornerback Adam Jones, they allowed the 152nd pick of the draft to throw the winning touchdown when linebacker Brandon Johnson followed tight end Owen Daniels and let Walter run free over the middle.

"A rookie quarterback beat us today," Crocker said. "I don't even know what to say. Wow. I don't even know what to say."

The Bengals are a good team. They are a promising one. But the Bengals have made it clear that they're not a playoff team.

"We knew if we came out there and outperformed them, it was a matter of time where we would get our chance to shine," Maualuga said. "But it sucks to look at that scoreboard and see that we lost by one point when we knew we had the whole game in the palm of our hands."

Every morning, grab a cup of coffee and get your AFC North wake-up call here:

The Browns have made no commitment to Colt McCoy to be their starting quarterback beyond this season, team president Mike Holmgren said at Thursday's news conference.

"I know it's not healthy to change quarterbacks," Holmgren said via The Plain Dealer. "But you have to find that person. ... Colt is just a pup. He's getting banged around out there. He will play this season and ... we'll evaluate how he does at the end of the season. That's an important part of the equation."

McCoy has averaged 21.6 incompletions over his past three games. His 28.5 QBR is 23rd in the NFL, just above recently benched quarterbacks Donovan McNabb and Rex Grossman.

"[McCoy] is a rookie [actually, a second-year player] with a new coach, new signal-caller, new system," Holmgren said. "Are we committed to him? Absolutely. Does it guarantee him the starting position? I want him to do well. Everyone's rooting for him."

Hensley's slant: This is a major shift from April 2010, when McCoy said Holmgren compared him to Steve Young and Joe Montana because of his intangibles. This vote of no confidence comes after 13 up-and-down NFL starts for McCoy. One of the reasons why the Browns have failed to challenge for the AFC North title consistently is the lack of a franchise quarterback. Until they get one, Cleveland will always be chasing the Steelers and the Ravens.

• BENGALS: Right guard Bobbie Williams didn't hold back when he compared Andy Dalton to Carson Palmer, who was traded to the Raiders on Tuesday. “Just to be politically correct, Andy brings something that Carson doesn’t -- and I’m not knocking Carson -- a little bit more passion," Williams told the team's website. "I’m not saying Carson isn’t passionate, but Andy brings a little bit more.” Hensley's slant: There have always been questions about Palmer's leadership ability. In his defense, it can be hard to take control of a locker room that has the likes of Chad Ochocinco in it. Still, even as a rookie, Dalton is getting teammates to follow him.
• RAVENS: The Ravens' secondary got an unexpected surprise when first-round pick Jimmy Smith (high ankle sprain) and Chris Carr (hamstring) both returned to practice, according to MASNSports.com. Smith has been sidelined since the season opener , and Carr has missed the past two games. Three Ravens didn't practice Thursday: wide receiver Lee Evans (ankle), guard Ben Grubbs (toe) and linebacker Jarret Johnson (back). Hensley's slant: There really is no need to rush Smith and Carr back for Monday's game against Jacksonville rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert, who threw for 109 yards last Sunday in a loss to the Steelers. Baltimore needs both cornerbacks to be at full strength when the Ravens play at Pittsburgh on Nov. 6.
• STEELERS: Pittsburgh defensive tackle Ziggy Hood told The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that if you get to Arizona quarterback Kevin Kolb, you stop wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. Kolb has been sacked an average of 3.2 times per game, which is even more than Ben Roethlisberger (3.0). Hensley's slant: It also helps to have a guy who can cover Fitzgerald. Ike Taylor likely draws that assignment after just allowing his first touchdown. The Steelers can't afford to have flashbacks of Fitzgerald from that Super Bowl victory.

Bobbie Williams is expected to start at right guard after taking pre-game warmups there with the Bengals' starting offense, according to the team's Web site.

Williams is in his first game back after serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances. His return is a boost for the Bengals' running game.

