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Baltimore Ravens

Bounties in Baltimore? John Eisenberg of CSNWashington.com puts a few anecdotes under the microscope.

Cincinnati Bengals

Will running back be a priority for the Bengals in free agency and/or next month's draft?

University of Cincinnati running back Isaiah Pead is a player the Bengals are intrigued by and could see selecting in the middle rounds.

Cleveland Browns

Terry Pluto of The Plain Dealer shares more than a few thoughts on the latest with running back Peyton Hillis.

Joshua Cribbs has a unique take on how the Hills-CIA story came to light.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Larry Foote tells Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette it was "devastating" to see the departures of Hines Ward, Aaron Smith and James Farrior. "We're all grown men, but we've been lucky enough to make a good living playing a kids' game. Most of us have been playing since we were 8 years old. When they tell you it's time to hang up your cleats, it's tough."

Think James Harrison is paying attention to how the NFL handles the bounty sanctions against the New Orleans Saints?

Baltimore Ravens

Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco is wondering how the addition of backup Marc Bulger will affect team chemistry. Bulger, on the other hand, has accepted his role.

Flacco does think the 2010 Ravens team is the best one he's played on.

The Boston Globe scouts the Ravens. So does NESN's Jeff Howe.

Cincinnati Bengals

Breaking down the Bengals' tight ends.

In an Insider piece for ESPN.com, Scouts Inc.'s Matt Williamson looks at the Bengals' position battle at starting defensive end.

The Enquirer's Joe Reedy thinks any interest between Terrell Owens and the Bengals is one-sided.

The National Football Post's Matt Bowen thinks the Bengals are contenders.

Cleveland Browns

Joshua Cribbs is ready to take over the LeBron James role as Cleveland fan-favorite. ''I embrace it because I feel like some of the values I hold strong to myself are the same values that the city should hold strong to itself, and [it does],'' Cribbs told the Akron Beacon Journal.

It's the beginning of a new era in Cleveland ... again.

Rookie Montario Hardesty wants to be Cleveland's top back.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Former Pittsburgh great Terry Bradshaw isn't all that impressed with rookie Jimmy Clausen.

In a wide-ranging column, NFL.com's Michael Lombardi thinks the Steelers won't let LaMarr Woodley walk away when his deal is done and applauds the Mike Tomlin extention.

NESN.com's Jeff Howe previews the Steelers.

Cleveland Browns Pro Bowl returner Josh Cribbs is making the media rounds in Bristol, Conn., Monday. On ESPN's "First Take," he discussed his unhappiness with his contract.

Cribbs was paid a base salary of $900,000 this past season after making his second Pro Bowl. The Browns offered to raised his annual salary to $1.4 million over the final three years of his deal, which disappointed Cribbs and his representatives.

Cribbs said he wished the dispute could've been settled privately. But he feels he's not getting offered fair-market value.

"To this point, I have not gone public with how I felt," Cribbs said. "But I went two times trying to get a different contract, and two times [I was] turned down and told to wait and be patient, and I have. I feel like I’ve played and did what I had to do on the field to show them why I deserve it."

According to a recent report in the Cleveland Plain Dealer, other returners such as Devin Hester, Roscoe Parrish and Andre Davis are making a minimum of $3.2 million per season. At this point both Cribbs and the Browns appear far apart.

As I correctly predicted Monday, the AFC North had its most explosive news week of the season.

The Pittsburgh Steelers fired assistants, Cleveland Browns president Mike Holmgren retained head coach Eric Mangini, and two teams have huge playoffs games this weekend.

But the most interesting story, according to our division inbox, was Browns Pro Bowler Josh Cribbs' contract situation.

Let's get to some questions on Cribbs and the Browns.

Andy from Canada writes: Can you clarify exactly what the Browns are offering Cribbs?

James Walker: Andy, Cleveland offered to raise Cribbs' salary to $1.4 million per season over the final three years of his contract. He made a base salary of $900,000 in 2009, which means the team offered a $500,000 raise from last season for the next three years.

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Kovacs from Santa Monica wants to know what it would take to keep Cribbs in Cleveland.

Walker: As far as specific numbers to stay, that's really up to Cribbs, Kovacs. But in talking to his camp this week, the sense I got was that $3 million or $3.5 million per season would've been a good starting point. Maybe it would take more in negotiations. Maybe it would take less. I don't know. But that's just an educated guess on my part based on what other players are making and how shocked Cribbs was by Cleveland's $1.4 million offer.

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Matthew King from Liberty Township, Ohio wants to know what players comparable to Cribbs are making.

Walker: That’s a great question, Matthew, because that’s part of the problem. Cribbs is very unique. Who else returns kicks, plays on coverage teams, and lines up at quarterback and receiver? Devin Hester of the Chicago Bears would be the closest comparison, because plays some special teams and is a full-time receiver. According to a report in the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Hester averages $5.45 million per season. Others returner/receivers like Andre Davis of the Houston Texans and Roscoe Parrish of the Buffalo Bills average $4.3 and $3.2 million per year, respectively.

