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There's something twisted in the fact that the Baltimore Ravens are trying to end their bad run with No. 3 wide receivers with a player who became available, for the most part, because he couldn't hold onto the ball.

Jacoby Jones, who signed a two-year, $7 million contract with Baltimore on Tuesday night, becomes the latest veteran trying to add depth to the Ravens' wide receiver group.

In 2010, T.J. Houshmandzadeh caught 30 passes for the Ravens as the third receiver, which was his lowest catch total since his 2001 rookie year. He ended his disappointing season by dropping a fourth-down pass that sealed Baltimore's 31-24 playoff loss at Pittsburgh.

In 2011, Lee Evans had a career-low four catches as the No. 3 wide receiver in an injury-filled year and finished his painful season by having the winning touchdown pass stripped out of his hands with 22 seconds remaining in the AFC championship game.

Now, the Ravens turn to Jones, whose fumbled punt led to a Baltimore touchdown and caused the Texans to lose in the playoffs. Baltimore can only hope he has better hands in the postseason to avoid its bizarre trend of dropped passes.

Since Joe Flacco entered the NFL in 2008, the Ravens have tried four different receivers for that No. 3 spot (Evans, Houshmandzadeh, Kelley Washington and Demetrius Williams) and none has ever caught more than 34 passes in a season.

The Cleveland Browns added a receiver who should be very familiar to AFC North fans.

Cleveland announced Tuesday that it signed former Baltimore Ravens receiver Demetrius Williams. The team also claimed running back Thomas Clayton off the New England Patriots' practice squad and released James Davis and Yamon Figurs.

Williams played for the Ravens from 2006-09 and was cut earlier this year. He showed flashes of talent in Baltimore but had problems staying healthy. But Williams may have a shot to stick in Cleveland, because receiver is one of the team's biggest needs.

Here are observations from Saturday night's preseason action in the AFC North:

Bills 35, Bengals 20

The Good

• Cincinnati's first-team offense doubled its touchdown output this preseason with two touchdown drives. With new faces like Terrell Owens, Jordan Shipley and Jermaine Gresham, the Bengals' offense has been a work in progress. It showed positive signs against Buffalo as quarterback Carson Palmer connected on touchdown passes to Gresham and receiver Chad Ochocinco. Palmer had his best preseason game to date, completing 9 of 11 passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns.
• Bengals starting tailback Cedric Benson also had his best game of the preseason. He rushed for 50 yards on eight carries. Benson is running hard, but hasn't found many holes in limited carries this preseason. He finally broke off a nice run of 20 yards against Buffalo and averaged 6.3 yards per carry.

The Bad

• The Bengals allowed too many points to a Buffalo offense that's not very good. Rookie tailback C.J. Spiller rushed for two first-half touchdowns, giving the Bills a 21-7 lead at intermission. Bills quarterback Trent Edwards was near-perfect, completing 13 of 17 passes for 153 yards and a touchdown. Cincinnati's defense was often one step behind Buffalo's offense Saturday. Expect Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer to get after his unit in practice this week.
• The Bengals have been sloppy with penalties, an issue that plagued them last season and has continued in the preseason. Cincinnati recorded 12 penalties for 122 yards, which is high even for a preseason game. Cincinnati cannot expect to suddenly "turn it on" and play smarter when games count in the standings.

Ravens 24, Giants 10

The Good

• Baltimore's first-team offense came alive in the "dress rehearsal" game. Quarterback Joe Flacco recorded a preseason-high 229 passing yards. He drilled two nice touchdown passes to tight end Todd Heap and receiver Anquan Boldin in the red zone, an area Baltimore wants to be more efficient passing the football. The Ravens also want to spread the ball around, and 10 receivers caught passes Saturday.
• Heap looks great. He led Baltimore Saturday with six catches for 69 yards and a touchdown. Competition has clearly brought out the best in Heap after the Ravens drafted two tight ends in April. This is also the healthiest Heap has been to start the season in years.

