ESPN NFL

The AFC North blog will take a look at the top five division players at a position each day this week. This is a projection for the 2012 season, so predicted progress and decline has been factored into the rankings. The next position is the tight ends.

1. Jermaine Gresham, Bengals: He led AFC North tight ends in receptions (56) and touchdown catches (six) last season. Still, there's a sense he is being underused at a time when five tight ends caught at least 79 passes last season.

2. Ed Dickson, Ravens: He's got everything you want in a tight end: size, speed and athleticism. The next step is his consistency. He caught fewer than three passes in half of his games last season.

3. Heath Miller, Steelers: He's still the most complete tight end in the division. But he turns 30 during the season, and you wonder whether he'll give the Steelers more than 50 catches and two touchdowns like he's done the past two seasons.

4. Dennis Pitta, Ravens: He quietly made a big impact for the Ravens, ranking second on the team with 17 catches on third down last season. The Ravens don't have a tight end combination like the Patriots, but Dickson-Pitta is a solid one.

5. Evan Moore, Browns: The Browns might not need a tight end to block as much this season with Mitchell Schwartz at right tackle. And, with Ben Watson nearing the end of his career after three concussions in 2011, this could be a breakout year for Moore.

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

The Ravens and Joe Flacco's agent had a "productive" first meeting Saturday at the NFL combine, the quarterback's representative Joe Linta told the Annapolis (Md.) Capital.

Flacco, who is entering the final year of his contract, is seeking an extension that averages $15 million per season, the Capital reported. Linta told the Baltimore Sun that contractual terms weren't discussed, and the meeting was to gauge the interest in getting a deal done.

"It's very clear that Joe is an important part of the Ravens team," Linta told the Capital. "We'll keep working away. I'm optimistic that we can work something out."

Ravens officials have been equally optimistic.

"Sometimes in negotiations, it can be done in two days or it can take 12 months," general manager Ozzie Newsome said. "I think there is a willingness with Joe Linta and Joe Flacco's part, and Steve [Bisciotti, Ravens owner] and the organization to try and get the deal done. We're going to push toward that."

Hensley's slant: The tone so far suggests a deal will get done this year, but my guess is it won't get done until mid-July. I don't think the Ravens or Flacco want to enter the regular season with this hanging over their heads. My other guess is his new contract will average $13 million per season.

BENGALS: The Bengals have a projected $60 million in salary-cap space but they have a reputation for being frugal with their money. Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis agreed that the Bengals have to be aggressive in free agency because they only have 42 players under contract. But he said there is a difference between being aggressive and being foolish. “You win by developing your own players and not overpaying for a guy who you’re not sure is going to work out until 6-10 games down the road and maybe not then,” Lewis told the Cincinnati Enquirer. “We have to continue to draft. Do we need to supplement that with players? Yes and we’re going to try and do that. Aggressive doesn’t mean overpay and get stuck with both a bad contract and an average player. We need to have a guy who fits what we do.”

Hensley's slant: The Bengals have to be proactive in order to keep winning back a skeptical fan base. My wish list for the Bengals include wide receiver Robert Meachem, guard Ben Grubbs (if he doesn't re-sign with the Ravens) and running back Michael Bush.

BROWNS: The Browns will try to sign a wide receiver in free agency, according to head coach Pat Shurmur. "I think it's important if you can add leadership and experience to the team, but he's also got to be a guy who can play," Shurmur told reporters at the NFL combine, via the Chronicle-Telegram. "I think that's the thing you've gotta look at, especially with guys that are free agents." The last two "big name" receivers signed in free agency -- Joe Jurevicius in 2006 and Donte Stallworth in 2008 --were disappointments.

Hensley's slant: The Browns desperately needs to add a wide receiver with speed. Because this wide receiver group is among the worst in the NFL, the Browns should address this position in free agency and the draft. I still see Pierre Garcon as the best fit, especially if Mario Manningham is going to the Buccaneers.

STEELERS: Pittsburgh general manager Kevin Colbert said there is a shallow talent pool for tight ends this year. Only 14 of them were invited to the NFL combine, making tight end the smallest group other than centers. "We have to dig a little deeper and make sure we don't miss guys who aren't playing in a pro-style offense but have the ability to do so from a size and athleticism standpoint," Colbert told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "We have to make sure we try to unearth all those guys and give them their due, even though you're not seeing them do the same thing you're going to ask them to do."

Hensley's slant: The lack of tight ends is not good news for the Steelers. It would benefit Pittsburgh to find an athletic, pass-catching one because Heath Miller is entering the final year of his contract and third-stringer Weslye Saunders is facing a four-game suspension from the NFL. Teams have found quality tight ends in the middle rounds recently: the Saints' Jimmy Graham (third round), the Ravens' Ed Dickson (third round) and the Patriots' Aaron Hernandez (fourth round).

It's never a good Sunday when it's Sunday without football games. But it does give us time to open some mail ...

Todd from Vallejo, Calif., writes: My question relates to the Bengals draft picks. By all accounts, the players they want to select (guard David DeCastro, cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, running back Trent Richardson, etc.) will all be gone by picks 17 and 21. I have a hard time seeing them reach for a running back with those picks or even a lesser guard (like Cordy Glenn) or risky corner (Janoris Jenkins). What do you think they will do? Trade up or down?

