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Readiness factor: The Steelers should be fine. Coming off a Super Bowl appearance, they are well-rested and running the same offense and defense as in recent seasons. For years the Steelers have thrived on continuity, and that should come in handy this fall. Pittsburgh will not be a major player in free agency, so that's not an issue. Like the Ravens, if the Steelers had to line up and play a game next week, they could.

Biggest challenge: The Steelers were fine up until recently, when receiver Hines Ward and linebacker James Harrison both made headlines in separate incidents. Ward was arrested for driving under the influence in Georgia, and Harrison made controversial remarks about many people, including NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and running back Rashard Mendenhall. Pittsburgh, which has been a model organization for years, has had its share of controversies the past three seasons. This is another example of the team having to band together and handle its issues internally before they get worse.

Who's the kicker? Pittsburgh will need to find a kicker for the 2011 season. Shaun Suisham is a free agent after filling in last season for Jeff Reed, who was cut. Reed was one of the few kickers who did well in Heinz Field, which is one of the hardest stadiums to kick in. The Steelers didn't draft a kicker, which means they have a short time to search for a solution in free agency.

Key players without contracts for 2011: Starting cornerback Ike Taylor is the only big name for the Steelers. He is an unrestricted free agent and is looking for market value, which could price him out of Pittsburgh. The Steelers have several younger and cheaper alternatives at cornerback, such as Carlos Rogers and Richard Marshall. Offensive lineman Willie Colon is another interesting name. He's been a versatile starter for Pittsburgh at guard and tackle. Tailback Mewelde Moore will probably test the market as the Steelers look to get more carries for backup Isaac Redman this season.

The Cleveland Browns used the franchise tag on kicker Phil Dawson Tuesday. Here are some thoughts on their decision:

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Arrow indicates direction team is trending.

Final Power Ranking: No. 3
Preseason Power Ranking: No. 18

Biggest surprise: The first surprise was Pittsburgh's going 3-1 to start the season without suspended quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. That set the tone for the rest of the year and eventually led the Steelers to a No. 2 seed and a first-round bye in the playoffs. In terms of players, not much was expected this year of rookie third-round pick Emmanuel Sanders. He showed some flashes in training camp, gradually kept working and eventually became the Steelers' No. 3 receiver. That's an important role in Pittsburgh's offense, and Sanders finished the regular season with 28 receptions for 376 yards and two touchdowns. He joins 2009 draft pick Mike Wallace as a pair of great finds at receiver in the third round.

Biggest disappointment: The Steelers thought highly enough of kicker Jeff Reed to give him the franchise tag this season. But Reed's year in Pittsburgh was so tumultuous that the Steelers cut ties with their kicker in midseason. Reed had some off-the-field troubles and also complained publicly about his contract. After getting off to a poor start, missing seven field goals, Reed was released and replaced by Shaun Suisham, who has done very well, making 14 of 15 field goals in seven games.

Biggest need: The Steelers fixed their center position by using their 2010 first-round pick on Maurkice Pouncey, who was a Pro Bowler in his first year. Now Pittsburgh needs to work on the guard and tackle positions. Roethlisberger took another pounding this year, despite missing four games. He was sacked 32 times in 12 games, which is an average of 2.7 sacks per game. Roethlisberger also had his nose broken this year and suffered a significant foot injury. Adding a blue-chip offensive tackle or guard would help.

Team MVP: Troy Polamalu. The dynamic Pro Bowl safety made game-changing plays all season for the Steelers and is the only defensive player in the conversation for Player of the Year in the NFL. Polamalu (Achilles) looked good in the final game of the regular season against the Cleveland Browns, and his health will play a major role in Pittsburgh's chances to win its second Super Bowl in three years.

Draft Watch: The Steelers do not have a lot of holes, but look for them to try to add depth to their offensive line and secondary. As we mentioned earlier, Pittsburgh could use an upgrade at the guard and tackle positions on offense. No. 1 cornerback Ike Taylor is solid, but he will be a free agent, and Pittsburgh has to decide whether to bring back the 30-year-old or go younger at the position. The Steelers have tried drafting younger corners recently and missed on players like Joe Burnett and Keenan Lewis. Pittsburgh already has the NFL's best defense. But if it ever lands a couple of shutdown corners, the Steelers will be extremely difficult to score against.