The Bad

• Baltimore suffered a major injury as receiver Donte' Stallworth broke his foot and is expected to miss about two months. Stallworth, who was out of football in 2009, had a solid training camp and was expected to be a good addition to Baltimore’s receiving corps. Backups Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams will have to play well in reserve roles.
• The Ravens' third-down conversions could still use improvement. Baltimore's offense moved the ball well, but was just 4-of-15 on third downs.

Lions 35, Browns 27

The Good

• Cleveland's first-team offense was productive. The Browns scored 17 offensive points in the first half. (Cleveland's starting defense also scored a first-half touchdown.) Starting quarterback Jake Delhomme was accurate for the third straight exhibition game. He completed 20 of 25 passes for 152 yards and one touchdown. For the preseason, Delhomme has thrown for 345 yards, two touchdowns and completed 79.2 percent of his passes. He's done a good job of erasing concerns about him heading into the regular season.
• The Browns have a nice find in running back Peyton Hillis. Acquired in the Brady Quinn trade with the Denver Broncos, Hillis showed his versatility with 40 receiving yards and 26 yards rushing and a touchdown. But what stood out most was Hillis' regular-season intensity. He broke through arm tackles and bullied Detroit defenders. Hillis is Cleveland’s leading rusher through three preseason games.

The Bad

• For the second week in a row, the Browns were too careless with the football. Cleveland fumbled four times, losing three. Running back Jerome Harrison's fumble in the second quarter was returned 14 yards for a touchdown. Last week Cleveland played in rainy conditions, but this time there were no excuses for putting the ball on the ground in a dome. The Browns have eight turnovers in their past two preseason games. They have to play smarter and more efficient to have a chance to climb out the basement of the AFC North.
• Cleveland's defense was gashed by the Lions. Detroit rookie Jahvid Best zipped through the Browns’ first-team defense for 51 yards on his first carry, which was a sweep left. Cleveland's tackling and defensive fundamentals were not sharp, particularly against the run. The Lions rushed for 154 yards and averaged 5.9 yards per carry.

We had another good debate in this week's "Take your pick" in the AFC North.

Coming off the addition of Terrell Owens to the Cincinnati Bengals, we asked which team has the better receiving corps: Cincinnati or the Baltimore Ravens?

Here were the responses from our division inbox and Twitter page:

It's the Bengals!

Drew from Covington, Ky., writes: I'd give it to the Bengals. Chad Ochocinco and Anquan Boldin are a wash, and same goes for Derrick Mason and Terrell Owens. So the Bengals’ third best, Antonio Bryant, trumps Donte' Stallworth especially after being out of the league a year. Plus, both Shipley and Caldwell have higher ceilings than any of the others on the Ravens roster.

Billy from Cincinnati writes: I think you have to go with the Bengals wide receivers with the addition of T. O. You have two guys who have been very successful No. 1 receivers, and Bryant is more than a capable No. 2 receiver, and he will now be the No. 3 receiver. This in comparison with Mason getting older and slower plus Boldin not ever being a No. 1 receiver.

Jonezie2 via Twitter writes: It’s easy! Bengals hands down are deeper at WR, with a more seasoned QB to distribute the ball

JoJo from Hamilton, Ohio, writes: Are you seriously even trying to compare Baltimore’s wideouts to the Bengals? It doesn't even make sense. The WRs who get cut in camp for the Bengals would be No. 3 or No. 4 on Baltimore’s squad.

It's the Ravens!

Scott from Crescent Springs, Ky., writes: I'd still pick the Ravens as having the better core of receivers. They have the Pro Bowlers like Cincinnati. But the Ravens WR's don't cause locker room problems like you've seen from T.O. and Ochocinco.

Starblazer 35 via Twitter writes: Ravens receivers. Boldin is still in his prime. Chad and T.O. are over the hill.

RavenManSam via Twitter writes: They're around the same age group and relative amount of success. I'll go with Ravens because T.O. can’t catch.

Sam from Cleveland writes: I think this is too close to call. I truly think both teams are stacked enough at the wideout position that it will come down to Carson Palmer vs. Joe Flacco. Of course everything in football is tied together, so you might say the better passing game will belong to whomever can protect the quarterback better. That said, if only to avoid the headache of Ochocinco and T.O. I'm taking the Raven's receiving corps.

