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There's always a heated debate whenever someone calls the Ravens' Joe Flacco an elite quarterback. But where does he rate as far as grit?

Ravens offensive tackle Michael Oher put Flacco at the top, telling 105.7 The Fan in Baltimore that he is "easily the toughest quarterback in the NFL."

Flacco has certainly proved himself under pressure this season. He has thrown "under duress" on 24.6 percent of his dropbacks, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Only Chicago's Jay Cutler (26.5 percent) has had the pocket collapse more often.

In those situations, Flacco has completed 32.6 percent of his passes and has passed for 225 yards. His quarterback rating is 51, which ranks 19th in the NFL.

Flacco took some major hits in last Sunday's victory over Houston, but he bounced back off the ground each time. With 53 consecutive starts, he has the league's third-longest current streak among active quarterbacks, ranking behind Eli Manning (109) and Philip Rivers (85).

“Since my first year here, I’ve seen him take some hits and nothing fazes the guy," Oher said. "It’s unbelievable just to see him stand in the pocket time after time when he knows he’s going to get drilled on this play. He’s fearless."

Note: According to ESPN Stats & Information, "under duress" is defined as situations when defensive pressure forced players to throw early, off-balance or when they were getting hit.

We have an AFC East versus AFC North showdown at Heinz Field to determine who will represent the conference in Super Bowl XLV. The New York Jets (13-5) will visit the Pittsburgh Steelers (13-4) in a rematch of the Jets' 22-17 victory in Week 15.

But this time we're going to narrow our focus to the heart and soul of both teams: the defense. That is what brought the Jets and Steelers this far. The better defense Sunday likely will make the difference in the AFC Championship Game.

So which defense has the best chance to dominate? ESPN.com AFC North blogger James Walker and AFC East blogger Tim Graham break it down.

James Walker: I like the fact that both of these defenses attack first and often can dictate to the opposing offenses the tempo of the game. But when you start comparing the two teams by the numbers, New York's defense doesn't stack up to Pittsburgh's. The Steelers have the advantage over the Jets in every major statistical regular-season category, including average total yards allowed (276.8 to 291.5), points allowed (14.5 to 19), total sacks (48 to 40) and forced turnovers (35 to 30). Pittsburgh's run defense also was fifth best all-time since the start of the Super Bowl era in 1966, allowing just 62.8 yards per game. The Jets allowed an average of 90.9 rushing yards per game. New York also gave up 72 more points than Pittsburgh in the regular season. And based on their average, that's about five games' worth of points for the Steelers. If you want to compare current numbers in the playoffs, the Steelers are also No. 1 in postseason defense, allowing just 126 total yards in a divisional win over Baltimore. The Jets played in two playoff games and are not in the top six. New York has allowed an average of 342 total yards in the postseason, which is a very big discrepancy of 216 total yards per game.

Tim Graham: No, I don't want to compare postseason stats because the Steelers have played one game at home against a wild-card team. The Jets have played two road games against future Hall of Fame quarterbacks and snuffed them both -- in two of the most intimidating stadiums for a visitor to escape in any sport. What the Jets have done the past two weeks would be a remarkable feat even for the "Steel Curtain." The Jets held Peyton Manning to 16 points and made inevitable MVP Tom Brady appear lost. The Patriots scored 21 points, but the last touchdown came against the Jets' prevent defense in garbage time. But even more significant? The Jets won in Pittsburgh five weeks ago. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger took his shots against the Jets and posted a passer rating almost 20 points lower than his season average. The Jets forced more fumbles than the Steelers that night, had more sacks and even recorded a safety. As for that sterling run defense ranking you quoted, in that contest the Jets' running game surpassed the Steelers' average by 44 yards -- an increase of 59 percent.

JW: If you want to throw away the Jets' postseason statistics, then Pittsburgh's superior regular-season numbers over 16 games still apply. There is no way to ignore both, Tim, because Pittsburgh's defense was better no matter how you cut it. In terms of Week 15, I think you're conveniently leaving out that the game was won on special teams. Brad Smith's 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown was the difference. The Steelers' defense allowed just one touchdown, while Pittsburgh's offense outscored New York's offense 17-13. The Steelers also racked up 377 yards against the Jets' defense, which is worse than the 342-yard postseason average I mentioned earlier. In terms of which defense can dominate the AFC title game, you have to take into account the offenses these two teams are facing. There is zero debate that Roethlisberger is a superior quarterback to New York's Mark Sanchez. In fact, if I were ranking the four remaining playoff quarterbacks, Sanchez would be dead last behind Roethlisberger, Aaron Rodgers and even Jay Cutler. Credit Sanchez for having some success against the Colts and Patriots, but those defenses were ranked in the 20s this season. Even Jets linebacker Bart Scott admitted New England's defense "couldn't stop a nosebleed," and he's right. Sanchez has yet to face a defense in the playoffs like Pittsburgh's once it's at full strength with a healthy Troy Polamalu, who missed the first meeting. Sanchez threw for just 170 yards in Week 15, and even then Polamalu’s absence limited what Pittsburgh could do defensively. The Pro Bowl safety makes a huge difference in coverage, stopping the run and freeing up others to pressure the quarterback. The "Polamalu factor" cannot be overlooked with the Steelers' defense, and I think he's going to be a huge headache for Sanchez, especially since Sanchez didn’t get to face Polamalu in the first meeting.