Jamison Hensley, from AFC North headquarters, responds: The Bengals are more likely to trade down, especially at No. 21. It seems like every draft there is some team wanting to jump back into the bottom part of the first round to get a quarterback. Since the Bengals have Andy Dalton, they would be happy to drop back and acquire more picks. The only player that I could envision the Bengals trading up for is Alabama running back Trent Richardson. Cincinnati wouldn't mortgage the entire draft for Richardson, but it would be willing to move up a few spots if he surprisingly falls out of the top 10. Of course, I would be extremely surprised to see Richardson slip that far.

---

Abe from Baltimore writes: Don't you think the Ravens will be better suited going for Pierre Garcon, Mario Manningham, or Robert Meachem rather than breaking the bank for any of these big-name wide receivers?

Jamison Hensley, from AFC North headquarters, responds: The Ravens don't have the salary-cap room to go after a wide receiver like Vincent Jackson. As I wrote last week, the best fit is the Colts' Reggie Wayne, whose value will be lowered by the number of young deep threats available in free agency. If Wayne proves to be too expensive, the Ravens still need to add a free-agent wide receiver because Lee Evans was a flop and Tandon Doss apparently isn't ready to get on the field. Baltimore only had two wide receivers with more than four catches, so the Ravens have to upgrade here.

---

Ben from Pensacola, Fla., writes: Even if Robert Griffin III is every bit as good as Cam Newton, there's no way he'd have that kind of success in Cleveland. Newton was throwing to a pair of good tight ends and Steve Smith, with a nice running back tandem of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. RG3 comes into an offense with no running game and, frankly, a terrible group of receivers and tight ends. I understand Colt McCoy probably isn't getting the most out of the players around him, but even Tom Brady would have a hard time scoring points for the Browns. The Browns need a lot more than a new quarterback to be even solid on offense.

Jamison Hensley, from AFC North headquarters, responds: I understand your argument for a lack of playmakers, but you can't downplay the fact that a franchise quarterback elevates the talent around him. That's why Cam Newton had more success with this supporting cast than Jake Delhomme, Jimmy Clausen and Matt Moore. There's no doubt that the Browns have to significantly improve the players at the skill positions. But McCoy isn't a quarterback who gets the most out of his teammates. I'm not saying RG3 will do this. I'm just saying the Browns have to look elsewhere because McCoy isn't the answer.

---

Jared from Orlando, Fla., writes: Do you think that Heath Miller will ever get to the Pro Bowl again? Granted the one time he made it, it was because one of the tight ends chosen was in the Super Bowl that year. I'm extremely biased as a Steeler fan who grew up in the same town as Heath. However, it seems like the only tight ends to make the pro bowl are pass catchers. Heath has great hands, but he's at least top three in the league as a blocking tight end. Thoughts?

Jamison Hensley, from AFC North headquarters, responds: Miller has been underused the past two seasons, especially in the red zone. But he won't get to another Pro Bowl because he's on the decline. Over the next couple of drafts, the Steelers have to take a look at adding an athletic pass-catching tight end like Cincinnati's Jermaine Gresham and Baltimore's Ed Dickson. That's the direction the NFL is headed, and Pittsburgh is going to be forced to fill the void there sooner than later. Miller is entering the final year of his contract.

---

Cameron from Cincinnati writes: If the Bengals are going to get a guard and a cornerback with their first two picks, which looks likely, what position do they address next? Running back, or wide receiver?

Jamison Hensley, from AFC North headquarters, responds: Running back comes next in the draft, and wide receiver is among the priorities in free agency. The Bengals need to get younger and faster at running back. That means the draft is the best way to address the position. As far as wide receiver, Cincinnati needs a dependable route-runner as the second option to A.J. Green. The Bengals can find one in free agency.

---

Gene from San Diego writes: What's more important in the draft for the Ravens: an outside linebacker opposite [Terrell] Suggs, an inside linebacker for the future or a center?

Jamison Hensley, from AFC North headquarters, responds: In order of priority, I would go inside linebacker, center and outside linebacker. It wouldn't be a surprise to see others rank these differently because it's a tough call. I put inside linebacker first because this is the time to find that heir apparent to Ray Lewis, so the rookie can learn under the future Hall of Fame linebacker. The Ravens can get by this year with Matt Birk at center and Paul Kruger at outside linebacker.

---

Sean from Van Wert, Ohio, writes: I know that Cleveland needs help at receiver. With all the big names out there, we should worry about overspending. Which is why, I keep bringing up Pierre Garcon. He would be a great fit for Cleveland's West Coast offense, and we could get him for less than DeSean Jackson or any of the other big names wide receivers. I believe we could land Garcon around the $13-15 million range over three to five years. What are your thoughts on Garcon landing in Cleveland?

Jamison Hensley, from AFC North headquarters, responds: I put Garcon on the top of my list in terms of the best fit for Cleveland. The reason? Garcon provides what the Browns desperately need at wide receiver -- speed. He showed he can stretch the field, and he proved that he doesn't need an elite quarterback to do so after Peyton Manning was sidelined all season.

---

DJ from Brockport, N.Y., writes: Have the Browns actually shown interest in Robert Griffin III or is it all rumors and assumptions at this point?