Cincinnati, though, won't have nickel back Kelly Jennings (hamstring), who was scratched. The Bengals' other inactives are: offensive lineman Clint Boling, receiver Ryan Whalen, tight end Colin Cochart, linebacker Dontay Moch, tackle Anthony Collins and safety Robert Sands.

For the Jaguars, defensive end Aaron Kampman is inactive along with running back Montell Owens, wide receiver Kassim Osgood, cornerback Derek Cox, safety Courtney Green, offensive lineman Jason Spitz and tight end Zach Miller.

Every morning, grab a cup of coffee and get your AFC North wake-up call here:

Steelers linebacker James Harrison vented his frustrations about the team's underachieving defense, telling the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that changes must be made if the struggles continue.

"Every man needs to do his job, take care of his responsibilities," Harrison told the paper. "It's not the scheme, it's not other BS; it's each man doing his job, and, right now, every man is not doing his job, period."

If Harrison isn't blaming the scheme, he's pointing fingers at the players, although he didn't name anyone specifically.

"Each man needs to nut up, look at himself and get in there and take care of his responsibilities," he said. "Each play is 11 individuals; if one person doesn't get the job done, it looks bad for the whole squad."

Hensley's slant: Harrison didn't name anyone, but everyone else sure can. Defensive end Aaron Smith is getting beat at the point of attack, linebacker James Farrior has disappeared and safety Troy Polamalu is missing tackles. But before we push the panic button, the Steelers' defense is still ranked second in the NFL in fewest yards allowed and fifth in points given up. What's missing is the game-changing plays that everyone has come to expect from this defense.

• BENGALS: Right guard Bobbie Williams is back from his four-game suspension for using a performance-enhancing substance. He could play Sunday at Jacksonville, coach Marvin Lewis said via Bengals.com. Mike McGlynn started at right guard last Sunday after rookie Clint Boling had started the first three games. Hensley's slant: Williams' return is a boost to the running game. He is still the second-best offensive lineman on the team even though he isn't the same player from a few years ago. Look for the Bengals to start running more to the right side, where Williams packs a strong punch.
• BROWNS: Pro Bowl center Alex Mack played Sunday with appendicitis and underwent surgery Monday, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. He will rest during the bye week and hasn't been ruled out for the Oct. 16 game at Oakland. Per the Plain Dealer, Mack threw up during Thursday's practice and played against the Titans with what he considered to be the flu. Hensley's slant: Not sure how Mack played with appendicitis, but no one should count him out for that next game. Unfortunately, Mack's toughness will probably stir up the debate again with running back Peyton Hillis, who recently sat out a game with strep throat.
• RAVENS: There was no update on the status of starting safety Tom Zbikowski, according to The Baltimore Sun. Zbikowski suffered a concussion Sunday night against the Jets, but he will have a week to rest because Baltimore is on its bye week. Hensley's slant: This isn't a major problem for the Ravens because there's no drop-off with backup Bernard Pollard. Although injuries forced the Ravens to use both Zbikowski and Pollard in their nickel defense, depth shouldn't be a problem with cornerbacks Jimmy Smith (ankle) and Chris Carr (hamstring) expected to return following the bye.

Here are the player reps for each AFC North team, according to the NFLPA:

Baltimore Ravens: WR Derrick Mason

Alternates: CB Chris Carr, C Matt Birk

Skinny: Mason is one of the most experienced and outspoken players on the Ravens. Therefore he fits great in this role. Carr and Birk are also two great alternatives from Baltimore.

Cincinnati Bengals: LT Andrew Whitworth

Alternates: G Bobbie Williams, TE Reggie Kelly

Skinny: This trio comprises Cincinnati's locker room leaders. Whitworth has taken an increased role and is usually the one who briefs the rest of the Bengals on player issues. Williams and Kelly are both elder statesmen and combine for 25 years of NFL experience.