Homer post of the week

Corey from Camp Hill, Pa., writes: Well that's easy, James, it's the Pittsburgh Steelers. I am amazed sometimes at how Hines Ward is typically overlooked as the best receiver in this division. Not only has he had more receiving yards the last two years than Mason, Boldin, or Ochocinco but his yards after the catch are almost double some of those guys. Also, I would take Mike Wallace at this stage of his career vs. any of them, and by season's end (you heard it here first) he will have the best numbers of the group. Throw in Antwaan Randle El, who's return to black and gold should resurrect his career and it's clear who the real number one is.

AFC North final say

James Walker: This should be a close race to watch this season. But I think the addition of T.O. puts Cincinnati's receiving corps over the top as the deepest group in the division. The starting receivers on both teams have been incredibly productive in their careers. But once you go down the depth chart, that's where I see a little separation. Bryant has been a No. 1 receiver before on bad teams. He's a No. 3 in Cincinnati. Andre Caldwell is growing and people will be pleasantly surprised with rookies Jordan Shipley and tight end Jermaine Gresham. Baltimore receivers Mark Clayton, Donte' Stallworth and Demetrius Williams have all underachieved and been inconsistent in their careers, and consistency is key for that position.

If you have any future "Take your pick" ideas, feel free to send them to our AFC North inbox.

Now that free-agent receiver Terrell Owens has officially joined the division, we have an interesting "Take your pick" to debate this week in the AFC North blog.

Which team has the best group of receivers in the division: The Baltimore Ravens or Cincinnati Bengals?

Cincinnati just added Owens to an already deep group that includes Pro Bowl receiver Chad Ochocinco, Antonio Bryant, Andre Caldwell, Jordan Shipley and others. Baltimore also made a blockbuster addition this offseason by trading for three-time Pro Bowler Anquan Boldin to go along with fellow receivers Derrick Mason, Donte' Stallworth, Mark Clayton, Demetrius Williams, etc.

Also, feel free if you want to throw Bengals tight end Jermaine Gresham and counterpart Todd Heap of the Ravens into the mix. But the receiving unit that's more dominant could go a long way to determine who wins the AFC North in 2010.

So take your pick between these two quality groups. You can comment below, or send you thoughts to our AFC North inbox and Twitter page. We will run the best responses throughout the week.

Every year teams have tough decisions to make to trim their rosters to 53 players. Sometimes the coaching staff and front office can't agree on who stays and who goes, and the debates get pretty heated.

With training camp approximately two weeks away, here are eight AFC North players who could be heavily debated and on the roster bubble this summer:

1. Adam Jones, CB, Cincinnati Bengals

Case for: There is no denying Jones' talent. The former first-round pick looked quick and athletic playing cornerback and returning kicks during last month's mandatory minicamp. What's interesting is Jones is still working himself back into football shape after sitting out the 2009 season. The Bengals lacked a reliable third cornerback to go with starters Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall. So there is a role available.

Case against: Jones sat out last season for off-field reasons. He has said and done the right things so far in Cincinnati, but he's on a very short leash with the league office. One mishap and Jones could be off the team and out of the league for the rest of the year. But if he stays clear of trouble, he has enough ability to make the team and contribute.

Chances of making team: 80 percent

2. Matt Jones, WR, Bengals

Case for: Jones has good size and experience. The former first-round pick had 166 career receptions and 15 touchdowns during his stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Outside of starters Chad Ochocinco and Antonio Bryant, Cincinnati has a pretty young group of receivers. That could give Jones a chance to earn roster spot if he's polished enough to contribute now for the defending AFC North champs.

Case against: After sitting out all of 2009 because of off-field issues, Jones appears to have lost a step. This spring he hasn't looked nearly as explosive as the freakish athlete who impressed at the NFL combine in 2005. Similar to Adam Jones, it's possible that Matt Jones can regain some of his form in the process of a grueling training camp. Jones also has an inexpensive, team-friendly contract, which the Bengals can easily terminate if they don't like what they see.