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

• The most likely playoff scenario for the Baltimore Ravens appears to be a wild-card game on the road against the Indianapolis Colts.

Morning take: I don't care how inconsistent the Colts have been this year, this is a tough matchup for Baltimore as long as Peyton Manning is under center. The Ravens would be better off facing another team.

• The Cincinnati Bengals had their smallest season attendance since 2003.

Morning take: Fan confidence is way down, as evident by Cincinnati's four straight blackouts to end the season. The Bengals need to rebuild the right way to get fans back in Paul Brown Stadium.

• With head coach Eric Mangini on the hot seat, Cleveland Browns president Mike Holmgren is keeping a low profile.

Morning take: Holmgren hasn't talked to the media in nearly two months. With the Browns on a three-game losing streak, silence isn't a good sign.

• Shaun Suisham of the Pittsburgh Steelers is getting his kicks in.

Morning take: Suisham is 12-for-13 on field goals and surpassed all expectations after replacing Jeff Reed. He's one of the more underrated acquisitions in the AFC North.

The Pittsburgh Steelers lead the Carolina Panthers, 20-0, at intermission.

Here are some notes at halftime:

• Let's start with Ben Roethlisberger. The Steelers' quarterback played well in the first half, completing 16 of 23 passes for 259 yards and a touchdown in the first half. The score was a 43-yard toss to receiver Mike Wallace where both players read the blitz and changed to a hot route. But Roethlisberger was shaken up after a second-quarter sack. His nose was bleeding again after recently having surgery to repair it. It will be key for Pittsburgh not to suffer any major injuries in this game.
• The Steelers made it a point to get tight end Heath Miller involved. Miller, who missed the past two games with a concussion, caught two passes on the opening drive that led to a field goal. Miller led the Steelers in the first half with a team-high four receptions for 59 yards.
• Pittsburgh's kick coverage looks improved. After giving up a 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown last week and several big punt returns against the New York Jets, the Panthers haven't had the same success. Pittsburgh's kick coverage also forced two fumbles, one of which it recovered.
• Steelers kicker Shaun Suisham had his streak of 12 straight field goals broken with a miss at the end of the second quarter. He made two field goals in the first half and is 12-of-13 since joining Pittsburgh in Week 11.

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

• Baltimore Ravens defensive end/linebacker Terrell Suggs is ready for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Morning take: Suggs is playing well and Pittsburgh's offensive line is banged up. Suggs could have another good showing against his biggest rival.

• Former Steelers kicker Jeff Reed signed with the San Francisco 49ers.

Morning take: Pittsburgh has moved on with Shaun Suisham, who is kicking well. But I still will keep an eye on how Reed does in San Francisco.

• Cleveland Browns linebacker Matt Roth gets a chance to play his former team: The Miami Dolphins.

Morning take: Roth was cut by Miami last year and claimed off waivers but says he's not thinking about revenge. We're not sure we believe him.

• Cincinnati Bengals rookie defensive end Carlos Dunlap is adapting to the NFL.

Morning take: Dunlap has been one of the few bright spots in Cincinnati the last few weeks. The second-round pick has ability, but he needs to learn how to bring it every week.

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

• Amid criticism, Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians talks about his approach.

Morning take: Despite injuries on the offensive line, Pittsburgh's offense needs to play more efficiently. Sunday's contest against the Oakland Raiders is a big game for this group.

• Baltimore Ravens receiver Anquan Boldin is emerging as a leader in the locker room.

Morning take: Boldin's toughness and leadership are great fits in Baltimore, especially since it comes on the offensive side of the ball on a defensively oriented team.

• Cleveland Browns starting cornerback Sheldon Brown (neck, shoulder) is optimistic that he will be ready to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Morning take: Brown's veteran presence would be a nice boost and provide depth. But it also prevents Joe Haden from starting, and I think it’s time for the coaches to find Haden more playing time.

• New Cincinnati Bengals kicker Aaron Pettrey prepares for his debut.

Morning take: Based on Cincinnati's recent push for Jeff Reed, Pettrey is on a short leash. He needs to make the most of this opportunity.