Jamison Hensley, from AFC North headquarters, responds: Browns officials met with RG3 for a 15-minute interview on Friday night. But it doesn't take a top analyst like Trent Dilfer to answer this question. The Browns need to upgrade at quarterback, and RG3 will be top quarterback available after Andrew Luck gets drafted by the Colts. Cleveland officials don't have to draft RG3, but they do have to consider it.

---

John from Medon, Tenn., writes: With Rashard Mendenhall's injury, could you see the Steelers potentially having an interest in Peyton Hillis? I know they don't spend much in free agency, but Hillis could possibly be had at a decent price after a bad year. Hillis' hit-the-hole-hard style would actually be a better fit than Mendenhall's constant hesitation at the line of scrimmage. Hillis in a Steeler uniform would be very intriguing.

Jamison Hensley, from AFC North headquarters, responds: The Steelers aren't going to make many free-agent signings because of their limited cap space. So it would surprise me if they chose to use that precious cap room on a player who struggled on the field for most of the season, got hurt and became a malcontent in the locker room. I believe the Steelers need to address running back in free agency, but it would be out of character for Pittsburgh to pursue Hillis.

---

Michael from Cleveland writes: How crazy is it to think the Colts will draft Robert Griffin III and the Browns move up to draft Andrew Luck?

Jamison Hensley, from AFC North headquarters, responds: This is beyond crazy. Actually, this is the very definition of fantasy football for Browns fans.

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

The Pittsburgh Steelers are about $25 million over the salary cap and need to cut about 20 percent of their payroll by the March 13 deadline, according to The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

But the Steelers aren't panicking, at least not publicly.

"It's not a situation where we're looking to tear things apart and start over," team president Art Rooney II told Pittsburgh reporters yesterday.

Rooney, though, acknowledged there will be "some tough decisions."

"I would say it's probably as big an issue as we've had to face," Rooney said. "There will probably have to be some contracts that get restructured and things like that. No question, there's a lot of work to be done."

In the half-hour state-of-the-team interview, Rooney said wide receiver Mike Wallace will be among the priorities this offseason. He becomes a restricted free agent March 13.

The Steelers will also add 3,000 seats to Heinz Field after the 2012 season.

Hensley's slant: Those "tough decisions" will likely come down to players such as nose tackle Casey Hampton ($4.8 million salary in 2012), wide receiver Hines Ward ($4 million), guard Chris Kemoeatu ($3.5 million), inside linebackers Larry Foote ($3 million) and James Farrior ($2.8 million) and cornerback Bryant McFadden ($2.5 million). If these players don't take a pay cut, they probably will be released. The good news for the Steelers is that they bring back their core with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, three young receivers (unless Wallace goes elsewhere as a restricted free agent), two top-notch pass rushers and Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu.

BENGALS: Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer was considered one of the front-runners for the Dolphins head coaching job earlier this week. Now he is out of the running for it, according to the Miami Herald. The search has been narrowed down to Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin, Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy and Dolphins interim coach Todd Bowles, the paper reported. Hensley's slant: Based on the candidates remaining, it appears that the Dolphins want an offensive-minded coach, which eliminated Zimmer from consideration. This is bad news for Zimmer but a good development for the Bengals. While Zimmer still has a chance to get the head-coaching position with the Buccaneers, the Dolphins job was considered his best shot.

BROWNS: The Akron Beacon-Journal's Marla Ridenour was envious of the playoff teams' tight end play over the weekend. This is what Ridenour wrote: "Against Denver, the Patriots got 261 yards (200 receiving) and four touchdowns out of [Rob] Gronkowski and [Aaron] Hernandez. The Browns’ four tight ends — Ben Watson, Evan Moore, Alex Smith and rookie Jordan Cameron — totaled seven touchdowns all season. Hernandez also had a 43-yard run against the Broncos, longer than any Browns’ rush in 2011." Hensley's slant: The Browns are also trailing the rest of the division when it comes to tight ends. Cleveland was the only AFC North team not to have a tight end catch more than 50 passes. The Bengals' Jermaine Gresham (56 catches, six touchdowns), the Ravens' Ed Dickson (54 catches, five touchdowns) and the Steelers' Heath Miller (51 catches, two touchdowns) are all important pieces in the passing game.

RAVENS: I will be at the Ravens' facility where I will post blogs this afternoon. There will be a Joe Flacco column posted at some point today, and the featured blog yesterday was the Double Coverage segment.

DENVER -- Here are some numbers to remember for the Steelers, who play a wild-card playoff game against the Broncos at 4:30 p.m. Sunday:

3 -- Career postseason interceptions for Troy Polamalu

4 -- Heath Miller's postseason touchdown catches

5 -- Steelers selected to the Pro Bowl (returner Antonio Brown, safety Troy Polamalu, center Maurkice Pouncey, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and wide receiver Mike Wallace)

9 -- Receptions by Wallace in his last postseason game

10 -- Roethlisberger's wins in 13 postseason games, which is a .769 winning percentage

11 -- Postseason sacks by LaMarr Woodley in seven games

16.1 -- Brown's average yards per catch this season

33 -- Postseason games won by the Steelers, tied with the Cowboys for most in NFL history

88 -- Hines Ward's playoff catches for 1,181 yards and 10 touchdowns

171.9 -- NFL-leading passing yards per game allowed by the Pittsburgh defense

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

PITTSBURGH -- Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger isn't going to win the NFL most valuable player award. Aaron Rodgers will take that. Roethlisberger won't win the offensive player of the year honor, either. Give that to Drew Brees or Tom Brady.