Chances of making team: 40 percent

3. Jerome Simpson, WR, Bengals

Case for: Despite a lack of production, Simpson has stuck around for two reasons: draft status and lack of receiver depth. It's hard for teams to give up on second-round picks. The Bengals invested a lot in Simpson and still want to get a return on their high pick, even if it means an extended wait. In the past, the Bengals haven't had a lot of receiver depth, which has allowed Simpson to make the 53-man roster. But that has changed this year, as Cincinnati's receiving corps has a lot of competition.

Case against: The Bengals appear tired of waiting on Simpson, who has one reception in two seasons. They drafted two rookie receivers to compete for roster spots, Jordan Shipley and Dezmon Briscoe. This is a make-or-break training camp for Simpson. He showed occasional flashes in practice but not nearly enough to earn the trust of the coaching staff when it matters in the regular season. Entering his third NFL season, there are no more excuses for Simpson not to produce.

Chances of making team: 50 percent

4. Demetrius Williams, WR, Baltimore Ravens

Case for: With his speed and athleticism, a case can be made that Williams potentially is Baltimore's most dangerous deep threat. Anquan Boldin and Derrick Mason are more savvy, consistent receivers, while Donte' Stallworth is trying to get his legs under him after sitting out a year. Williams has averaged an impressive 16 yards per catch in his career, including two touchdown receptions of 70 yards or more. There is an open role for someone to get deep in Baltimore's high-powered offense, and Williams has a chance to be that player.

Case against: Health has always been an issue for Williams. He has played in 16 games once in his four-year career. Baltimore has kept Williams because of his potential, but at some point the Ravens would like to see consistency. To do that, Williams must stay healthy to find a role on a Ravens team with very high expectations.

Chances of making team: 70 percent

5. John Beck, QB, Ravens

Case for: Beck knows offensive coordinator Cam Cameron's system well from their days together with the Miami Dolphins. Beck's future in Baltimore could come down to Troy Smith's situation. There have been rumors of interest in Smith from the Philadelphia Eagles. Quarterback injuries in training camp and preseason could also increase Smith's trade value this summer, which would gift wrap the No. 3 quarterback job for Beck.

Case against: If nothing happens on the trade front, the Ravens have an interesting decision to make between Smith and Beck. With Joe Flacco, Marc Bulger and Smith, Beck is probably the team's fourth quarterback right now, which naturally makes him the odd man out. If Smith is still on the roster, Beck will have to make up ground the old-fashioned way and outperform Smith in the preseason to win a roster spot.

Chances of making team: 40 percent

6. Bobby Engram, WR, Cleveland Browns

Case for: The Browns have little depth and little experience at receiver. Engram potentially could provide both. The 14-year veteran played for Cleveland president Mike Holmgren when both were with the Seattle Seahawks and knows what to expect. Engram recently had a big year in 2007, when he had 94 receptions for 1,147 yards and six touchdowns. He also can serve as a mentor to young receivers such as Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie.

Case against: It's questionable what Engram, 37, has left. Last season he had only five receptions in five games for the Kansas City Chiefs. Holmgren is hoping Engram has one more decent year left in him to help Cleveland's struggling offense, which finished last in the NFL in 2009. But if there's any team Engram can make this year, it's the Browns.

Chances of making team: 60 percent

7. James Davis, RB, Browns

Case for: Davis was arguably Cleveland's biggest rookie surprise last summer when he led the team in rushing during the preseason. But high expectations were crushed when a season-ending shoulder injury limited Davis to only two games. Now he's back for his second season and looks healthy.

Case against: Cleveland's situation at running back is very crowded. One of the best things Holmgren and new general manager Tom Heckert did this offseason was put together a solid group of rushers. The Browns traded up to draft tailback Montario Hardesty in the second round and got Peyton Hillis from the Denver Broncos in the Brady Quinn trade. Last year's leading rusher, Jerome Harrison, also returns to make for a versatile group of ball carriers. All three running backs are ahead of Davis on the depth chart. So barring injury, Davis looks like a strong candidate for the practice squad.