Cleveland Browns: TE Robert Royal

Alternates: OT Tony Pashos, CB Sheldon Brown, TE Ben Watson

Skinny: Lately the Browns have been a strange team when it comes to union reps. With three regime changes the past few years, it's been a rotating door. Royal was recently released by the Browns, meaning Cleveland will have another player rep next season. All the alternatives spent their first year with the Browns in 2010.

Pittsburgh Steelers: S Ryan Clark

Alternates: WR Antwaan Randle El, LT Max Starks

Skinny: Like Mason, Clark is never afraid to speak his mind. He recently had a lot to say on the pending NFL lockout during Super Bowl week. Randle El and Starks are both intelligent alternatives, as well.

Last month the AFC North blog said it was time to blow up the Cincinnati Bengals.

Now we will explain how to rebuild this struggling franchise.

Coming off a division title and playoff appearance in 2009, Cincinnati is having its most disappointing season in recent memory. The Bengals are 2-10 and headed toward one of the top picks in the draft.

It will be a very interesting offseason in Cincinnati. The Bengals have key decisions to make on their coaching staff, as well as positions such as quarterback, running back and receiver.

The AFC North blog put on its general manager hat and spent this week sifting through the Bengals' roster to determine who stays and who goes. We came up with a blueprint that will get this team headed in the right direction.

Keep in mind, this is not a prediction of what the Bengals will do. It's our guide to what we believe the Bengals should do.

Head coach

Analysis: Bengals coach Marvin Lewis has four games left on his contract, and to our knowledge there have been no recent negotiations. It's a good time for Lewis to step away. He has fought battles against heavy-handed ownership for eight seasons and done all he could, leading the downtrodden Bengals to two playoff appearances. There is already speculation Lewis may have interest in the head-coaching opening at the University of Pittsburgh, where he has local ties. He dodged that question earlier this week. Don't expect a big-name hire in Cincinnati. The Bengals don't want to pay the kind of money it takes to land someone like Bill Cowher or Jon Gruden, and big-name coaches wouldn't go to a team that doesn't have a GM, ownership makes the football decisions, and there are average facilities and very few scouts. Our best pick is Hue Jackson. He's a former receivers coach in Cincinnati and has done a great job in stops with Baltimore, Atlanta, Washington and Oakland. As offensive coordinator in Oakland this season, he has helped make the Raiders a playoff contender and is very familiar with the AFC North. Jackson is a rising star and would be an excellent choice. Mike Zimmer remains the best in-house candidate. He has the respect of the locker room and helped turn around the defense in recent seasons. Perhaps a Jackson (HC) and Zimmer (DC) tandem would infuse much-needed energy into this team.

Quarterback

Analysis: This is probably the toughest decision the Bengals will make this offseason, but it wasn't difficult for the AFC North blog. We're convinced it's time to part ways with quarterback Carson Palmer. The QB, who is in the middle of a $118.75 million contract, will be one of the NFL's highest-paid players next season with a base salary of $11.5 million. We can't justify paying Palmer that type of money based on his production the past few seasons. The Bengals have a good shot at the No. 1 overall pick, and that's the perfect spot to draft a quarterback. We think Andrew Luck from Stanford is the best of the group. If the Bengals do not have the top pick, maybe Auburn's Cam Newton is another possibility later in the first round. If the Bengals can't land either, our next step would be sticking with Palmer and seeing whether he's willing to take a pay cut. It's a tough business.

Running back

Analysis: We like second-year running back Bernard Scott. But there are still questions about whether he can be a feature tailback. With Cedric Benson's contract expiring, it's time to search for a new running back. The Bengals got solid production out of Benson the past two years at little cost. But he's only averaging 3.5 yards per carry this year, and we need more from that position. We would find a bruising back and pair him with the quicker Scott . Pending free agent Michael Bush, 26, would be a good fit. He's the backup tailback to Darren McFadden and one of Jackson's main weapons in Oakland. The Bengals rarely spend a lot of money in free agency, but this signing would be worth it. Also, we would re-sign backup running back Brian Leonard, who is very good on third down.