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

• After clearing waivers, the Cincinnati Bengals made an offer to former Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Jeff Reed. But he declined.

Morning take: Good idea for Cincinnati. Reed will take time off to recharge, but the Bengals could make another push next week.

• Cleveland Browns fullback Lawrence Vickers is having another solid season.

Morning take: Vickers remains one of the most underrated players in the AFC North. Everyone he blocks for (Jamal Lewis, Jerome Harrison, Peyton Hillis) in Cleveland has success.

• Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed is still trying to get his legs under him.

Morning take: Reed will be more dangerous when he gets healthy. We will have more on Baltimore's pass defense Thursday (hint, hint).

• Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel (hamstring) is slowly working his way back.

Morning take: Hamstrings can be tricky. The Steelers are without both starting defensive ends. So Keisel will be a welcomed addition if he's ready Sunday against the Oakland Raiders.

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

• Ken Murray of the Baltimore Sun reports the Ravens used a mini-bye week to diagnose their issues.

Morning take: I want to see how Baltimore improved its pass defense. It started well but has tailed off in recent weeks.

• Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette believes releasing kicker Jeff Reed was a mistake for the Steelers.

Morning take: The move wasn't as sudden as people think. Reed has missed field goals all season and had off-field issues in the spring. The combination led to his release.

• Steve Wyche from NFL.com says the 2-7 Cincinnati Bengals are among the NFL's biggest disappointments.

Morning take: Click here.

• Tony Grossi of the Cleveland Plain Dealer writes about the Browns signing fill-ins Eric King at cornerback and returner Clifton Smith.

Morning take: With Sheldon Brown (shoulder) and Josh Cribbs (toes) both ailing, the Browns need insurance in case one or both players can't go Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Cincinnati Bengals made their choice of who will replace injured kicker Mike Nugent for the remainder of the season -- and it's not Jeff Reed.

Instead, Cincinnati (2-7) goes with another Ohio State alum in Aaron Pettrey, who was signed by the team Tuesday. On the same day, the Pittsburgh Steelers made Reed available after cutting the veteran and signing Shaun Suisham.

Pettrey, an undrafted rookie, will make his NFL debut Sunday against the Buffalo Bills (1-8).

The Cincinnati Bengals need a kicker after Mike Nugent suffered a season-ending knee injury.

What about Jeff Reed?

The Pittsburgh Steelers cut their longtime kicker on Tuesday. Reed missed seven field goals this season but has been consistent over his career, making 81.9 percent of his kicks in nine seasons. Most were in very tough conditions at Heinz Field.

The move makes sense for Cincinnati. Reed is familiar with Paul Brown Stadium and the AFC North in general, not to mention he's clearly the best kicker on the market.

It's been a rough season for the 2-7 Bengals. They were put in another tough spot with Nugent's injury, but they may have finally caught a break when Pittsburgh made its former kicker available this week.

The Steelers have cut longtime kicker Jeff Reed and signed Shaun Suisham as his replacement, according to Pittsburgh reports here and here. Reed has kicked for the Steelers since 2002 but was having his worst season with the team, missing seven field goals in nine games.

Reed was given the franchise tag this offseason and was in negotiations for working out a long-term deal. But things never materialized and Reed's poor season sealed his fate with the Steelers. Reed is now an unrestricted free agent.

Kicking in Pittsburgh is no easy task, but that's now Suisham's job. He has kicked for four teams, making 79.1 percent of his field goals in his five-year career.

Here are the latest happenings Monday evening in the AFC North:

• ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Pittsburgh Steelers are considering releasing kicker Jeff Reed after seven missed field goals this season.
• Edward Lee of the Baltimore Sun writes the Ravens believe they have "four or five" starting cornerbacks.
• Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com reports former Cincinnati first-round pick Andre Smith will have surgery on his left foot.
• Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer writes Browns linebacker Scott Fujita will miss time with a knee injury.