TG: I didn't ignore either the Jets' regular-season or postseason statistics. We simply cannot compare the Jets' postseason numbers to the Steelers'. The sample size is too small, they haven't played the same number of games, and they've played a different caliber of opponent so far in the tournament. The Jets were road underdogs for both of their games, while the Steelers were a home favorite coming off a bye week. You cannot compare them that way. It's apples and grapefruits. You're right when you say Sanchez has yet to face a defense like the Steelers' with Polamalu on the field. But Polamalu didn't exactly look like a superstar against the Ravens -- two tackles, no passes defensed and a whiffed tackle or two. I'll grant that nobody can expect Polamalu to have two straight subpar games, but he just showed there are no guarantees he's going to take over Sunday's game. Maybe the injury is hampering him. But let me ask you: How is Roethlisberger going to solve a mystifying, multilook defense that Manning and Brady couldn't master in the past two weeks? Oh, and one Roethlisberger couldn't defeat five weeks ago? And if you're thinking about replying with "He's had five weeks to figure it out," remember that Brady had no idea what he was looking at last Sunday, and he played the Jets twice this year.

JW: Roethlisberger threw for 264 yards and a touchdown in the first meeting with the Jets and the offense notched 25 first downs, compared to New York's 17. Steelers tailback Rashard Mendenhall led the game in rushing with 99 yards, one touchdown and averaged 5.8 yards per carry. It's safe to say the Steelers were not mystified in the first meeting after gaining 377 total yards of offense. If anything, I think the Jets' defense needs to make more adjustments to stop what Pittsburgh's offense was able to do well in Week 15. Roethlisberger has played against Rex Ryan's defenses plenty of times when Ryan was the defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens. This will have the familiarity of a division game for Roethlisberger, where Sanchez is seeing Dick LeBeau's defense for only the second time in his entire career and the first time with Polamalu in the lineup, which is a huge difference. Plus, here is the key advantage Roethlisberger has over Manning and Brady: Pittsburgh's elite defense. The Colts and Patriots need their quarterbacks to play lights out and take more risks to beat the Jets because they have shoddy defenses. This game isn't nearly as much on Roethlisberger's shoulders. He can simply play sound, complementary football with the Steel Curtain defense, which will do much better holding down the Jets' offense compared to New York's previous two playoff opponents.

TG: If the roles were reversed on this debate and I were asked to state a case for the Steelers' defense, the first words I would've written would be "Troy" and "Polamalu," and then I would have made the point that the last time the Jets played the Steelers, the Jets' offense scored one touchdown -- a fourth-down Sanchez bootleg that totally fooled the Steelers' defense. The rest was a kickoff return for a touchdown, a safety and some field goals. One touchdown surrendered would seem to support the Steelers, right? Well, it does. I'm guessing you hadn't gotten around to making that point yet. But that fact also goes to show that a dominant defense doesn't mean a team will win. The Jets did surrender more yardage, but you omitted that the Jets ran 15 fewer offensive plays and spent the fourth quarter in a prevent defense, giving the Steelers the entire middle of the field. The Steelers had the better defense in terms of yardage and still lost because the Jets' defense kept them out of the end zone when it counted. Last time I checked, a game never has been decided by yardage or league rankings.

JW: Tim, I really appreciate you repeating my points from earlier about the "Polamalu factor," the Steelers allowing just one touchdown and New York winning the first meeting via special teams on Smith's 97-yard kickoff return. I think you're finally seeing things my way. At this stage of the season the old saying still applies that "Defense wins championships." That is why both teams are here. Since the Steelers have the better defense in the regular season, the better defense in their previous meeting and the better defense in the playoffs, it's safe to say Pittsburgh's defense will be better on Sunday -- and that will be the difference in the Steelers advancing to their third Super Bowl in six seasons.

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

• New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan believes Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed will play in their Week 1 showdown.

Morning take: Credit Ryan for wanting the Ravens at full strength. But I find it strange Ryan believes Reed will play in Week 1, even if it meant Reed wasn't healthy enough to play the following games.