Chances of making team: 35 percent

8. Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Case for: Despite being a sixth-round pick, Dwyer has a chance to contribute early for the Steelers. He displayed strong legs and good power in college, and that could translate into a short-yardage option for Pittsburgh. The Steelers struggled in the red zone and in short-yardage situations. If Dwyer proves he can move the chains, that would be more than enough to earn a roster spot.

Case against: Although the Steelers may end up with a bargain, no team is afraid to put a sixth-round pick on the practice squad. Dwyer played in a triple-option offense at Georgia Tech, which means he may need some time to learn a pro-style offense. But Dwyer could pan out in a limited role.

Chances of making team: 75 percent

Here are the latest happenings Monday in the AFC North:

• On a sad note, today would have been Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chris Henry's 27th birthday. Henry passed away last year.
• Scouts Inc. takes a look at Rashard Mendenhall of the Pittsburgh Steelers and other running backs.
• Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Demetrius Williams is showing improvement this offseason.
• Cleveland Browns general manager Tom Heckert will be a guest speaker at the Akron Browns Backers banquet Monday.

Now that the 2010 NFL draft is over, let's begin looking deeper into some of these late-round picks.

One thing that stood out to me Saturday was the Baltimore Ravens taking another receiver in fifth-round pick David Reed, who had a productive year for Utah in 2009 with 81 catches for 1,188 yards.

The Ravens are already stacked at receiver. It's to the point where any rookie surprises in training camp could come at the expense of pushing a veteran like Demetrius Williams or Mark Clayton for a roster spot.

Was this a message?

"We don't really send messages," Ravens coach John Harbaugh told reporters Saturday. "To me, it goes without saying that it’s a competitive league. It's tough to play in the NFL, it’s tough to make a team, it’s tough to earn playing time, it’s tough to start. That's why you have so much respect for the players in this league.

"Our guys know they have to compete, and just like we’ve said all along, the guys who play the best are going to be the guys who play. So, David Reed will get in there and compete, and we’ll see what he can do."

Williams and Clayton were highly touted coming out of college but have underachieved in their pro careers. Baltimore clearly is tired of waiting, which was one reason the team made the blockbuster deal for Anquan Boldin and also signed Donte’ Stallworth in free agency.

On top of that, drafting another receiver in Reed further raised my antennas.

Baltimore Ravens

Potential unrestricted free agents: DL Justin Bannan, DL Dwan Edwards, CB Corey Ivy, WR Derrick Mason, TE L.J. Smith, WR David Tyree, CB Frank Walker, WR Kelley Washington

Potential restricted free agents: OT Jared Gaither, K Billy Cundiff, S Dawan Landry, CB Fabian Washington, P Sam Koch, OG Chris Chester, QB John Beck, QB Troy Smith, OT Tony Moll, FB Le'Ron McClain, LB Prescott Burgess, WR Mark Clayton, WR Demetrius Williams

Franchise tag: None

What to expect: The Ravens have a ton of quality free agents. It will be interesting because Baltimore is the only division team which has to abide by the "Final Eight Plan" for making the divisional playoffs. This will restrict Baltimore from making a lot of moves. Therefore, expect the team to keep most of its key restricted free agents while trying to explore the trade market. On the unrestricted side, the Ravens are negotiating with receiver Derrick Mason and are expected to keep him. But two players who could get some interest in the open market are defensive linemen Dwan Edwards and Justin Bannan. Baltimore likes both players but could lose at least one.

Cincinnati Bengals

Potential unrestricted free agents: K Shayne Graham, FB Jeremi Johnson, RB Larry Johnson, DT Tank Johnson, TE Reggie Kelly, OG Bobbie Williams, S Roy Williams, TE J.P. Foschi

Potential restricted free agents: LB Brandon Johnson, LB Rashad Jeanty, OL Evan Mathis, C Kyle Cook, DE Frostee Rucker, CB David Jones, LB Abdul Hodge, QB Jordan Palmer, TE Daniel Coats, DT Shaun Smith

Franchise tag: None

What to expect: The Bengals have yet to announce their tenders, so this list could change by Thursday evening. But traditionally they are not big spenders in free agency and will stay true to that even with an uncapped year. Cincinnati could make one or two decent outside signings that may help the team. Finding a receiver would be the most likely target. The most interesting in-house name is offensive guard Bobbie Williams, who likely will test the market. Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer also would like to keep veteran Roy Williams and Tank Johnson. But the team hasn't made a major push for either player before they're let loose Friday.