If there was a trophy for grittiest quarterback, though, the unanimous pick would be Roethlisberger. When it comes to playing in pain, there is Roethlisberger, and then there is everyone else in this generation of football players.

You can break his nose. You can break his thumb. The problem is, no one has ever broken his will to win.

Even given his history of toughness, Roethlisberger outdid himself in gutting out a 14-3 Steelers victory over the Cleveland Browns on Thursday night at Heinz Field. After having his left leg bent in a way that it's not supposed to bend, Roethlisberger stepped up -- actually, hopped up, to be more accurate -- late in the fourth quarter to seal the much-needed win with a 79-yard touchdown pass to Antonio Brown.

"I just didn't want to let the guys down," Roethlisberger said. "We're in a tight race right now."

Roethlisberger's high ankle sprain forced him to throw off his back foot because he couldn't put weight on his left leg. He had to cut his dropbacks to two steps because anything else pushed it too far.

Many quarterbacks wouldn't come back with this injury. Others would and would struggle. Roethlisberger's mastery is such that you see him in pain but you wouldn't be able to tell by looking at the numbers.

Before the injury: 8-of-9 for 102 yards and one touchdown. After the injury: 8-of-12 for 178 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

Roethlisberger's toughness, stubbornness and dedication to the team moved the Steelers (10-3) one step closer to a playoff berth and put them a half-game ahead of the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North race.

"I’ll always give him the opportunity to show what he’s capable of," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. "We know what kind of competitor he is. We know his pain tolerance. We know what he’s capable of."

Roethlisberger still doesn't know the severity of the injury and will undergo an MRI on Friday. "We’ll find out how bad tomorrow," he said. "At least it takes the pain off my thumb."

When Roethlisberger was injured with 5 minutes, 59 seconds left in the second quarter, he was brought down in such a way by Browns defensive lineman Scott Paxson that you wondered whether he would return this season, much less this game. It was one of those types of replays that you grimaced in pain as much as Roethlisberger.

His first reaction: "I thought my leg was broke. Honestly. It was one of the most painful things I’ve ever felt. They grabbed [the leg], and it felt like my foot was outside of my leg."

Roethlisberger hobbled off the field with the help of two trainers and needed to get carted off to the locker room. When the X-rays on his ankle were negative, all that stood in his way of returning was a conversation with Tomlin.

Here's how that went, according to the coach:

Tomlin: "The doctor said you’re good to go; how you feel?"

Roethlisberger: "OK."

Tomlin: "You want to go?"

Roethlisberger: "Absolutely."

Tomlin: "All right, let's do it."

Roethlisberger came out of the locker room, threw a few passes on the sideline before halftime ended and limped onto the field. Even teammates who had seen Roethlisberger come back from injuries in the past couldn't believe what they saw.

"I was kind of surprised to see him come back in the second half," tight end Heath Miller said. "But when I step back and think about it, maybe I shouldn’t be. You know he’s going to be there with us if he’s able to stand on two legs."

Roethlisberger's return was crucial considering how ragged backup Charlie Batch looked in three series and how Pittsburgh clutched onto a 7-3 lead for most of the game.

Roethlisberger made his presence felt in the fourth quarter when he converted a third-and-20 by hopping up into the pocket and completing a 27-yard pass deep over the middle. He then appeared to throw a 24-yard touchdown to Mike Wallace, but it was reversed on replay because the receiver was down before crossing the goal line.

After the Steelers failed to score on the goal-line stand, Roethlisberger was intercepted on the next series. Like Roethlisberger, the Steelers continued to battle against adversity and gave the ball back to the two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback on William Gay's interception in the end zone.

Two plays later, Roethlisberger flicked a short pass to the right sideline, where Brown caught the back-shoulder pass and took advantage of cornerback Joe Haden slipping. Brown raced down the field, faked out safety Mike Adams along the way and scored the decisive touchdown with 2:52 left in the game.

"You could see he didn't have the same mobility, but in his eyes, he was the same Ben," Miller said. "He was ready to lead us and get our offense going."

Roethlisberger never sat down after the injury, and constantly paced up and down the sideline so the ankle wouldn't stiffen up. When he got knocked down a couple of times after returning, he needed to get pulled up by his teammates.

"It feels like my ankle is about to explode," he said.

This is the first time Roethlisberger has had a high ankle sprain, which is surprising because he's injured nearly everything on his body.

In 2005, he fractured his right thumb and tore cartilage in his right knee. In 2008, he separated his right shoulder. In 2010, he broke his nose and fractured a bone in his right foot. Even this year, he's already sprained his left foot and fractured his right thumb again.

Despite his continued heroics, Roethlisberger won't win the postseason awards. But he might win something else.

"That’s the effort that gets you to win championships," safety Ryan Clark said, "and we have a championship quarterback."

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

It's Ravens-Steelers week and there's a lot at stake once again in this rivalry. The winner takes control of the division and ... wait, what about the Bengals?