• Fourth-stringer Charlie Batch has become the forgotten quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Morning take: Batch was never in the mix for the Steelers to begin with. Unless he gets playing time in the regular season, tonight could be the Homestead native's final game in Pittsburgh.

• The Cleveland Browns will not face Chicago Bears starting quarterback Jay Cutler in Thursday's preseason finale.

Morning take: That means the quarterback showdown in Cleveland will be Todd Collins versus Colt McCoy. Welcome to the final week of preseason football.

• The Cincinnati Bengals have to trim 22 players in the next two days.

Morning take: The Bengals have depth, particularly at receiver, that will make for some tough decisions.

	Frank Victores/US Presswire
	Cincinnati quarterback Carson Palmer put together one of the best performances of his career Sunday against the Bears.

Posted by ESPN.com’s James Walker

CINCINNATI -- Warming up on the sideline, Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer threw an errant pass that slipped through the fingertips of teammate Chad Ochocinco.

Week 7 Coverage • Walker: Bengals' Palmer is back • Jon Greenberg: Benson's career day • Williamson: Chargers bounce back • Graham: Time not on Fins' side • Wojciechowski: Saints should be 5-1 • Seifert: Silver linings in Vikes' loss • Pasquarelli: Steelers' D takes charge • Yasinskas: What happened to Turner? • MacMahon: Romo-Austin in sync • Sando: Crabtree brightens 49ers day • Reiss: Pats bond in London • Chadiha: Giants have questions • NFL Nation: Reactions | Wrap-ups | Live Monday Night Football HQ • Mosley: Skins' issues run deep • Paolantonio: Vick MIA so far • Chadiha: Strange call from Skins

When the ball proceeded to hit a bystander, the receiver quickly pointed to his quarterback and said it was Palmer’s fault the unsuspecting person was plunked in the back.

That pass didn’t count, but the Chicago Bears probably wished that it had. It was the only poor throw Palmer made all evening.

When it mattered on the field Palmer was nearly perfect. He completed 20 of 24 passes for 233 yards, five touchdowns and a career-high 146.7 passer rating in Cincinnati's 45-10 blowout win over Chicago.

The Bengals haven’t looked this good in a long time, and neither has Palmer.

After missing most of last season with an elbow injury, it's not only safe to say Palmer is back -- he’s all the way back.

"Carson, he was on fire today," Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said. "Lately, he’s moving and really doing a nice job."

The Bengals (5-2) are fighting for respect and gradually earning it. After their previous four wins came down to the final possession, this was by far the most complete performance by Palmer and Cincinnati.

"We always thought it, but we just haven’t proved it," Palmer said of being a dominant team. "We proved it on both sides of the ball. We can shut a team down and go down the field time after time."

The Bears (3-3) were overwhelmed by Cincinnati’s offensive onslaught.

Entering the game, Chicago had given up only six touchdown passes. But Palmer’s strong arm and pinpoint accuracy added five more to the Bears’ total.

Four of Palmer’s touchdown passes came in the first half as Cincinnati took a 31-3 lead at intermission. The final 35-point margin could have been worse if Palmer hadn't been pulled and the Bengals didn’t take their foot off the accelerator early in the fourth quarter.

Bengals tailback Cedric Benson also had a career-high 189 rushing yards against his former team. Cincinnati punted only once (in the fourth quarter), and the game marked the most yards (448) and points allowed (45) by Chicago’s defense all season.

"[Offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski] had to be like a little kid in the grocery store," said Ochocinco, who led Cincinnati with 10 catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns. "When you execute like that, and you run and you pass and everything is working ... "

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler threw for 251 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions in a lopsided duel with Palmer. Playing from behind didn’t suit Cutler well, as the gunslinger mentality took over and he began forcing bad throws. It was the opposite of Palmer's calm precision.

This was expected to be a highly competitive game between two playoff hopefuls. But the wide margin of victory makes you question whether the Bengals are still underrated, the Bears are overrated, or a little bit of both.

The Bengals remain one of the league’s surprise teams and are tied for first place in the AFC North with the defending champion Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2). Cincinnati holds the head-to-head tiebreaker with Pittsburgh heading into its bye week.

Cincinnati’s next game will be a big division rematch against the Baltimore Ravens (3-3) on Nov. 8.

"To get to this point and be at this position, we’re happy and proud of where we are," Palmer said. "But we’re not at all satisfied, and not at all done. We still have a lot to do."

Cincinnati continues to shift its status from a sleeper to a legitimate contender in the AFC with every big win. If Palmer continues to play like he did Sunday, anything is possible.