Here are some notes and observations from Week 9 in the AFC North:

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AP Photo/David KohlFrustration got the best of Chad Ochocinco, who was temporarily benched against the Steelers.
• I recently wrote that it's time to blow up the Cincinnati Bengals' trio of Chad Ochocinco, Carson Palmer and Marvin Lewis. Monday's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers was another big step in that direction. Ochocinco had one catch for 15 yards, and his yelling at Palmer in the second half was uncalled for. Palmer threw a ball high and incomplete, and Ochocinco simply lost it. The last thing Palmer needed was his receiver screaming about one bad pass while the Bengals were trying to mount a comeback. Ochocinco was briefly benched after the incident. Palmer has been patient with Ochocinco, who has sometimes run wrong routes this season. It's clear Palmer trusts Terrell Owens more than Ochocinco. The Bengals have a $6 million team option for Ochocinco in 2011, and it's becoming more likely that Cincinnati won't pay that kind of money for a struggling and frustrated receiver. Here is Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis on why he benched Ochocinco:

"Yeah, he was upset, but we've got to play football. If he's not going to get it done right, he's got to take an opportunity to freshen up his mind and get right back in the game. It was good that he got out of the game so he could concentrate and get his job done. When you're playing that position, you can't dictate when the ball comes to you."

• On the flip side, Owens deserves a lot of credit for leading by example. Owens was involved, played hard throughout and produced on the field without causing a stir. Owens torched Pittsburgh's secondary with 10 catches for 141 yards and two touchdowns. He is on pace to hit most or all of his contract incentives that can pay him an extra $2 million this year. We will break down those incentives later this week.
• Speaking of contract escalators, Browns rookie quarterback Colt McCoy is more than halfway to a bonus that could pocket him an extra $650,000. McCoy needs to play 35 percent of the snaps this season -- or approximately 5.6 games -- to guarantee the raise on the fourth year of his base salary. With three starts under his belt, McCoy is halfway there. He threw for 174 yards and rushed for a touchdown in the 34-14 win against the New England Patriots on Sunday.
• Browns coach Eric Mangini is playing with fire if he's seriously considering benching McCoy in favor of veteran Seneca Wallace or Jake Delhomme. The Browns are on a roll with back-to-back wins over the New Orleans Saints and the Patriots, and a loss Sunday would instantly place blame on an untimely quarterback change, especially if Wallace or Delhomme were to play poorly. The New York Jets are a good team, especially defensively. So this is an odd time for the Browns to make a major change offensively when McCoy finally has the ball rolling.
• The Steelers are very thin on their offensive line after a physical game with Cincinnati. Injuries to starters Maurkice Pouncey (leg), Max Starks (neck) and Chris Kemoeatu (ankle) tested their depth. Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin said Pouncey should be fine. He returned in the second half. But the team isn't sure about Starks and Kemoeatu until further testing. I talked with Starks after the game and he said he's hopeful for Sunday night's big matchup against the Patriots.
• Pittsburgh's special teams vastly outplayed the Bengals. A fumble forced by rookie receiver Emmanuel Sanders and a blocked punt by William Gay helped put the Steelers ahead by 10 points early in a game in which they never trailed. Pittsburgh kicker Jeff Reed also made two field goals, although he did miss one wide left in the fourth quarter that could have sealed the game.
• The first-place Baltimore Ravens are doing a great job forcing turnovers, which was an issue earlier this season. In its past two games, Baltimore has forced seven turnovers, including three interceptions in Sunday's win over the Miami Dolphins. Ravens star safety Ed Reed has three picks in two games. The Ravens had a chance to create even more turnovers against the Dolphins, who fumbled four times but recovered all of them.

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

• The Baltimore Ravens may not see a lot of Wildcat offense from the Miami Dolphins Sunday.

Morning take: Miami hasn't run much Wildcat this year, and it could be risky against Baltimore. It's hard to fool the veteran Ravens defense with misdirection.

• Browns offensive coordinator Brian Daboll refutes New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick's claim that Cleveland runs a West Coast offense.

Morning take: Belichick may have an agenda to get under Cleveland's skin a little to insist Browns president Mike Holmgren is running the show and not the coaching staff.

• Cincinnati Bengals rookie tight end Jermaine Gresham is off to a solid start with 29 receptions.

Morning take: Gresham is catching the ball well, but I'd like to see him challenge defenses vertically more often. It's up to Bengals offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski to put Gresham in those positions.

• Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Jeff Reed missed five field goals in seven games.

Morning take: Reed said he's ready to get back on track. The Steelers likely will need clutch kicking from Reed in the second half of the season.