Cleveland Browns

Potential unrestricted free agents: WR Mike Furrey, TE Michael Gaines, OG Rex Hadnot, CB Hank Poteat, OL Ryan Tucker, OG Billy Yates

Potential restricted free agents: RB Jerome Harrison, LB D'Qwell Jackson, FB Lawrence Vickers, S Brodney Pool, S Abram Elam, DE Matt Roth

Franchise tag: None

What to expect: Cleveland has the money to spend and the biggest talent deficit. So look for the Browns to attempt to make up ground in free agency. Major names like defensive end Julius Peppers and tailback Thomas Jones have been mentioned as possibilities for Cleveland, but that remains to be seen. Internally, the Browns should be interested in keeping Harrison and Vickers in their backfield. Jackson also has value. None of their unrestricted players are priorities for the team and will be allowed to hit free agency.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Potential unrestricted free agents: QB Charlie Batch, LB Rocky Boiman, S Tyrone Carter, S Ryan Clark, DE Nick Eason, WR Joey Galloway, DE Travis Kirschke, RB Willie Parker, CB Deshea Townsend , FB Carey Davis, OG Darnell Stapleton

Potential restricted free agents: OT Willie Colon, CB William Gay, P Daniel Sepulveda, TE Matt Spaeth

Franchise tag: K Jeff Reed

What to expect: The Steelers are pretty predictable. Pittsburgh intends to keep all of its restricted free agents, get a long-term deal complete with Reed, who has the franchise tag, and let nearly all of their unrestricted free agents test the market. The exception is Clark, who the Steelers targeted as a priority but has yet to reach a long-term extension before Friday's deadline. Negotiations have been ongoing and should go to the final hour to decide whether both sides can come to an agreement or allow Clark to test the market.

As 2009 comes to a close, James Walker makes a 2010 prediction for each AFC North team.

Here are seven notes and observations from an interesting Week 15 in the AFC North:

[+] Enlarge
James Lang/US PresswireDemetrius Williams had four receptions for 71 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's win.
• A lot of great things came out of the Baltimore Ravens’ 31-7 blowout of the Chicago Bears. But one underlying positive that could help the team down the stretch was the play of receiver Demetrius Williams, who has been M.I.A. for the past two seasons. Williams caught four passes for 71 yards Sunday. He made a beautiful, athletic touchdown catch in the end zone that reminded everyone why the Ravens (8-6) keep banking on Williams’ potential. The Ravens hope that performance is the start of more production from Williams.
• In terms of negatives, Baltimore’s secondary is hurting heading into a big rivalry game against the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7). Rookie cornerback Lardarius Webb tore his ACL Sunday and is done for the year. Pro Bowl safety Ed Reed (foot, groin) has been in and out of the lineup, and starting cornerback Fabian Washington already is lost for the season. The Ravens have struggled in the secondary all year, and these injuries only make things more difficult.
• The Steelers need help from the Philadelphia Eagles (10-4). Win or lose this weekend, the Steelers do not own the tiebreaker over the Ravens. So Pittsburgh's best hope is for the Denver Broncos (8-6) to falter. The Steelers beat the Broncos in Denver, 28-10, on Nov. 9 and own the head-to-head tiebreaker.
• Pittsburgh left tackle Max Starks had his hands full with Green Bay Packers rookie outside linebacker Clay Matthews Jr. Sunday. Matthews is a tremendous player and may be the NFL's top defensive rookie, but I had expected Starks to utilize his size and veteran savvy. Instead, Matthews looked like a veteran and beat Starks numerous times with his quickness. The rookie had two sacks and another one negated by a booth review.
• Here is an AFC North blog prediction: Don’t be surprised if Jim Zorn lands with the Cleveland Browns in some capacity next year. Yes, Zorn is currently the head coach of the Washington Redskins. But it's the worst-kept secret in the league that he’s on the outs and Washington is eyeing Mike Shanahan. With Mike Holmgren expected to take over the Browns this week, Zorn could be among the first people he recruits in the offseason, most likely as a quarterbacks coach, which is Zorn's specialty. Cleveland quarterback Brady Quinn has been through a lot of adversity and transition already in his young career. So Quinn could use a steady hand.
• The Cincinnati Bengals (9-5) responded well during their 27-24 loss to the San Diego Chargers (11-3), despite the tragic passing last week of receiver Chris Henry. San Diego has just about wrapped up the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye, but the Chargers lost to or struggled against every AFC North team this season. If Cincinnati gets another shot at San Diego in the playoffs, which is very possible, the Bengals should feel confident about this favorable matchup.
• This is a big week for Bengals tailback Larry Johnson. Cincinnati will play host to Johnson's former team, the Kansas City Chiefs, where he spent the past seven years of his career. Johnson was released by Kansas City last month on bad terms after making controversial statements about the team and media. It will be interesting to see if Johnson acknowledges the revenge angle or downplays it. But rest assured, he wants to run hard against his former team.