Veteran offensive guard Bobbie Williams has played a lot of games with Palmer in his six years in Cincinnati. He said Sunday against Chicago was one of the best, if not the best, performances he has seen from his quarterback.

When Williams was asked how far Palmer can take the Bengals this season, Williams’ response was simple.

"All the way to February 7," Williams replied, highlighting the date of Super Bowl XLIV.

Posted by ESPN.com’s James Walker

CINCINNATI -- It’s getting very ugly in Paul Brown Stadium.

Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer threw his fifth touchdown pass of the day to give Cincinnati a 38-3 lead over the awestruck Chicago Bears.

The Bengals have yet to punt in this game, which is over after nearly three quarters.

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler continues to play despite obviously not bringing his "A" game. He threw his third pick late in the third quarter.

The Bengals are on top of their game. But it’s probably time to consider giving their starters a head start with rest as the Bengals enter the bye.

(Update: Bengals tailback Cedric Benson got a touchdown run against his former team to increase Cincinnati's lead over the Bears, 45-3.)

Posted by ESPN.com’s James Walker

CINCINNATI—The Bengals lead the Chicago Bears, 31-3, at intermission in a rout at Paul Brown Stadium.

Here are some halftime observations:

• This is the best half of football that I’ve seen from the Bengals all season. Cincinnati scored points on all five possessions and held the Bears to just three points in the first two quarters. It was a complete performance on both sides of the football for the Bengals.
• Bengals tailback Cedric Benson looks extremely motivated against his former team. He already has 98 yards on 20 carries. He should be a happy camper after the game if/when Cincinnati holds on to the win.
• Chicago’s secondary isn’t covering anybody. Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco has eight catches for 103 yards and a touchdown in the first half. Tight end J.P. Foschi and receivers Laveranues Coles and Chris Henry also have touchdown catches from the arm of quarterback Carson Palmer, who has 183 yards early and completed 15-of-17 passes.
• Cincinnati’s pass rush looks better than expected. The team lost starting defensive end and sack leader Antwan Odom (Achilles) this week. But role players like Frostee Rucker and Jonathan Fanene are filling in well and getting some hits on Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, who threw for 136 yards and an interception.

Posted by ESPN.com’s James Walker

If his Twitter account is any indication, expect an exciting week of commentary from Chad Ochocinco.

The Cincinnati Bengals’ star receiver has already let loose a Twitter barrage to several Chicago Bears in anticipation of Sunday’s game.

Here is a portion of Ochocinco’s comments, courtesy of our buddies at ESPNChicago.com:

Ochocinco tweets to Bears quarterback Jay Cutler: "Tell your defense I'm gonna run circles around them. I'm mad we lost, peanut [Charles] Tillman is gonna kiss da baby along with the rest."

Cutler: "It's only Monday. Already starting?"

Ochocinco: "damit Jay I have to get a jump on ya’ll, on a serious note tell Lovie [Smith] to put Tillman on me all game with safety help, please!!!!"

Cutler: "Peanut on you with safety over top. You got it. Anything else you would like me to pass on?"

Ochocinco: "well after I embarass the secondary I want your jersey after game, that's all for now."

Cutler: "double coverage all game might be difficult. Don't you think?"

Ochocinco tweets Bears' defensive end Alex Brown: "Get your db’s on Twitter before Sunday, you have till tonight to reply or you gonna feel my wrath to!!"

Brown: "lol my db's are ready and I have all the respect in the world for Carson [Palmer] but it's hard to complete passes from his back ;)"

Ochocinco: "hold up son, we don't give up sacks and I get open in 1.5 seconds, you won't make it past our tackles anyway, shut the front door."

Brown: "well if they don't give up sacks then why do u have to get open in 1.5 sec?"

Ochocinco: "that's how fast I am duh, go get your study film and watch me work on film, I'll sign it for you after you watch it!!!"

Brown: "uh oh they are trembling in their cleats lol we will be ready for you don't u worry it will be a good game for sure"

Although it’s not the most grammatically correct dialogue, it is entertaining.

Posted by ESPN.com’s James Walker

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

• Cleveland Browns fans take your pick this week: Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson?

Morning take: Browns coach Eric Mangini says he will wait until Wednesday to make a decision. They spent all offseason trying to figure this out and now they’re back to Square One.

• Baltimore Ravens second-year coach John Harbaugh gets to match wits with New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick this week.

Morning take: Expect the Ravens to watch a lot of recent game film from an old friend in Rex Ryan. The New York Jets drew up a great game plan to thwart Belichick and the Patriots in Week 2.

• Cincinnati Bengals receiver Andre Caldwell is developing in his second season.

Morning take: Caldwell’s huge, game-winning touchdown reception against the Pittsburgh Steelers will only help his confidence. The Bengals are extremely deep at receiver and can throw a lot of players at you on a given week.