That's right. The Who Dey Nation is unexpectedly crashing the AFC North party this year. The Bengals (5-2) are tied with the Ravens for second place in the division, trailing the first-place Steelers (6-2) by a half-game. The same Bengals that began the season ranking last in ESPN's power rankings.

For those who still don't believe, Cincinnati has won four consecutive games for the first time since 2009. For those who still aren't impressed, the Bengals won their first West Coast game since 2003.

Whatever your opinion, you can't dispute that the Bengals are relevant in November again. There's a growing belief in the locker room that can be judged by the expanding vocabulary. According to the team's website, the P-word can now be heard from players.

“I think we set out not to do anything less,” left tackle Andrew Whitworth said of the playoffs. “That’s what we’re shooting for. We’re going for team wins any way we can get them.”

The Bengals will find out whether they're playoff caliber when they play at the Titans (4-3) before hosting the Steelers and taking a trip to the Ravens.

Here's a look at what the local columnists are saying about the AFC North teams following Sunday's games:

BENGALS: The Bengals are 5-2 because they've taken advantage of a favorable schedule, according to The Cincinnati Enquirer's Paul Daugherty. Their five wins have come against teams with a combined record of 13-25. Daugherty wrote: "The achievement comes with its own asterisk. The QBs they've beaten are a veritable Who's Not Who. Raise your hand if you'd start your dynasty with Kyle Orton, Curtis Painter, Blaine Gabbert, Charlie Whitehurst or Tarvaris Jackson. But we quibble. A 5-2 record should not demand style points, especially not around here."

BROWNS: The Browns have scored over 17 points just once this season. The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Terry Pluto thinks the no-huddle is a no-brainer for Cleveland. Pluto wrote: "There are no quick fixes, not with two inexperienced guards, two running backs in the trainer's room, and no receiver who demands double coverage. But maybe a faster pace will help."

RAVENS: The Baltimore Sun's Mike Preston believes the Ravens' momentous rally just hides another below-average performance. Preston wrote: "The Ravens staged their greatest comeback in franchise history, rallying from a 21-point deficit to defeat Arizona Sunday, but that was about the only good thing you could say. They won. That's it. They won. They beat one of the worst teams in the league, and had to rally from three touchdowns down. Go ahead, jump up and down. Break dance if you want. Lift your champagne glass, but there is not much to celebrate."

STEELERS: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Dejan Kovacevic was impressed with the way the Steelers physically dominated the Patriots. Kovacevic wrote: "They chased Tom Brady as if endorsement deals were hanging from his neck. They made Wes Welker eat grass within a millisecond of catching the football. They rode big tight end Rob Gronkowski like a bucking bronco. And they apparently caught defensive genius Bill Belichick wholly unprepared for, of all gimmicky schemes, the underneath routes of tight end Heath Miller. The Steelers, finally, after eight games, are the Steelers again."

PITTSBURGH -- After the Steelers' 25-17 victory Sunday, Ben Roethlisberger told Tom Brady that he thinks the Patriots' quarterback is the best.

Well, not today. Not for 60 minutes at Heinz Field. For the first time in his career, Roethlisberger outshined Brady in a head-to-head matchup. He did so by pulling a Brady on Brady.

Spreading out the New England defense, Roethlisberger lined up in the shotgun and zipped short passes all over the field. It was a masterful performance. It was a signature one.

The Steelers are the best team in the AFC not just because they've got the best record. It's because they have the hottest quarterback in the AFC.

With Brady getting an up-close look, Roethlisberger completed 36 of 50 passes for 365 yards and two touchdowns. Roethlisberger wouldn't say whether this performance was more special because it came against an offense -- and quarterback -- that has set the standard for throwing the ball. His teammates know otherwise.

"Ben is one of the most competitive people I’ve ever been around," Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel said. "Tom Brady is quote-unquote the best quarterback in the NFL. Any time you get a chance to go against the best, it’s a great opportunity for you. You relish those opportunities. He certainly did today and played great."

Everyone talked all week about Brady's dominance over the Steelers and his 6-1 record against the reigning AFC champions. So, what's the best way to stop Brady? With a better offense and quarterback.

Brady managed only 198 yards passing, and Roethlisberger deserved some credit in containing the two-time NFL Most Valuable Player. Roethlisberger wasn't just the best offensive player at Heinz Field. He might have been the best defense.

Roethlisberger's efficient effort allowed the Steelers to convert eight of their first 10 third downs. That kept Brady on the sideline as Pittsburgh dominated time of possession (39:22 to 20:38). In fact, Roethlisberger threw as many passes (50) as the Patriots had plays.

The Steelers kept the ball by converting third downs of 11, 15 and 12 yards. Roethlisberger's only mistake was an underthrown pass over the middle on third-and-17 that led to an easy Patriots touchdown. He responded by leading a 10-play, 76-yard drive that ended with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Antonio Brown.

In total, Pittsburgh's five scoring drives went for 11, 16, 10, 14 and 11 plays.

"It's been all Tom Brady versus the Pittsburgh Steelers and looking back on the past, how he's owned the Pittsburgh Steelers, and I think everybody forgot about our offense a little bit and the things they've been doing out there," Pittsburgh linebacker LaMarr Woodley said. "I think they took that a little personal."