Wide receivers

Analysis: We like Chad Ochocinco -- but not at the price the Bengals would have to pay him. A $6 million team option is a bit much for a 32-year-old receiver who's had two bad seasons in three years. We would let Ochocinco walk, but the Bengals will consider keeping him. Teammate and pending free agent Terrell Owens is an interesting case. He's having a great year, but he's 37 and probably wants the security of a multiyear extension. Another team may give it to Owens, but we're looking to get younger at receiver. This is a position we would attack in the draft, probably in the second or third rounds. This also gives Jordan Shipley, who is solid, a bigger role in the offense next year. You can't be strong everywhere when rebuilding.

Tight end

Analysis: No questions here. The Bengals drafted Jermaine Gresham in the first round this year and he has produced (47 receptions for 409 yards and three touchdowns). He's only going to get better next season and beyond.

Offensive and defensive lines

Analysis: The offensive line needs work. Tackle Andrew Whitworth and guard Bobbie Williams are mainstays, but the other three positions could use depth. We would not extend Andre Smith's contract to six years. We're keeping his deal at four years to see whether we can get anything out of him at right tackle in the final two seasons. Some have suggested moving Smith, who broke his foot for the second straight year, to guard. But we're already paying Smith left tackle money to play right tackle. So we definitely wouldn't pay Smith left tackle money to play guard. We would upgrade center and one guard position via the draft and free agency. The defensive line must be more productive, but there are some good young players there. We like Carlos Dunlap's recent production and would start him at defensive end in 2011. He's earned it with his play down the stretch. Geno Atkins has shown flashes and also would be in competition to start at defensive tackle next to veteran Domata Peko. End Robert Geathers hasn't been the same since micro-fracture surgery, and it's time to find his replacement. If the Bengals don't draft a quarterback in the first round, another pass-rushing defensive end would be the logical choice.

Linebackers

Analysis: Bengals outside linebacker Rey Maualuga has played out of position his entire pro career, and it's time to move him to his natural spot at middle linebacker next season. He will be a better player when he can use his best attribute -- his physicality -- instead of constantly chasing tight ends in coverage. Dhani Jones, 32, will be a free agent, and it's time to cut ties with him. Keith Rivers stays outside, but we need another outside linebacker. Maybe Michael Johnson can step into that role. He's not a natural linebacker, but he's athletic enough to play the position. We're also not sure we can trust his consistency for 16 games. We'd probably add someone else via the draft or free agency to compete with Johnson for the starting job.

Secondary

Analysis: The Bengals' secondary had a down year with a lot of injuries, but we still think it's in pretty good shape. Cornerback Johnathan Joseph is the one free agent we believe the Bengals must re-sign. He's the Bengals best cornerback, and the secondary doesn't look the same when he's not playing. Joseph makes corner Leon Hall and the safeties better. There were some negotiations before the season between Joseph and the Bengals, but nothing came to fruition. Adam Jones will return from a season-ending neck injury and is a solid third cornerback. Starting safety Chris Crocker also had a season-ending knee injury and remains under contract. Chinedum Ndukwe, a pending free agent, plays hard and would be a good safety to keep for depth. Roy Williams is often injured and too one dimensional for our liking. So we would let Williams go and try to add another starting safety.

Specialists

Analysis: Punter Kevin Huber stays, although he hasn't had a great year. But the Bengals must find a dependable kicker. Mike Nugent did fine before he was injured, so maybe he's a candidate for training camp when he gets healthy.

Whew! Now that was a major reconstruction.

It's time for the Bengals to rebuild and turn the franchise over to younger players. It's not going to be a quick fix. But if the Bengals follow these moves, they will be better than they were this season and in solid position for long-term success.

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- The Cincinnati Bengals, who entered the season with high expectations, are one of the NFL's biggest disappointments in 2010. Coming off a playoff appearance and AFC North title a year ago, Cincinnati is just 2-9 and there doesn't appear to be many victories in sight for the remainder of the season.

