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Yes, the start of training camps is two months away, but it’s never too early to consider the coming season. A look at the best-case and worst-case scenarios for the Ravens in 2012.

Dream scenario (13-3): The Ravens come back more motivated after falling a couple plays short of getting to the Super Bowl. Baltimore takes care of its biggest distractions before the season by signing quarterback Joe Flacco and running back Ray Rice to long-term deals. The Ravens go on to produce the best record in the AFC and have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Flacco backs up his claim of being an elite quarterback and finally takes control of the offense. He has a reputation makeover similar to the one Eli Manning had. Flacco gets help in the passing game with wide receiver Torrey Smith and tight end Ed Dickson, who stretch the field even more in their second seasons as starters. Rookie second-round pick Kelechi Osemele is able to make the transition from college tackle to left guard, which is the biggest question mark on the Ravens' offensive line.

Outside linebacker Terrell Suggs gives the defense a big boost when the NFL's reigning defensive player of the year is able to return in early November from an Achilles injury. Rookie second-round pick Courtney Upshaw steps up to replace Jarret Johnson as the team's edge-setter on run defense. And Baltimore shuts down some of the best wide receivers in the NFL with the league's most impressive pair of cornerbacks in Lardarius Webb and Jimmy Smith.

Nightmare scenario (7-9): Baltimore can't shake the crushing loss in the AFC Championship Game and fails to make the playoffs for the first time in the John Harbaugh era. The injury to Suggs is too tough to overcome, and Rice isn't the same player after skipping offseason workouts and training camp. Not being at the top of their game hurts the Ravens, who have the fourth-toughest schedule in the NFL.

The offensive line shows some cracks with declining left tackle Bryant McKinnie and overhyped right tackle Michael Oher. Center Matt Birk begins to show his age (he turns 36 in July), and Baltimore fails to adequately replace Pro Bowl left guard Ben Grubbs. The lack of consistency up front puts more pressure on Flacco, who is forced to rush and throws more interceptions than he has in the past. Anquan Boldin watches his receptions decrease for a third straight season, and Torrey Smith drops more deep passes than he catches.

Defensively, Suggs is able to return late in the season but he doesn't have the explosiveness to be effective. The Ravens drop out of the top 10 in defense for the first time since 2002 because Paul Kruger can't replace Suggs, Ray Lewis' play slows down with his age (37) and Ed Reed stays in a funk because he's unhappy with his contract.

Defense has been the big brother on the Baltimore Ravens for more than the past decade. It's been the one responsible for hard-fought wins, playoff victories and even a Super Bowl title.

Now, linebacker Ray Lewis is 37. Safety Ed Reed "isn't committed" to football this year. And linebacker Terrell Suggs, the best defensive player in the game last season, is out for an extended period with an Achilles injury.

The Ravens can't lean on their defense any longer. It's unfair to ask these defenders to hold teams to 16.6 points per game like last season. If the Ravens want to reach the playoffs for a fifth straight season, the offense has to take charge.

Being an average offense isn't going to cut it. The pressure is on for the Ravens to produce more points and yards than they've done the past 14 years, and quarterback Joe Flacco says he wouldn't want it any other way.

"I hope it does put more pressure on us," Flacco said. "I feel like we need that pressure. I feel like I want that pressure on us. I feel like we need to become a better offense and we need to become somebody that goes out there and puts points on the board week in and week out and is really responsible for winning a lot of games. If it does put pressure on us, I’m all for it."

You have to wonder if Flacco relishes the pressure. He certainly seems to invite it. Flacco is heading into the final year of his contract and is coming off an offseason in which he declared himself the best quarterback in the league.

To his credit, Flacco has played his best when faced with pressure situations. He's won in Pittsburgh the past two years with touchdown passes in the final 32 seconds of the game. He would've thrown the winning pass in the AFC Championship Game if Lee Evans had held onto the ball.

No one can accuse Flacco for lacking confidence. He's played with a chip on his shoulder since coming to the NFL from the University of Delaware, which Flacco himself called the "minor leagues of college football." Then, in early April, Flacco was asked if he was a top-five quarterback. His response: "I don’t think I’m the top five, I think I’m the best."