The Steelers are facing an important stretch with back-to-back games against New England and Baltimore. In the big picture, the Steelers need a win over the Ravens more than a win over the Patriots because of division implications. But beating New England is of greater value to Roethlisberger.

When it comes to the quarterback debate this season, it's Brady, Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees. Some might even put Philip Rivers at No. 4. Roethlisberger will get pushed to the side even though he's got two rings because he often wins ugly.

If anything, Roethlisberger's performance against New England was the best way for him to state his case. The Steelers put the game in Roethlisberger's hands. Pittsburgh called for pass plays 73 percent of the time (57 of 78). When the Patriots put the game in Brady's hands, it led to Keisel stripping the ball and a safety with 8 seconds left in the game.

"Does he put up the numbers that everyone wants to see that’s attractive and sexy? No," Steelers left tackle Max Starks said. "But when you look at it in the wins and loss columns, that’s the ultimate barometer that a quarterback is judged by. For us, we appreciate the heck out of him. It doesn’t really matter if other people don’t think he’s great or gets them enough fantasy points."

The win was Roethlisberger's 75th in 106 starts. He is the fourth-fastest quarterback to reach 75 victories in the Super Bowl era, following Roger Staubach (99 games), Brady (99) and Ken Stabler (105).

Roethlisberger won because he was able to adjust. He didn't have long-time target Hines Ward, who was out with an ankle injury. So, Roethlisberger leaned on Brown (nine catches for 67 yards) and Emmanuel Sanders (five catches for 70 yards).

The Patriots also took away the deep pass from the Steelers, probably because Roethlisberger had hit Mike Wallace for a pass of more than 40 yards in six consecutive games. He changed up his game by going over the middle to tight end Heath Miller (seven catches for 85 yards) and underneath to Wallace (seven catches for 70 yards).

How the Steelers attacked shouldn't have come as a surprise. Roethlisberger basically showed his hand during the week when he said you always want to "emulate" the No. 1 offense in the league.

The Steelers consistently spread out the Patriots' defense by emptying the backfield. According to ESPN Stats & Information, Roethlisberger threw both of his touchdowns out of empty-set formations and recorded nine plays that went for first downs, surpassing his previous mark of six.

"We came in with the game plan of throwing the ball," Roethlisberger said. "I felt like we did a good job of that."

Roethlisberger added, "We can be as good as we want to be. When we don't kill ourselves and stop ourselves, we can be pretty dangerous."

Roethlisberger has been extremely dangerous recently. In his past four games, he has thrown 11 touchdowns and two interceptions. He has produced back-to-back 300-yard passing games (361 and 365 yards) for the second time in his career.

You don't want to face the Steelers these days, and you definitely don't want to see Roethlisberger.

"Ben’s a bad dude," Wallace said. "People overlook him because how great our defense is. This guy is a baller. Sometimes the throws might not be there because that’s not our game all the time. But if we have to, we can throw the ball with the best of them."

Thoughts on the Pittsburgh Steelers' 32-20 win at the Arizona Cardinals:

What it means: Pittsburgh delivers its most convincing win on the road this season. Unlike like last week, the Steelers came to play in the second half and finished off the Cardinals. Pittsburgh becomes the first team in the AFC to reach five wins, improving to 5-2.

Thumbs up: Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. When the Cardinals cut the lead to 17-14, Roethlisberger responded by completing 6 of 7 passes for 80 yards. He finished off the drive by eluding an unblocked defender and throwing a 4-yard touchdown. Roethlisberger finished 25-of-38 for 340 yards and three touchdowns.

Off to the races: It's getting kind of funny when defenses don't double Mike Wallace on every play. He reminded everyone again about that point when he scored a 95-yard touchdown in the second quarter. It's the longest pass in the Steelers' storied history.

Pick-ing it up: The Steelers, who had the fewest forced turnovers in the NFL, picked off Kevin Kolb in the first quarter. It led to the Steelers' first touchdown, a 12-yard touchdown pass to Heath Miller.

What's next: The Steelers face their biggest challenge at home this year when they play the New England Patriots, who are coming off a bye.

Vacation is over for the year, and I will be with the AFC North blog until a new Super Bowl champion is crowned. Here are the most interesting stories Tuesday in the division:

• Will the Cleveland Browns add a big-name receiver in free agency?

Morning take: Reading the tea leaves from the front office, the Browns believe their receivers are better than advertised. Cleveland will attack several areas -- such as defensive end and safety -- but receiver doesn't appear at the top of the list.

• Safety and pending free agent Roy Williams isn't interested in talking about the lockout or his status with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Morning take: Once the lockout ends, Williams is not expected to return to Cincinnati. The Bengals are going younger, and Williams is 32 and has been injured in recent seasons.

• Receiver Donte' Stallworth said he was grateful for the opportunity to play with the Baltimore Ravens.

Morning take: With Baltimore drafting two rookie receivers, Stallworth likely will move on this coming season. Baltimore's passing game struggled in 2010 and didn't get the chance to use Stallworth's speed.

• Where does Heath Miller of the Pittsburgh Steelers rank among tight ends?

Morning take: Miller remains underrated due to his lack of big numbers. But his blocking, dependable hands and downfield running makes him one of the best at his position.

» NFC Underrated Players: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

A team-by-team look at the most underrated players in the division.