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

• Cleveland Browns receiver and return specialist Joshua Cribbs wants a new deal by the end of the season.

Morning take: This is a smart move because Cribbs has been down this road before. Soon Cleveland will have its third president/general manager in three years, and the last thing Cribbs wants to hear is he has to prove himself all over again.

• The offense of the Pittsburgh Steelers is struggling on third down.

Morning take: Every coach will tell you third down is the most important in the NFL, and at 38 percent on conversions, that hasn't been good enough for Pittsburgh.

• After being challenged to a "fight" this offseason by Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco, San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman said he will settle the score on Sunday.

Morning take: Ochocinco is a jokester and Merriman is not. You wonder if Merriman understands Ochocinco's nature or just doesn't care.

• Baltimore Ravens receivers Mark Clayton (knee) and Kelley Washington (ankle) both missed practice Wednesday.

Morning take: This could be show-and-prove time for reserve Demetrius Williams. He's always looked the part physically, but injuries and inconsistencies have kept him off the field.

Posted by ESPN.com’s James Walker

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

• Are the Pittsburgh Steelers becoming a pass-happy team?

Morning take: The team says otherwise but the numbers don’t lie. Pittsburgh is throwing the football 63 percent of the time through the first two weeks.

• Cincinnati Bengals rookie receiver Quan Cosby is doing well returning kicks this season.

Morning take: Cosby has quietly added an extra element to special teams. The Bengals will need all three phases playing well Sunday against Pittsburgh.

• Baltimore Ravens receiver Demetrius Williams has yet to catch a pass this season.

Morning take: This is a surprise so far as Baltimore had decent expectations of Williams returning from injury. Kelley Washington’s solid play also has decreased Williams’ opportunities.

• Ranked last in the NFL in total offense, Cleveland Browns quarterback Brady Quinn says the unit will work through its struggles.

Morning take: The Browns are struggling offensively and the Ravens are still working out some bugs on defense. One of these units will get their act together Sunday.

Posted by ESPN.com’s James Walker

Let’s see what’s in the AFC North mailbag this week.

Hung Phan from Fort Worth, TX wants to know why Cleveland Browns rookie James Davis fell to the sixth round of the NFL draft.

James Walker: There were a few reasons Davis got lost in the mix, Hung. Davis was a potential first-day pick after the 2007 season, but C.J. Spiller’s emergence last year (1,770 all-purpose yards) took reps and carries away from Davis to the point where scouts didn’t pay attention to Clemson’s second-string tailback. When the Tigers had a disappointed season it further forced scouts to look in the other direction. Davis’ speed and 40-time also isn’t something that jumps out at combines, and those factors all contributed to him being a sixth-round pick. But Davis is proving to be a “football player,” which is what matters most.

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Craig Myers from Columbus, Ohio wants to know why his city doesn’t cover the Pittsburgh Steelers when “there are 100 times more people…following the Steelers than the Bengals.”