Flacco has since said the comments have been blown out of proportion. But he has never backed down from them. Maybe this is Flacco's way of putting more pressure on himself.

"I believe I'm the best at what I do," Flacco said this week. "I’m not comparing myself to anybody, but I do believe in myself. Just like anybody else that has any pride or feels like they want to be the best would say. What do you want me to say? I’m mediocre. I’d rather take criticism for believing that I’m the best than saying, ‘I’m probably somewhere in the middle of the pack.’ That’s kind of crazy to me."

The reality is Baltimore has been a middle-of-the-pack offense despite its talent. The Ravens have the league leader in total yards in running back Ray Rice. They have one of the most prolific wide receivers in NFL history in Anquan Boldin (the fastest player ever to 400, 500 and 600 catches in a career) and an emerging deep threat in Torrey Smith (five of his seven touchdowns covered at least 25 yards). Their fullback is a Pro Bowl player (Vonta Leach), their two offensive tackles are former first-round picks (Bryant McKinnie and Michael Oher) and their right guard (Marshal Yanda) is perhaps the best at his position.

"We just continue to keep getting better every year, and we flashed some really good things last year," Yanda said. "We just need to be more consistent. I think we’ve flashed tools to be the No. 1 offense."

The problem is their potential hasn't led to production. Baltimore has never had an offense ranked higher than 13th since Vinny Testaverde left in 1998. In four seasons with Flacco and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, the offense has ranked 18th, 13th, 22nd and 15th.

"Those are some names that should make this offense more than just a par-for-average offense," said Marcellus Wiley, a former NFL defensive lineman and current ESPN analyst. "This is an offense that is 15th-ranked and should be better than that."

Some might say the Ravens have underachieved because they haven't been put in a position where they've needed to be aggressive. With one of the best defenses every year, Baltimore knows a win is virtually assured when it scores more than two touchdowns. In fact, the Ravens have won 82 percent of their games (46-10 record) since 2008 when they score more than 14 points.

That mindset has to change with Suggs out of the lineup and an imposing schedule that features seven quarterbacks who have totaled 22 Pro Bowls and six Super Bowl titles: Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, Eli Manning, Philip Rivers, Carson Palmer and Andy Dalton.

The Ravens have to think touchdowns instead of field goals. They have to attack downfield instead of worrying about a turnover. The Ravens' playoff hopes rest on the offense getting out of the passenger seat and living up to the expectations of being a top-10 one in the league.

"You definitely want to be that," Flacco said. "I think we have the ability to be that. It's just a matter of making our mind up and having the confidence to do that."

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

Nearly a month after the Browns drafted quarterback Brandon Weeden in the first round, Colt McCoy didn't complain about his likely fate and remained a team player.

"This is the card that's been dealt," said McCoy, who took the first snaps in team drills Tuesday. "I can just say that I'm working as hard as I can. You never know what to expect. One of my favorite quotes by the NAVY Seals is, 'The only easy day was yesterday.' That's just kind of how I have to live right now."

He said he has not asked to be traded because "they told me I had a chance to compete."

"I don't want this to be a situation where it's me vs. him or him vs. me," McCoy said. "I want it to be a situation of -- and I think we can all agree to this -- let's help our team the most. Let's make it about the Cleveland Browns being a great football team next year. And if that's the case, I'm all in."

Hensley's slant: Many are predicting that the Browns will still try to trade McCoy or ultimately release him before the season starts. Based on his comments, McCoy won't be a distraction as a backup. Last season would become an even bigger wasted year if the Browns parted ways with McCoy.

BENGALS: Andy Dalton didn't bristle at speculation that there are members within the organization concerned about his arm strength. “I’m comfortable with it. Everyone knows what they are going to get out of me,” Dalton told the Cincinnati Enquirer. “I don’t think it held us back last year and I don’t think it is going to hold me back in my career. Arm strength is one thing, there’s a lot to throwing. It’s timing, consistency and making sure everyone is on the same page. I’m going to keep working but I don’t think arm strength is an issue.” Hensley's slant: Dalton ranked third in the AFC North as far as arm strength last season but finished tied for eighth in the NFL with 10 completions over 40 yards. Sometimes your arm looks better when you're throwing to playmakers like A.J. Green.