• The defense of the Steelers is faltering in the fourth quarter.

Morning take: Pittsburgh isn’t creating turnovers and that’s keeping opponents in games. The Steelers are finding out what happens when you let quarterbacks like Jay Cutler and Carson Palmer hang around late.

Posted by ESPN.com’s James Walker

Polamalu

The Pittsburgh Steelers were the NFL’s No. 1 defense last year with a healthy Troy Polamalu.

But is this still an elite defense with Polamalu out three to six weeks with a knee injury?

We check in with Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. to get some answers on how Pittsburgh’s defense will look without its Pro Bowl safety.

How big a blow is losing Polamalu to Pittsburgh’s defense?

Williamson: First of all, I think he’s their best player. That really says a lot, because they have elite football players on this team. But I will take Polamalu over all of them, including James Harrison, although that one is close. So, he’s certainly going to be a loss. I don’t think there’s any way around that. But the rest of the supporting cast is so strong that I think it’s still going to be an upper-echelon defense. Troy is not out all that long, and the schedule is not all that brutal. But he’s such a great, movable chess piece that you always need to account for him. Almost every quarterback has to look at No. 43 before they do anything else to see what he’s going to do on this play. He’s really a player without a weakness. He’s unbelievable, in my opinion, and I almost picked him to be my preseason Defensive Player of the Year.

What are your thoughts on his replacement, Tyrone Carter?

Williamson: Carter is going to be a lot easier to account for because he’s probably going to be an in-the-box player or he will be a Cover 2 player. He’s going to be much easier to recognize and know his intentions. He’s not nearly as dangerous or as versatile. But it’s not going to influence the amount of times the Steelers blitz or their overall aggressive nature of their blitz packages. All that should still remain the same.

The Steelers lost arguably their best defensive player and Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is struggling. How do you see that matchup playing out?

Williamson: Cutler played terribly against the Green Bay Packers last week. It was his first game with the Bears and he looked like he was pressing, which he does. That’s one thing about him -- sort of like Ben Roethlisberger holding the football — is that you have to take the good with the bad. He’s a natural playmaker who always thinks he can make the play. Sometimes Cutler can and that’s great, and sometimes he can’t and costs his team dearly. Watching the game, though, I attribute at least a handful of the bad throws to not being on the same page with his receivers. Those guys are really young, and if you watch it, immediately you assume it’s the quarterback’s fault. But I expect Pittsburgh’s pressure to be on him, at least as bad as it was against Green Bay. He’s going to get hit.

	Robert E. Klein/Icon SMI
	Former Belichick disciples Eric Mangini and Josh McDaniels face off as head coaches for the first time on Sunday in Denver.

Posted by ESPN.com’s James Walker

As the New England Patriots continue their immense success throughout this decade, the coaching tree of Bill Belichick also continues to grow in the NFL.

In that respect, Sunday will be a landmark day as two assistants Belichick raised from the ground up will face off as head coaches when Eric Mangini’s Cleveland Browns (0-1) travel to play Josh McDaniels of the Denver Broncos (1-0) at Invesco Field.

Former Browns head coach Romeo Crennel was another Belichick assistant, but Crennel also learned mostly under Bill Parcells before arriving to New England. McDaniels, 33, and Mangini, 38, are more considered Belichick prodigies as former entry-level assistants with the Patriots.

McDaniels and Mangini, both friends, were part of the same staff in New England from 2001 to 2005. McDaniels was a defensive assistant in 2002-03 under Mangini, who at the time was a defensive backs coach. Now they’re adversaries and a significant part of the NFL’s current youth movement of head coaches.

"Back then I’m sure neither one of us really thought much about that, but we are where we’re at," McDaniels said. "I’m sure he’s looking forward to the game as I am."

All indications are that McDaniels left New England on good terms, while it’s no secret the ire Belichick has for Mangini after the "Spygate" fiasco.

Therefore, Mangini said he doesn’t expect any good-luck notes from Belichick this week, despite two of his former pupils facing each other Sunday.

"I’m sure [Belichick is] concentrating on whoever they’re playing this week; I don’t remember who they’re playing this week," Mangini said. "I’m sure that’s what he’s focused on. Hopefully, it won’t come down to luck. It will come down to the way that we prepare."

Jury still out?

Overall, Belichick’s disciples have had mixed results as head coaches.

	Robert E. Klein/Icon SMI
	A former offensive coordinator in New England, McDaniels started out with the Pats as an assistant under Mangini.

Mangini was 23-25 in three seasons with the New York Jets before he was fired in 2008. Crennel was 24-40 in four seasons in Cleveland, and Notre Dame’s Charlie Weis currently faces a lot of heat in South Bend during his fifth season.