James Walker: Craig, I lived in Columbus for several years and always thought it was an interesting city when it comes to NFL fans. To my understanding, the Browns always had the edge, while the Bengals were a solid or not-so-solid No. 2 depending on how the team performed. There are not “100 times more people following the Steelers” in Columbus. There are plenty of Bengals fans in Columbus, but mostly they’re fringe Bengals fans. By that I mean they’re proud to wear their gear and come out in droves when the team is winning. But you wouldn’t know there were any Bengals fans in Columbus when the team is losing, which is currently the case. It’s easy to hide fandom when you don’t live in the actual city. To your credit, Craig, there are a good number of Steelers fans in Columbus, as well, because it’s one of the few transient and growing cities in Ohio. But it’s not enough to overtake the Browns or Bengals in terms of pure numbers.

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Gary from Toledo, Ohio writes: I read the article where Paul Kuharsky "raced" some speedsters from the AFC South. How much of a head start would you need to beat "Fast" Willie Parker, Andre Caldwell, and the other fast guys from the AFC North? Do you think you could take down Kuharsky?

James Walker: Gary, rest assured the AFC North has, by far, the speediest blogger at ESPN.com. If Kuharsky, “Iron” Mike Sando, Matt Mosley or any other divisional blogger want to challenge that claim, they can pick a time and a date. I’m also the youngest so that plays into it. But as far as racing against NFL players, I obviously need a head start but may be able to beat some linemen in a race straight up. I wasn’t a blazer, but I had good enough speed to play four years at cornerback in high school.

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Eric from Pacifica, Ca. has high hopes for kick returner Stefan Logan this year and wants my thoughts.

James Walker: If the Steelers put together a stellar return game this year that would be scary. The only glaring weakness I see left on this team is depth on the offensive line.

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Troy from York, Pa. wants to know if Kelley Washington would be an upgrade over Demetrius Williams for the No. 3 receiver spot with the Baltimore Ravens.

James Walker: Washington has done well this preseason and should contribute. But Washington’s ceiling as a receiver is not as high as Williams’ is. Athletically, Williams is a better fit as the third receiver for Baltimore with his speed and ability to stretch the field. The coaching staff has confidence in Williams. But what he lacks is avoiding injuries and consistency.

Posted by ESPN.com’s James Walker

With AFC North starters not playing much -- or at all in some cases -- here are some notes from the final slate of preseason games:

• We will start with a personal observation: I think it’s safe to say Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowler Terrell Suggs is ready for the regular season. Suggs, who missed a full month with a heel injury, wanted to test himself for the first time this preseason and quickly recorded three tackles, a sack and a tackle for loss in limited action against the Atlanta Falcons. Suggs has routinely missed training camp for various reasons the past few years, and it has always helped him with fresh legs. This year appears to be no different.
• A player who flashed Thursday night and needed it was reserve receiver Demetrius Williams. He led the Ravens with four catches for 77 yards, including a 39-yard reception. Baltimore’s coaching staff like Williams’ ability but needs to see him stay healthy and show more consistency. Perhaps this performance will give Williams some momentum heading into the regular season.
• Neither Brady Quinn nor Derek Anderson started or played for the Cleveland Browns Thursday night against the Chicago Bears. A lot of teams didn’t play their starting quarterback, but it was a very interesting move by Browns coach Eric Mangini not to play his top two quarterbacks. It furthers his goal to create intrigue, uncertainty and keep people guessing. Most likely, the Browns will not name a starter until we get closer to the Sept. 13 season opener against the Minnesota Vikings.
• If there was any remaining doubt that Stefan Logan would make the Pittsburgh Steelers’ final 53-man roster, the return specialist erased it with an 80-yard punt return for a touchdown in a victory over the Carolina Panthers. Logan, a CFL import, has been opening eyes in Pittsburgh all summer and won the return duties with an impressive preseason.
• If the competition was even between Cincinnati Bengals running backs Brian Leonard and DeDe Dorsey, I don’t know how the team can separate the two after Thursday’s preseason win over the Indianapolis Colts. Cincinnati ran the football well all night, and Dorsey and Leonard were the team’s leading rushers with 68 and 64 yards, respectively. Cincinnati likely will have to choose between Leonard and Dorsey Saturday, making for one of the toughest roster decisions in the AFC North this weekend.