RAVENS: Quarterback Joe Flacco is planning to attend the team's offseason workouts despite not having a new contract. Flacco is entering the final year of his deal and could have opted to skip the voluntary practices as a protest. “It’s always fun to get back to doing what you love,” Flacco told the team's official website. “It’s good for the young guys. I think every little bit helps.” Hensley's slant: The real test of Flacco's "love" for the game would come next offseason if he doesn't have a new deal and the Ravens decide to put the franchise tag on him. I still wouldn't be surprised if Flacco chose to miss some practices in early June this year. His first child is expected to be born around that time.

STEELERS: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ron Cook said it's no big deal that wide receiver Mike Wallace is missing offseason workouts and expects the restricted free agent to attend training camp. "Don't believe those who say Wallace will be unhappy, moody, even disruptive if he has to play the season under the tender," Cook wrote. "He's not that much of a fool. He will be playing for big money in his next contract. He has to play well to get it. Teammate LaMarr Woodley should be his inspiration. He was in the same situation as Wallace in 2010, had a great season and signed a six-year, $61.5 million deal before last season." Hensley's slant: It would be beneficial for Wallace to be in Pittsburgh to learn Todd Haley's new offense, but it's not essential. It would be more important for Wallace to be here if the Steelers were changing quarterbacks instead of coordinators. Whenever he returns, whether it's the start of training camp or the middle of it, he will still have the same chemistry with Roethlisberger.

A reminder to tune into a "SportsCenter special" on ESPN tonight at 7 p.m. for some must-see TV for AFC North fans.

The NFL Live crew will be previewing all eight divisions in the upcoming weeks, and the first to receive the star treatment is the AFC North (and rightfully so, considering it's the home of three playoff teams from last season).

I'm interested to see how the analysts answer the one big question that was posed for each division team. There will also be an interview with Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco.

The AFC North quarterbacks received no love from NFL.com, which ranked the division's passers fifth in the league.

This is a little low in my estimation. Ben Roethlisberger, Joe Flacco, Andy Dalton and Brandon Weeden (or Colt McCoy) should at least be No. 4. Here's how NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah assessed the division:

It was a tough call putting this group behind the AFC West QBs. Big Ben has two Super Bowl rings and is arguably the best in the league at extending the play. Last season, Flacco was a dropped pass away from making his Super Bowl debut, while Dalton would've been the talk of the league if not for Cam Newton's amazing rookie year. I'm not the biggest Weeden fan, but he does have size and a live arm.

For those reasons, I would put the AFC North ahead of the AFC West, which ranked fourth despite featuring a banged-up Peyton Manning and a struggling Philip Rivers, along with two quarterbacks on the hot seat (Matt Cassel and Carson Palmer). Roethlisberger has to be considered better than Manning at this point. Flacco outplayed Tom Brady in the AFC title game, and Rivers threw the third-most interceptions in the NFL (20). And Dalton made more of an impact on his team as a rookie than veterans Cassel and Palmer did last season.

The AFC North falls short of No. 3 with the NFC East, which has Eli Manning, Tony Romo, Michael Vick and Robert Griffin III. Roethlisberger has as many rings as Manning, but it's difficult to argue that Flacco had a better season than Romo (31 touchdowns and 10 interceptions). The nod goes to the NFC East in Dalton-Vick and Weeden-RG3.

Here are some highlights -- because there are never any lowlights -- for this week's AFC North chat. If you want more, click here for a full transcript.

Kris (Missouri): How devastating is the loss of Terrell Suggs? Ray [Lewis] and Ed Reed only have how many more shots at a title.

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): When Suggs got hurt, most talked about how the Ravens would miss him in the pass rush. But Suggs was a really good run defender as well. I think people are underestimating his absence when it comes to stopping running backs.

Brian (Philadelphia): Assuming the Bengals follow up last season with a successful 2012 season, who do you think would be more likely to leave for a head coaching position: defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer or offensive coordinator Jay Gruden?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): I say Gruden. He has the name recognition plus he has the advantage of having developed a young QB on his resume. Whatever team is looking for a head coach is probably in a position to take a QB in the first round. That's why Gruden would be more enticing.