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Jordan from Annapolis, MD wants to know if the Baltimore Ravens would show interest in Cribbs.

Walker: At this point, I doubt Cleveland wants anything to do with trading Cribbs, Jordan. But in the event the Browns make a move, Baltimore would be the last team on their list. Cleveland would rather Cribbs sit a year than play for a division rival.

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Jon Douglass from Murfreesboro, TN writes: James, I am curious about your thoughts on Cleveland bringing in Mike Holmgren and what the future may hold for the Browns?

Walker: This was a great move for the Browns, Jon. This team finally has an experienced, proven leader in the building who brings instant credibility to Cleveland. Holmgren should make the Browns better, but he has a big climb ahead of him. The Steelers and Ravens do not make a lot of mistakes when it comes to personnel. So they’re consistently in the running to win the AFC North. In addition, the Bengals right now are on the upswing. So Holmgren has little room for error if he aims to catch up, pull the Browns out of the basement, and reach the top of the division.

Cleveland Browns Pro Bowl kick returner Josh Cribbs will be a guest Monday at ESPN's campus in Bristol, CT.

Cribbs will break down the playoffs throughout the day and discuss his contract situation as a panelist on various shows such as Outside the Lines, NFL Live and SportsCenter.

Cribbs and his representation are very upset and feel the Browns are low-balling him with contract offers. Cleveland offered a raise to $1.4 million per season over the next three years. Cribbs made a base salary of $900,000 this past season.

The Browns finished 5-11 during the 2009 season.

The Cleveland Browns are moving fast on their search for a general manager.

According to ESPN.com NFL senior writer John Clayton, Will Lewis of the Seattle Seahawks is flying to Cleveland Thursday for a Friday interview with new Browns president Mike Holmgren. Lewis is Seattle's director of pro personnel and previously worked with Holmgren.

The Browns also interviewed Philadelphia Eagles general manager Tom Heckert on Wednesday.

Holmgren is having a busy first week on the job. He is expected to make a decision on the future of head coach Eric Mangini soon, and arguably Holmgren's best player, Pro Bowler Joshua Cribbs, is unhappy with contract negotiations.

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

• New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady jokingly said he’s "begging" for preferential treatment from officials in Sunday’s playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Morning take: Brady can joke about it, but I doubt the Ravens think it's very funny. Baltimore isn't too far removed from the "flag toss" game.

• Is Pro Bowler Joshua Cribbs done with the Cleveland Browns?

Morning take: I talked to Cribbs' agent last night, and if nothing changes it sounds that way. A $1.4 million offer is low for a player of his caliber.

• The Pittsburgh Steelers fired offensive line coach Larry Zierlein, but will retain offensive coordinator Bruce Arians.

Morning take: There were conflicting reports about Arians, but he’s safe. It will be interesting to see if the Steelers make any additional changes.

• The Cincinnati Bengals will try to stop the run against the New York Jets in the playoffs.

Morning take: This game will not be pretty. Expect a low-scoring affair between two run-first teams.

The relationship between the Cleveland Browns and Pro Bowler Joshua Cribbs has been both contentious and calm over the past two-plus seasons.

Most recently it appeared both sides were finally on the same page. But after talking to Cribbs' representation Wednesday evening, this situation has gone from cordial to awful.

Agent Peter Schaffer said Cribbs is being low-balled by the team and both are extremely upset about it. Cribbs made $900,000 this past season, and the Browns offered to raise his salary to $1.4 million over the final three years of his contract.

"Not only is it insulting, but it's illogical," Schaffer said of Cleveland's offer.

Cribbs said this via Twitter: "Thanks everyone, I love playing for the browns & put my all in to it, but it doesn't look good 4me at this point on returning."

For more on Cribbs, check ESPN.com for the full news story.

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

• Rich Cimini of the New York Daily News writes the Jets are not missing receiver Laveranues Coles.

Morning take: Coles wanted out of New York and signed a $28 million deal with the Cincinnati Bengals. Both parties could be heading to the playoffs while happily going their separate ways.

• Kevin Van Valkenburg of the Baltimore Sun reports Ravens safety Ed Reed is a game-time decision against the Oakland Raiders.

Morning take: Baltimore could use Reed in any capacity for this must-win game. But the Ravens should be able to win Sunday with or without Reed.

• Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette caught up with Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley, who believes the Bengals and New England Patriots will “lay down” this weekend.

Morning take: Pittsburgh's 2009 season would be over if that's the case. I think Woodley is trying to use some reverse psychology.

• Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer writes return specialist Joshua Cribbs was the Browns' best player in 2009.

Morning take: This is another well-deserved honor for Cribbs. But it's also a poor reflection when Cleveland's best player is on special teams.