This week ESPN.com's AFC North blog caught up with Baltimore Ravens receiver and former Bengal T.J. Houshmandzadeh. He spent seven seasons with the Bengals and had some very interesting thoughts on coach Marvin Lewis, former teammates Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco, and the future of the team.

T.J., how surprised are you that the Bengals have imploded this year given the high expectations?

Houshmandzadeh: Yeah, I thought they were going to be really good, especially when they beat us [in Week 2]. We turned the ball over a bunch. But wow! It shocks me. It really does.

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis and a lot of key players have contract situations upcoming. What direction do you see them going in the offseason.

Houshmandzadeh: I don't know Marvin's situation. But you would assume, outside looking in, that if he's not signed by now he's not going to be there. I kind of look at it similar to my situation, you know? Carson, I would bet there is no chance that he's gone.

Really? No chance Palmer leaves Cincinnati in 2011?

Houshmandzadeh: Yeah, he's too good [laughs]. People always look at it like, 'Man, I wish I had that guy or this guy.' Carson is the real deal. You can say it's Carson's fault and he will take all the blame, because that's how he is. But trust me, a lot of those interceptions and a lot of things that's going on, they are not his fault. Now, obviously, some of them are when he tries to force things when you get behind. But I know that offense. So I know the hand signals they make, I know what they're trying to accomplish when a play is called and what defense they're looking for. So when you see something go wrong, I know what's going on and a lot of those things aren't his fault. But with the type of guy Carson is, he will always take the blame.

In terms of your good friend Chad Ochocinco, he also has an option year. Do you see his future in Cincinnati?

Houshmandzadeh: I would say he's going to be there, because he's good. But who knows? They could've traded Chad going into my last year there to the Redskins and got a great deal for him. If you don't trade him then, which is not even three years ago, why would you get rid of him now? Chad can play -- period. He will freelance every once in a while, but you take that with Chad. He's going to do his own thing periodically. But he can still play, that's for sure.

If Lewis doesn't return, what type of coach is needed in that locker room?

Houshmandzadeh: Maybe not so much this year, but the defense has played well. So maybe they let [defensive coordinator Mike] Zimmer get it. Or do they bring in a guy like [Raiders offensive coordinator] Hue Jackson? Everybody on the team knows he will command your respect right now. You're going to have fun, but you're not going to cross the line. Hue and Carson would work well together. Maybe Marvin does go back. But if not, Zimmer is there and he likes those guys. Zimmer is the reason why the expectations became so high, because of what he's done for them on defense.

Last question: Do you feel the Bengals lack leadership, especially after key veterans like you, Willie Anderson and John Thornton left the past few years?

Houshmandzadeh: The thing with me when I was there is I spoke up. They have guys there that will speak up. But offensively, Carson is not going to say too much unless it gets out of control. The two guys I can see speaking up offensively are going to be Bobbie [Williams] and Whit [Andrew Whitworth]. Guys when they're younger -- this may sound crazy but it's the truth -- it means more in my opinion when it's guys you've seen on TV. I mean, when you come into this locker room, if Ray Lewis speaks up you respect that because you know his name, and you know him. But if a lineman says something, you're going to listen, but it's not going to resonate as much because you don't know him. That's just the reality of the situation. Bobbie, he's a heck of a leader and Whit is more quieter. But that's my take on it. I would always speak up. I spoke my mind and sometimes to a fault, but that's who I was from the day I got there. [Offensive coordinator] Bob Bratkowski will tell you I was like that from Day 1. I never changed my whole time in Cincinnati. Also when I was there, I think Chad had a little more leeway to kind of be crazy because I could bring him in. I don't think there's anybody there who can bring him in anymore .... When I was there, when he didn't talk to nobody, he talked to me and the coaches knew that. But I wanted them to do well. I really did. They beat us the first game. So I was really looking forward to the last game, because I didn't play well in the first game. I still am looking forward to the last game, but it will be a little different.