Jordan (Raleigh): What are Mike Wallace's options? Sign or sit out? Can he be dealt? Can teams even make trades at this point in the offseason?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): Wallace can sit out as long as he wants if he doesn't sign the tender. He is technically not under contract until he signs it. Wallace has until June 15 to sign it or the Steelers can reduce his RFA tender after that point.

Bodman34 (Ada,OH Home of the Wilson Football Factory): Is there any reason the Browns shouldn't take a look at Terrell Owens and offer a minimum salary with incentives? He would be an instant upgrade at receiver, and if it didn't work out, not much invested.

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): Have you seen the effect of T.O. on the other teams he played for? Not happening.

Brad (Berkeley, CA): Maurkice Pouncey was the first Steelers rookie to start 13 or more games in like 30 years (he started all 16, I know). Will [David] DeCastro be the only Steelers rookie this year to do the same?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): DeCastro is battling two players who were originally undrafted rookies, Doug Legursky and Ramon Foster. It would be a major surprise if DeCastro doesn't start from the first day of camp.

Andre (Tallahassee, FL): Is John Harbaugh on the hot seat if Baltimore misses the playoffs? And will Joe Flacco be gone too?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): Are you not aware that the Ravens and Flacco have made the playoffs for the past four seasons? If you think they would be on the hot seat after missing the playoffs for one year, you have crazy expectations.

Dillion (Ohio): Should the browns sign T.O to help show the younger reciver on the team how to catch the ball and he can catch the ball

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): Again, has anyone else except me seen the negative effect of TO on teams?

Aaron (Bloomington IL): With Pittsburgh upgrading its offensive line, there appears to be few weaknesses remaining from the three teams pushing for the AFC North title. Which unit from Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Baltimore do you see as having the greatest weakness this year?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): Steelers: Cornerback. Bengals: Wide receiver. Baltimore: Left guard and outside linebacker (Suggs' absence).

Michael (Cincinnati): Can you ban people who think the Browns should sign TO?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): Only [NFL commissioner Roger] Goodell has the power to ban people in football. Sorry.

The NFL is a passing league now, but the most of the AFC North apparently hasn't received that memo.

The Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns all ranked 19th or worse in passing last season. What have they done to improve that? Nothing really.

No division team signed a big-name receiver in free agency. No one drafted a wide receiver in the first couple rounds of the draft. It's like the AFC North collectively rolled up their sleeves and went to work on their running games this offseason.

Every big move in this division has been another step toward old-school football, where you pound the ball instead of pass it:

• The prize of the Bengals' free-agency period was running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis, and the team's second first-round pick Kevin Zeitler was the best run-blocking guard of the draft.

• The Browns used the third overall pick on Alabama's Trent Richardson, the highest a running back has gone in the draft since Reggie Bush in 2006.

• The Ravens put a $7.7 million franchise tag on running back Ray Rice, which is one season removed from Baltimore making Vonta Leach the highest-paid fullback in the league.

• Even the Pittsburgh Steelers have hinted at becoming a more balanced offense under new coordinator Todd Haley.

Teams have to run the ball to be successful in the AFC North, especially when the weather turns ugly late in the season. This is the only division in football that doesn't have a dome stadium or a warm-weather city like Miami or San Diego in it. Last season, the three AFC North teams that went to the playoffs combined for a 33-9 record (.785) when running the ball at least 20 times, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

The problem is, recent NFL history says you win Super Bowls by throwing the ball, not handing it off. The last three Super Bowl champions -- the New Orleans Saints, Green Bay Packers and New York Giants -- all ranked in the top five in passing. While the Steelers finished 10th in passing, the others in the division -- the Ravens (19th), Bengals (20th) and Browns (24th) -- are severely lagging behind.

Baltimore and Cincinnati believe they have their franchise quarterbacks. Joe Flacco guided the Ravens to the playoffs for four straight seasons, and Andy Dalton made the Pro Bowl last season as a rookie. The Browns just invested the 22nd overall pick in Oklahoma State Brandon Weeden.