McDaniels is the only undefeated coach of the bunch after winning his debut in miraculous fashion. After trailing 7-6 late, Broncos receiver Brandon Stokley caught a tipped pass and turned it into an 87-yard touchdown with 11 seconds remaining to take a 12-7 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.

The sequence already is an early candidate for play of the year in the NFL.

"We’re very fortunate to be 1-0," McDaniels admitted. "But we also feel we played hard for 60 minutes and never gave up."

Was it all beginners’ luck or Belichick-like skill?

"They did a lot of things right leading up to that point," Mangini explained. "They were in that position. Sometimes the ball bounces that way."

The Browns actually interviewed McDaniels for their coaching opening that eventually went to Mangini. McDaniels said the experience was very valuable, and later that offseason he wowed the brass in Denver to land the Broncos’ job.

A lot was being made of McDaniels' inexperience after some early run-ins with star players Jay Cutler, who was traded to the Chicago Bears, and receiver Brandon Marshall. But in Week 1 Denver played very hard for its rookie head coach and looked organized down to the final seconds in beating the Bengals.

"One of the early lessons that I learned is that it doesn’t matter how old you are, what you look like, you could be 80, you could be 20, right on down the line," Mangini said. "If the players know that you’re giving them an opportunity to get better, and a chance to win, that’s what they respect. With a guy like Josh, he does that."

Broncos middle linebacker and former Brown Andra Davis said it’s clear in Denver that McDaniels is seasoned despite his youth.

"He’s been around football all his life," Davis said. "His father is a legendary coach out there in Ohio. He’s coached under a Hall of Fame coach in Belichick. So he knows football.

"It doesn’t matter the age. If you know what you’re talking about, guys are going to follow and pay attention."

Important meeting

This is a big early-season matchup for both teams and its head coaches.

Mangini and McDaniels are working hard to change the culture and quickly put their imprint on their teams. The easiest way to do that is by winning games.

The Broncos are off to a good start, and going 2-0 in the AFC West would put them in a great spot where many are automatically crowning the San Diego Chargers (1-0). The Browns (0-1), meanwhile, are trying to avoid the dreaded 0-2 start, where they would quickly fall behind in a tough AFC North.

Cleveland also has a tough road game next week against a division rival and AFC contender in the Baltimore Ravens (1-0), making this week’s game even more important.

But to get their wish, one Belichick pupil will have to outcoach the other this Sunday.

“It’s a very difficult preparation,” McDaniels said of facing Mangini. “He’s going to test you in every way, shape or form possible. You know his team is going to be very well-coached.”

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

	Rex Brown/Getty Images
	How will Braylon Edwards respond to returning to Cleveland?

Here are some post-draft notes and observations from within the division:

• The Cleveland Browns potentially have a situation on their hands with a returning Braylon Edwards. The former Pro Bowl receiver was reportedly included in heavy trade talks with the New York Giants. Eventually, talks broke down and nothing occurred this weekend. Now the Browns have to tread carefully to make sure Edwards feels wanted again. For the record it is unknown if Edwards is upset about the talks, and it's doubtful this would be a Jay Cutler-type situation. But it could require a little ego stroking for everyone to move on for the 2009 season.

• One of the most compelling competitions I'm looking forward to this summer will be in Baltimore. A rookie first-round pick (Michael Oher) will battle a grizzled veteran (Willie Anderson) for the Ravens' right-tackle spot. Baltimore got solid value in Oher at No. 23 and he should man the position for a long time. But Anderson had a decent season there as well and wants to hold the spot for at least one more year, setting up an intriguing position battle in training camp.

• Speaking of competition, there is officially a logjam at punter for the Cincinnati Bengals. The team drafted rookie punter Kevin Huber in the sixth round to go with free-agent signee Ryan Plackemeier and last year's punter Kyle Larson. This either means there will be a three-way competition for the job this summer or one of these players will soon be released. Stay tuned.

• Pittsburgh Steelers left tackle Max Starks is one of the most important players on Pittsburgh's roster right now, but it's not for reasons you'd expect. Cornerback Ike Taylor and receiver Hines Ward recently re-worked their contracts to free up cap space before the NFL draft. But Starks' $8.451 million salary for 2009, courtesy of the franchise tag, also is taking up significant space at the moment. It was expected that Pittsburgh would work out an extension with Starks, but to date that hasn't happened. With Pittsburgh bringing in nine draft picks over the weekend, the team will need to begin cutting players or reach a long-term extension with Starks to get everyone under contract. An educated guess is the Steelers would prefer the latter.
  