Cincinnati Bengals

Andrew Whitworth, left tackle: Whitworth has quietly developed into one of the NFL's better left tackles, but you wouldn't know it because of the team he plays for. Whitworth rarely gives up sacks and has held up well against elite pass-rushers such as James Harrison in Pittsburgh and Terrell Suggs in Baltimore. Opponents speak highly of Whitworth, but he's never been to a Pro Bowl and rarely gets much attention outside Cincinnati. Whitworth also has taken over the important role of the Bengals' locker room leader after the departure of Willie Anderson.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Brett Keisel, defensive end: When the beard is more popular than the player, you're definitely underrated. Last season, Keisel received more publicity than ever in his 10-year career for his playoff beard. The beard has its own stories, T-shirts and Facebook page, while Keisel the player remained under the radar. Because of Pittsburgh's 3-4 scheme, defensive ends for the Steelers will never put up gaudy stats or get the recognition they deserve. But Keisel, a former seventh-round pick, has been at the forefront of Pittsburgh's stout run defense for a long time. Keisel earned his first Pro Bowl nod as an injury replacement last season, although he missed the game because of the Super Bowl.

Cleveland Browns

Ben Watson, tight end: The AFC North reception leader for tight ends last season wasn't Heath Miller, Todd Heap or 2010 first-round pick Jermaine Gresham. It was Watson, who caught 68 passes for 763 yards and provided the only consistent receiving threat for the Browns this past season. Watson is expected to be quarterback Colt McCoy's safety valve again in 2011. Cleveland's front office gets plenty of praise for last year's draft class. But the team also quietly hit on several free agents and trades. Watson was among a group of new contributors to Cleveland that included tailback Peyton Hillis and linebackers Scott Fujita and Chris Gocong.

Baltimore Ravens

Jarret Johnson, linebacker: For years, Johnson has been the unsung player on a defense filled with big names like Suggs, linebacker Ray Lewis and safety Ed Reed. Johnson has been a full-time starter for Baltimore the past four years and is extremely durable. He's missed only one game in eight seasons. Johnson also has the versatility to do whatever the coaching staff needs in a given week. Johnson recorded 50 tackles or more in each of the past four seasons.

The NFL draft is one of the most unpredictable events in sports. That is why ESPN draft expert Todd McShay presented his annual scenario-based mock draft .

Let's take a look at how McShay thinks the AFC North will shake out next week.

Cincinnati Bengals (No. 4)

McShay's pick: Georgia receiver A.J. Green

Analysis: McShay's second option would be to take Alabama receiver Julio Jones, and the third choice would be to take one of the top two quarterbacks: Auburn's Cam Newton or Missouri's Blaine Gabbert. Despite Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer's willingness to retire, I think the Bengals should avoid taking a quarterback in the first round. Green is a decent choice, but I'm against taking receivers in the first round. If the Bengals are sure free agent Johnathan Joseph won't return, LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson is probably the safest pick in this draft. Alabama defensive lineman Marcell Dareus and Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller also could help the front seven.

Cleveland Browns (No. 6)

McShay's pick: Alabama receiver Julio Jones

Analysis: There is a lot of momentum the past couple of weeks linking Jones to the Browns. Cleveland is desperate for receiver help in its new West Coast offense, and Green could be off the board by No. 6. McShay's other options would be to take Green if he's available or North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn to help rush the passer. I'm still not keen on taking a receiver this high. But if I did, it would be Green, not Jones. The Quinn pick would help Cleveland's thin defensive line, and I like the option of Peterson here as well.

Baltimore Ravens (No. 26)

McShay's pick: Ohio State DE Cameron Heyward

Analysis: McShay's second option is for Baltimore to take the best-available corner, and the third option is to trade down. For a while, both McShay and Mel Kiper were heavy on the Ravens drafting a cornerback in the first round, but that has since cooled with McShay. Top offensive tackles were off the board by the time No. 26 came up in McShay's mock draft, and that's probably Baltimore's biggest need. But it also makes sense for the Ravens to improve their pass rush. In addition to Heyward, also keep an eye on Purdue defensive end/linebacker Ryan Kerrigan.

Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 31)

McShay's pick: Miami CB Brandon Harris

Analysis: The Steelers would likely be happy to land Harris here. He would fill the team's biggest need and should be able to contribute immediately. Texas cornerback Aaron Williams is another possibility at No. 31 for Pittsburgh. McShay believes a second option would be drafting the best offensive lineman. But the third option was a surprise. McShay believes Notre Dame tight end Kyle Rudolph could be a target and provide good value. But this year the Steelers need high draft picks who have a chance to compete for a starting job. Heath Miller is the starting tight end in Pittsburgh for the foreseeable future.