For the offenses to take that next step, they need wide receivers. The Bengals didn't re-sign two of their top three receivers (Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell). The Ravens only had two wide receivers catch more than four passes. And the Browns led the NFL in dropped passes.

Still, the AFC North teams ignored the position this offseason. There were no visits from Vincent Jackson, Robert Meachem, Pierre Garcon, Brandon Lloyd, Reggie Wayne and Mario Manningham in free agency. The draft featured Baylor's Kendall Wright, Georgia Tech's Stephen Hill and LSU's Rueben Randle getting taken elsewhere. Only one receiver signed with a division team -- the Bengals' Mohamed Sanu -- in the first two days of the draft.

How will the passing improve in this division when no one added a major weapon at wide receiver?

“The receivers, what will make them look good, is if they catch the ball better than they caught it last year,” Browns president Mike Holmgren said. “We dropped way too many balls and that wasn’t the quarterbacks’ fault. I don’t care if we bring back Otto Graham, the receivers have to catch the ball. They will be better, for a lot of reasons."

Holmgren added, “That’s why no one is in a panic about how the draft went as far as how our receivers went. We will not drop the ball like we dropped it last year. We will have a running game to go with our passing game. Those things by themselves it will be better.”

This isn't to say the division is totally bare at wide receiver. Pittsburgh's Mike Wallace and Cincinnati's A.J. Green are Pro Bowl players. Baltimore's Torrey Smith showed flashes of greatness. And Cleveland's Greg Little had his moments.

Still, the Ravens don't have a proven No. 3 wide receiver. The Bengals don't know who will step up to be the No. 2 one. And the Browns are wondering who will be the primary target.

The Steelers are the class of the division in terms of passing offense. They have a strong-armed quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger along with two playmakers at wide receiver in Wallace and Antonio Brown. But Pittsburgh could be facing decisions at the wide receiver position, too. Wallace is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent next offseason and Brown will become one in 2014.

But this offseason was all about the Ravens, Bengals and Browns playing catch-up. Instead, the teams let the opportunities slip through their fingers.

There's been a strong buzz recently that the Baltimore Ravens are considering Georgia Tech wide receiver Stephen Hill with the 29th overall pick.

This is a little surprising because Hill is a unpolished prospect who needs time to develop as a route runner. But the Ravens appear intrigued by his downfield playmaking ability. And, as you saw last season with Torrey Smith, quarterback Joe Flacco can get the ball downfield when receivers can outrun or outleap defenders.

As I've mentioned before, the Ravens could be thinking ahead at wide receiver. This could be Anquan Boldin's final season with the Ravens. If that's the case, Baltimore could groom Hill for a season before asking him to become a starter.

I believe the Ravens are interested in Hill, but I think Alabama linebackers Dont'a Hightower and Courtney Upshaw are rated higher on Baltimore' board. Hightower would be the eventual replacement for Ray Lewis, and Upshaw would fill the void left by Jarret Johnson.

Of course, the Ravens' interest in Hill could be a moot point. Unless the Ravens trade up to the No. 20 spot (held by the Titans), they have to hope Hill makes it past two division rivals -- the Cincinnati Bengals at No. 21 and the Cleveland Browns at No. 22.

Here are some notes and numbers for the Ravens heading into the draft, courtesy of ESPN Stats & Information:

• Total picks: 8 (29th, 60th, 91st, 130th, 164th, 169th, 198th, 236th)
• Of the 31 draft picks under coach John Harbaugh, 19 have been offensive players
• Ravens selected guard Ben Grubbs with 29^th pick in 2007 (only time drafting 29th)
• All eight 2011 draft picks appeared in at least 3 games for team last season
• Multiple fifth-round picks for fourth consecutive season

There are rumblings lately that the Baltimore Ravens are looking at Georgia Tech wide receiver Stephen Hill in the first round.

Taking wide receivers this early has been one of the few smudges on the Ravens' draft resume. Travis Taylor and Mark Clayton both never lived up to expectations as the No. 1 wide receiver.

So, why would the Ravens use a first-rounder on another wide receiver? Baltimore has to start thinking about the future because this could be Anquan Boldin's last season (he is scheduled to make $6 million in 2012 and 2013). And, after watching Torrey Smith make an immediate impact, it's apparent that Joe Flacco is more comfortable with speed receivers than possession-type ones.