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

Breakdown: Following a 4-11-1 campaign, the Cincinnati Bengals need all the help they can get in 2009. Cincinnati's strength of schedule is ranked No. 22 as the team enters the year with renewed optimism.

The return of starting quarterback Carson Palmer will help the Bengals. Last year Cincinnati couldn't move the football or score points with Palmer out with an elbow injury. But the team should have more success in those areas with Palmer back and an easier slate of games.

Cincinnati will get the first glimpse of the new-look Denver Broncos without Jay Cutler in Week 1. Veteran quarterback Kyle Orton could be starting in his first game for Denver at Paul Brown Stadium, which could provide a good opportunity for the Bengals to get off to a fast start at home.

Complaint department: Three consecutive division games are always tough. The Bengals must face the Pittsburgh Steelers (Sept. 27), then play at the Cleveland Browns (Oct. 4) and at the Baltimore Ravens (Oct. 11) in consecutive weeks. This stretch will determine where Cincinnati stands within the AFC North early.

Thanks, but no thanks: The NFL was not intrigued by the Bengals. Cincinnati has zero games in prime time this year. Only two games -- at the Oakland Raiders Nov. 22 and at San Diego Dec. 20 -- have 4:15 p.m. and 4:05 p.m. starts, respectively. The other 14 games begin at 1 p.m. Here's the complete NFL schedule.

Bengals Regular Season Schedule (All times Eastern)
Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 13, DENVER, 1 p.m.
Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 20, at Green Bay, 1 p.m.
Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 27, PITTSBURGH, 1 p.m.
Week 4: Sunday, Oct. 4, at Cleveland, 1 p.m.
Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 11, at Baltimore, 1 p.m.
Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 18, HOUSTON, 1 p.m.
Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 25, CHICAGO, 1 p.m.
Week 8: Sunday, Nov. 1, Bye
Week 9: Sunday, Nov. 8, BALTIMORE, 1 p.m.
Week 10: Sunday, Nov. 15, at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.
Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 22, at Oakland, 4:15 p.m.
Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 29, CLEVELAND, 1 p.m.
Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 6, DETROIT, 1 p.m.
Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 13, at Minnesota, 1 p.m.
Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 20, at San Diego, 4:05 p.m.
Week 16: Sunday, Dec. 27, KANSAS CITY, 1 p.m.
Week 17: Sunday, Jan. 3, at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m.

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

The annual release of the NFL schedule has become a holiday of sorts for football enthusiasts. On Tuesday, the league will release its slate of games for the 2009 season.

With that in mind, here are five wishes for the AFC North that I would like to see tomorrow when the schedule is released:

1. Cleveland opens on the road

The NFL has given the Cleveland Browns an unbelievable 10 straight home openers since the team returned to the league in 1999, which is the longest such streak in the NFL. Three years ago, I questioned the league office about this and was told it was strictly a "coincidence.” It hasn't helped the Browns all that much, because they are 1-9 in those games. But if the NFL grants Cleveland a home opener for the 11th straight season, I'm taking this out of the "coincidence” category and throwing it into the "conspiracy" bin.

2. Cincinnati should be Cleveland's Week 1 opponent

Let's settle this right off the bat: Who has sleeper potential in the AFC North and who is a pretender? Both teams are in good spots to improve on its four-win seasons from 2008. The Browns and Bengals have much easier schedules and should have better luck with injuries. Last year the Baltimore Ravens beat the Bengals in the season opener and it propelled the Ravens to a great season. Who knows what can happen by pitting the Browns and Bengals in the 2009 opener in The Jungle?

3. Pittsburgh at Baltimore in prime time

As much as the Ravens took flak for not wanting to face the Steelers in Heinz Field at night to open the season, they did have a point that the schedule between these two teams wasn't balanced. This is the year Pittsburgh should definitely face Baltimore in a prime time match up at M&T Bank Stadium. After last season's classic trilogy, the NFL is finally catching on to this rivalry. The expectation is that both teams will be playoff contenders again next year, so at least one of its games deserve the national spotlight.

4. Jay Cutler vs. Ravens or Steelers early

Is new Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler the real deal? Will the biggest trade of the offseason pan out? Put Cutler to the test early against the Steelers' or Ravens' defense early and let's find out. The Bears play every team in the AFC North this season. So Cutler will have to face two of the NFL's stingiest defenses at some point. This doesn't necessarily have to be a season opener. But I want to see what Cutler is made of against one of these two units within the first month of the regular season.

5. No prime time games for Cleveland

Remember a year ago? The Browns were the darlings of the NFL following a 10-win season in 2007 and were awarded a whopping five prime time games. Well, that turned out to be an absolute disaster last year as Cleveland flopped its way to a 4-12 season that had television execs cringing. The Browns didn't earn the national spotlight this time around. Perhaps fewer prime time games next year will help them improve.