» NFC Draft Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

Each Thursday leading up to the NFL draft (April 28-30), the ESPN.com NFL blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today's topic: history in that spot.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals' top pick is No. 4 overall. Here are the last seven players taken in that spot, with their NFL team in parentheses:

2010: OT Trent Williams, (Redskins)

2009: LB Aaron Curry (Seahawks)

2008: RB Darren McFadden (Raiders)

2007: DE Gaines Adams (Buccaneers)

2006: OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson (Jets)

2005: RB Cedric Benson (Bears)

2004: QB Philip Rivers (Chargers)

Analysis: Draft history shows the Bengals are in a good spot at No. 4. Most players on this list have turned out to be productive pros or are getting playing time right away while trying to make a name for themselves. The last franchise quarterback taken in this spot was Rivers, who was drafted by the Giants and traded to the Chargers on draft day in 2004. That was a great pick in a strong quarterback class that included the Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger and the Giants' Eli Manning. Is that caliber of quarterback available this year for the Bengals, whose starter, Carson Palmer, has threatened to retire? Prospects such as Auburn's Cam Newton and Missouri's Blaine Gabbert would be much riskier picks.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns' top pick is No. 6 overall. Here are the last seven players taken in that spot, with their NFL team in parentheses:

2010: OT Russell Okung (Seahawks)

2009: OT Andre Smith (Bengals)

2008: LB Vernon Gholston (Jets)

2007: S LaRon Landry (Redskins)

2006: TE Vernon Davis (49ers)

2005: CB Adam Jones (Titans)

2004: TE Kellen Winslow Jr. (Browns)

Analysis: Recent history shows the No. 6 overall pick can be hit or miss. Smith, Gholston and Jones are all certified busts as big-money draft picks. It's too early to tell with Okung, while Landry, Davis and Winslow have all had multiple productive seasons in the NFL. The Browns went 5-11 for the second consecutive year after having a similar pick in 2010. In the first year under president Mike Holmgren and general manager Tom Heckert, Cleveland took cornerback Joe Haden at No. 7 overall, and he turned out to be a solid selection. The Browns need to add another impact player from the top of this draft to close the gap with the Ravens and Steelers.

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens' top pick is No. 26 overall. Here are the last seven players taken in that spot, with their NFL team in parentheses:

2010: DT Dan Williams (Cardinals)

2009: LB Clay Matthews Jr. (Packers)

2008: OT Duane Brown (Texans)

2007: LB Anthony Spencer (Cowboys)

2006: DT John McCargo (Bills)

2005: C Chris Spencer (Seahawks)

2004: RB Chris Perry (Bengals)

Analysis: Picking late in the first round is one of the toughest things to do for any franchise, but the Ravens thrive on it. General manager Ozzie Newsome is one of the best at finding late-round gems. Current Ravens such as Michael Oher, Ben Grubbs, Ed Reed, Todd Heap and Ray Lewis were all taken with picks No. 23 and later. Matthews is the most recent gem at No. 26. He was selected by the Green Bay Packers two years ago and quickly became one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL. But Baltimore also has to be careful. Most of this recent group has failed to live up to expectations.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers' top pick is No. 31 overall. Here are the last seven players taken in that spot, with their NFL team in parentheses:

2010: DE Jerry Hughes (Colts)

2009: RB Beanie Wells (Cardinals)

2008: S Kenny Phillips (Giants)

2007: TE Greg Olsen (Bears)

2006: CB Kelly Jennings (Seahawks)

2005: DT Mike Patterson (Eagles)

2004: WR Rashaun Woods (49ers)

Analysis: The Steelers, who have six championships, are in the unfamiliar position of being Super Bowl losers. They will try to use the No. 31 overall pick to fill one of the team's needs. These players are not expected to be superstars. But they are first-round picks and the goal is to become productive starters. Pittsburgh is similar to Baltimore with its ability to find great players late in rounds. Since 2005, Pittsburgh has drafted Rashard Mendenhall, Heath Miller, Ziggy Hood and Santonio Holmes with picks No. 23 and later. The Steelers will aim to continue their late-round success in this draft.

This week ESPN.com ranked the NFL's best tight ends, and no one in the AFC North made the cut. But the division has a solid group at the position with no weak links.

Here is how we rank the AFC North's tight ends:

1. Heath Miller, Pittsburgh Steelers

Stats: 42 receptions, 512 yards, two touchdowns

Skinny: On Tuesday I made the case that Miller deserves to be in the top 10, but he finished at No. 13. Injuries and starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s four-game suspension hurt his numbers. But Miller remains one of the league’s most well-rounded and dependable tight ends. According to ESPN Stats & Information, Miller had the most receptions (42) last season at the position without a drop.

2. Ben Watson, Cleveland Browns

Stats: 68 receptions, 763 yards, three touchdowns

Skinny: Watson was Cleveland's best receiving threat last year, as the team's receivers continue to struggle. He served as quarterback Colt McCoy's safety valve and has a chance to thrive in coach Pat Shurmur's new West Coast offense.

3. Todd Heap, Baltimore Ravens

Stats: 40 receptions, 599 yards, five touchdowns

Skinny: Heap, a 10-year veteran, is on the downside of a productive career, but he continues to make plays for Baltimore. Heap proved he can still stretch the field with an average of 15.0 yards per reception in 2010. The Ravens drafted two tight ends (Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta) last year to eventually replace Heap once he slows down.

4. Jermaine Gresham, Cincinnati Bengals

Stats: 52 receptions, 471 yards, four touchdowns

Skinny: Gresham had a strong rookie showing for Cincinnati. The former first-round draft pick was tied for third on the Bengals with 52 receptions. I would like to see more opportunities down the field for Gresham. He averaged just 9.1 yards per reception in 2010. But expect Gresham to move up this list as early as next season.