Hill is a raw prospect who has size (6-foot-5) and makes athletic catches deep downfield. The biggest knock on Hill is his limited route-running experience because his college team ran the triple-option offense. There's a chance that Hill won't make it down to the Ravens at No. 29. The Bengals (No. 21), Browns (No. 22) and Texans (No. 26) have all shown interest in him.

As I discuss in the Blogger Blitz video, the more likely scenario is the Ravens addressing wide receiver in the middle rounds.

ESPN's John Clayton compiled the top 10 matchups to watch for the 2012 season. Not surprisingly, the AFC North had a presence in the rankings.

The Steelers-Ravens rivalry was third on Clayton's list, although I believe it should have been second at worst. Here is Clayton's take on the Steelers-Ravens, who play Nov. 18 and Dec. 2:

This has become the best rivalry in the NFL now that Joe Flacco has shown he can win against the Steelers' defense. This game features two of the best hitting teams in football and some of the most ardent fans. Last season, the Ravens finally took the AFC North title, which should cause the Steelers to be more determined.

The other top matchup involving an AFC North team is the Steelers-Broncos game, which will be played on Sept. 9. There should be no arguments on this one. Here is Clayton's breakdown of the season-opening meeting:

Even though this is a repeat of a 2011 playoff game, the stakes could be even bigger. The Steelers had an entire offseason to reflect on losing in overtime against Tim Tebow when he caught them in an untimely blitz. Now they have to come back to the Mile High City to face a Broncos offense that should be better with Peyton Manning.

The one matchup I would add to this list is Ravens-Patriots. The reason goes beyond this being a rematch of last season's dramatic AFC championship game. The last three regular-season games between these teams have been decided by a a total of 12 points.

Ravens fans can relax: there's not going to be a Kyle Boller reunion.

The Ravens signed quarterback Curtis Painter instead of Boller and Dennis Dixon, according to NFL Network. Painter is expected to compete with Tyrod Taylor to be the team's backup to Joe Flacco.

While Boller isn't returning to Baltimore, there is a reunion taking place. Painter rejoins new Ravens quarterbacks coach Jim Caldwell, who was the Indianapolis Colts' head coach last season. Painter made eight starts for the injured Peyton Manning last season but did not win a game before being benched.

I thought Painter was the front-runner for the job because of his connection to Caldwell. Based on potential and experience, he should have been last on the list.

It's understandable that the Ravens passed on Boller. Bringing back Boller would've been a public relations nightmare because he flopped as a first-round quarterback.

What I'm scratching my head over is the Ravens not signing Dixon. He's 27 and athletic. He has much more potential than Painter.

In the end, it probably doesn't matter whether it's Dixon or Painter or Taylor. Flacco has yet to miss a start in his NFL career.

This will probably cause Ravens fans to erupt, but former first-round pick Kyle Boller is working out for Baltimore on Thursday.

That's according to the NFL Network's Jason LaConfora, who is also reporting that Steelers free-agent quarterback Dennis Dixon is meeting with the Ravens as well.

And this will probably cause Ravens fans to erupt more -- I like the idea of bringing back Boller as a backup.

There's no question that Boller was a bust as a starter. The Ravens reached for him in the first round of the 2003 draft, and Boller was overmatched in the No. 1 role. He was 20-22 as a starter during his five seasons in Baltimore (2003 to 2007).

What many forget is how effective Boller was as a backup in 2006 behind Steve McNair. When McNair went down a couple of times that season, Boller played well and actually clinched the division that season with a win over Cleveland. He finished with a 104.0 quarterback rating, which was among the best for backups that season.

Of course, if the Ravens are looking for a backup with a higher upside, they should try to sign Dixon. But Boller wouldn't be a terrible signing.

Based on these workouts, the Ravens are clearly looking to provide more experience behind Joe Flacco. Last year, Baltimore went with Tyrod Taylor, a 2011 sixth-round pick.

UPDATE: NFL Network's Albert Breer is reporting that Colts free-agent quarterback Curtis Painter is also working out for the Ravens.