Posted by ESPN.com staff

Baltimore Ravens

• Veteran cornerback Samari Rolle signed a four-year deal with the Ravens nearly three weeks after he was released by the team, reports Ken Murray and Mike Preston of the Baltimore Sun.
• Murray takes a look back at quarterback Kyle Boller's star-crossed tenure with the team.

Cincinnati Bengals

• Tight end Ben Utecht recently visited six different Cincinnati public schools to promote GEARUP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness in Undergraduate Programs) to fifth-, sixth-, and seventh-graders across the city, according to the team's Web site.

Cleveland Browns

• Jay Cutler's agent, Bus Cook, denied a Chicago Sun-Times report that Cutler wouldn't want to play for Browns coach Eric Mangini, writes The Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot.

Pittsburgh Steelers

• The team re-signed backup linebacker Keyaron Fox to a two-year deal worth $1.8 million, says the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette.
• The Steelers have finalized the dates and times for their two preseason road games, says John Harris of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
  

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

Let's see what's on the mind of AFC North readers.

Louie from Oakland writes: For a while, I've been having a gut feeling that Ocho Cinco would go to the Raiders since being unhappy in Cincinnati....Do you think there is any real chance a trade for him might be possible this off-season?

James Walker: Louie, the Bengals could certainly trade Chad Ocho Cinco if they want to take a $4.87 million salary-cap hit and likely not get equal value in return. That is the quandary the Bengals face. Ocho Cinco is a five-time Pro Bowler coming off a down year. Cincinnati may feel its best to keep him and hope he has a bounce-back season.

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Dave from Oak Hillm W. Va., writes: James, Do you think the Steelers inability so far to sign James Harrison to a long term contract extension is a bad sign? Also what player do you think the team is most likely to go for in the first round on draft day.

James Walker: Not at all, Dave. I would be more worried if talks broke off and/or Harrison was a no-show for the team's offseason program. Neither is the case. Both sides have been very professional and cordial during this process. They got started early because they knew it wasn't going to be easy. Harrison had a tremendous year, was the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year, yet the Steelers don't normally pay players over 30. It's a difficult negotiation, but both sides will eventually come to an agreement.

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Anthony from Chicago writes: Hey James, I was just looking around the schedules of the AFC North teams and was wondering if you also think that the AFC North can send 3 teams to the playoffs, just because they play the two weakest divisions, and the out of division matchups should help the weaker teams.

James Walker: Getting three teams into the postseason would be asking a lot, Anthony. The NFC East was the strongest division in the NFL last year and had four teams with at least eight victories. Only two (New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles) made the playoffs. I don't see it happening in the AFC North next season.

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Mike from Huntington Beach, Calif., writes: James - as a lifetime Steelers fan last year was magical and particularly surprising given the number of steeler injuries and the Brady injury opening the door for the AFC. Given the key starters stay healthy in 09, do you see the Steelers making another deep playoff run, and do you think the Ravens have the same success?

James Walker: Every year is a different year and a different journey, Mike. The Steelers will be one of the favorites entering next season. They kept the original group together to see if they can make another title run, and I think they have as good shot. Baltimore, which should add a quality draft, looks like a contender as well, health permitting. But it's really too early to project these types of things.

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Neal from Baltimore writes: With the Bengals not being able to sign Tahi, what are the chances they will go after the Ravens' free agent, Lorenzo Neal?

James Walker: Neal would be more in play for a return to Baltimore. He fit in well there for one year. Cincinnati could still look for a suitable fullback in the draft. They are pretty easy to find in the middle rounds.

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Blackbirdman writes: James, thanx for the informative blog. I saw the Ravens just signed Bauman as the 3 QB. Does this mean Boller is done as Raven?

James Walker: Yes, Kyle Boller's tenure with Baltimore is over. He was considered the long-term solution and didn't work out, so when the team found Joe Flacco the writing was on the wall. Boller could land somewhere next season, but he has yet to sign with a team as an unrestricted free agent.

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Dave from Los Angeles writes: Hey, James. Thanks for all the great work. Wanted to get your thoughts on the Bengals' DT tandem of Domata Peko and Pat Sims. If the #6 pick rolls around, and Curry, Jason Smith and Monroe are off the board, how about throwing BJ Raji into that DT rotation?

James Walker: I like your train of thought, Dave. Everyone knows the Bengals need help on the offensive line. But the two best offensive tackles (Smith, Monroe) could be gone. So instead of reaching with Mississippi tackle Michael Oher or taking a risk with Alabama's Andre Smith, it may be better to take the best defensive player on their board, which could be Raji.  But there was a report this week stating Raji recently failed a drug test which, if true, could hurt his stock