ESPN's Chris Mortensen talks about the Ravens contract issues with quarterback Joe Flacco and running back Ray Rice.

Flacco, who is looking for a contract extension, reported to the team's offseason workout program Monday. Rice, who is playing under the franchise tag, likely won't attend the workouts until he gets a new deal.

"We’re waiting to see what’s up [before signing the franchise tender],” Rice said recently. “We just have to figure out what’s best for me and my family right now. I want to be a part of the offseason program, I want to be a part of the team and obviously this works on both ends. I think progress is being made. I know things don’t happen overnight, but a lot of things can change in weeks, months, time. So when it happens, it happens.”

There will be a lot of attention placed on the players who don't report to the offseason workout programs, namely the Ravens' Ray Rice and the Steelers' Mike Wallace.

But one player did report to the start of voluntary workouts despite no new deal -- Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco.

“I wanted to come, just see the guys and throw the ball around a little bit,” Flacco told the team's official website. “The contract is not really an issue. It’s going to be taken care of by the guys upstairs and my agent. I really don’t have anything to worry about on that front. Either it’s going to get done or it’s not. I won’t be happy if it doesn’t get done, but I’m not going to make a big deal of it.”

While there have been differing reports on the negotiations with Flacco -- some say there has been progress while others indicate talks are at a standstill -- it's a positive sign for the Ravens that Flacco decided to show up when he had no obligation to do so. This suggests that the talks, however they're progressing, haven't created a rift between the team and its quarterback.

"It’s just any other offseason,” said Flacco, who is entering the final year of his contract. “I’ll be at OTAs and stuff and we’ll let those guys take care of it. If it gets done it gets done. If it doesn’t it doesn’t. But I’m not really going to put my mind on it. I’m going to keep myself at ease and keep my mind on football.”

The Ravens, though, may not want to get used to seeing Flacco around, and it has nothing to do with negotiations. He and his wife are expecting their first child in June, which could cause him to miss practices this spring.

And, if Flacco doesn't sign a new deal by the end of the season, the Ravens could see less of him next spring. While this is a good gesture for Flacco to show this year, I don't think he will be as willing to report next year if he receives the franchise tag.

The Baltimore Ravens are among three teams interested in Steelers free-agent quarterback Dennis Dixon, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The St. Louis Rams and Denver Broncos are also in the running for Dixon, who is not expected to return to Pittsburgh.

The Ravens have been inconsistent in how they've addressed the backup quarterback position recently. In 2010, Baltimore spent $3.8 million on Marc Bulger to have veteran insurance behind Joe Flacco. In 2011, the Ravens went with rookie sixth-round pick Tyrod Taylor.

One reason why the Ravens could go with Bulger in 2010 was the uncapped year, but it's definitely a major philosophical switch to go from a playoff-tested quarterback in Bulger to a raw prospect like Taylor. Of course, Baltimore hasn't needed a backup, because Flacco has never missed a start in his four-year career (64 straight, the third-longest current streak in the NFL). But the Ravens' playoff chances would get decimated if Flacco got hurt, and the team had to turn to Taylor for an extended period.

Dixon, 27, the No. 3 quarterback last season for Pittsburgh, has made three career starts in his four seasons with the Steelers. He has a 2-1 record, with one touchdown and two interceptions. Dixon's first start came against the Ravens in 2009, when his interception in overtime set up the winning field goal.

Here are the backup quarterback situations for the rest of the AFC North:

BENGALS: Cincinnati is set with journeyman Bruce Gradkowski. When Andy Dalton was hurt in last year's season opener, Gradkowski rallied the Bengals to a 27-17 win at Cleveland.

BROWNS: At this point, the Browns are going with Seneca Wallace, the team's backup for the past two seasons. But the depth chart could get moved around if Cleveland drafts a quarterback in the early rounds. If the Browns don't take a quarterback, Wallace won't be competing with Colt McCoy for the starting job, the team said.

STEELERS: Besides Ben Roethlisberger, the only quarterbacks on the roster are Troy Smith and Jerrod Johnson. The Steelers likely will bring back Byron Leftwich or Charlie Batch. The favorite to return is Leftwich, who reportedly drew interest from the Colts.