» NFC Pro Bowl: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

Perfect sense: Cleveland Browns kick returner Joshua Cribbs was a no-brainer. Cribbs is the NFL's most dangerous and best all-around special teams' player. He has four returns (three kickoffs, one punt) for touchdowns this season. Baltimore Ravens tailback Ray Rice also made sense. I wondered if enough people recognized the special season Rice is having rushing the ball and catching out of the backfield. He didn't win the fan vote but gained enough respect from players and coaches to make his first Pro Bowl. I also liked the recognition of Ravens defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, who is coming into his own and will be a dominant force for years to come.

Made it on rep: Baltimore's Ed Reed is arguably the top safety in football, but this season was not his best. He's been banged up and Baltimore's pass defense was shaky all year. With just three interceptions, Reed's having one of his least productive seasons. But a decent, albeit not spectacular, year from Reed still is better than 80 percent of NFL safeties. Some may want to add Baltimore linebacker Ray Lewis and/or Steelers defensive tackle Casey Hampton to this group, mainly because of their age. But I thought both players had productive seasons.

Got robbed: Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger surpassed 4,000 yards for the first time in his NFL career. But it was not enough to get a Pro Bowl nod. San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers took the final quarterback spot in the AFC behind Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, and Rivers also is deserving. Not having one player from the AFC North champion Cincinnati Bengals looks odd. Tailback Cedric Benson was the top player for the Bengals who got the biggest snub.

Cedric Benson or Ray Rice?

Ray Lewis or James Farrior?

Should the injured Troy Polamalu get in? What about Ed Reed?

All questions will be answered Tuesday at 7 p.m. when the NFL announces its 2009 Pro Bowl rosters.

Here are a couple candidates for each team who could make it:

Baltimore Ravens: RB Rice, LB Lewis

Why: I've been saying for about a month that Rice deserves his first Pro Bowl honor. He leads the Ravens in rushing (1,269 yards) and receptions (74). But the competition at tailback is always deep. Lewis is having another solid season at middle linebacker. It’s debatable whether it’s another Pro Bowl year. But Lewis won the fan vote, which goes a long way.

Cincinnati Bengals: RB Benson, WR Chad Ochocinco

Why: Benson is having a breakout season with 1,251 rushing yards and six touchdowns. His totals would be even higher if he didn't miss two games. Ochocinco (72 receptions, 1,047 yards, nine touchdowns) has quietly put up good numbers for Cincinnati, despite playing in a ball-control offense this year. When you consider his improved blocking, he's having one of the best all-around seasons. But will it be enough?

Cleveland Browns: KR Joshua Cribbs, LT Joe Thomas

Why: Cribbs should get into the Pro Bowl on special teams. He's been the most dangerous kick returner in the NFL this season. Thomas has made the Pro Bowl each of his first two seasons. He’s one of the few Browns with name recognition to have a chance.

Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Ben Roethlisberger, LB James Harrison

Why: New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts make it every year. But that third quarterback spot is always a rotating door in the AFC. Roethlisberger has a good chance to fill it after throwing for more than 4,000 yards this season. Pittsburgh linebacker James Harrison won the fan vote and has double-digit sacks for the second straight year. Teammate LaMarr Woodley also should get some consideration.

Check back with the AFC North blog Tuesday evening for instant analysis on who made the cut and who didn't.

For the first time this season, the AFC North swept three major awards in the NFL.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and Baltimore Ravens cornerback Domonique Foxworth were named AFC offensive and defensive players of the week, respectively. Cleveland Browns kick returner Joshua Cribbs also earned AFC special teams player of the week.

Roethlisberger had a career-high 503 yards and three touchdowns in a 37-36 win over the Green Bay Packers. In terms of yards, it was the 10th-best performance in NFL history.

Foxworth had two interceptions and three tackles in a 31-7 victory over the Chicago Bears. It was the first multi-interception game of his career.

Cribbs scored on kickoff returns of 100 and 103 yards during a 41-34 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. He also set an NFL record with his eighth career kickoff return for a touchdown.

The Cleveland Browns earned their first winning streak under coach Eric Mangini in exciting fashion Sunday with a 41-34 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

It was a game that saw a little bit of everything from Cleveland’s offense and special teams. Browns tailback Jerome Harrison set Cleveland's single-game rushing record with 286 yards, breaking Jim Brown's old mark of 237 yards. Joshua Cribbs also showed why he is arguably the league's most dangerous returner with two kickoff returns for a touchdown. He holds the NFL record with eight touchdown returns for his career.

With back-to-back wins over Kansas City (3-11) and the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Browns (3-11) are playing their best football of the season. But it comes at an interesting time as Mike Holmgren is in serious talks with Cleveland and could take over the organization as early as next week.

Mangini and Holmgren met recently to discuss the team. Most league observers expect someone of Holmgren's caliber to consider cleaning house and bring in his own people, but winning towards the end of the season doesn't hurt.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cleveland Browns receiver Joshua Cribbs was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance during a 13-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Cribbs registered 61 punt return yards and an additional 43 yards on kickoff returns. Including rushing and receiving, he had 200 total yards from scrimmage for the Browns (2-11), who broke a 12-game losing streak to the Steelers.

This is the second time Cribbs earned this honor from the NFL. The last time was during the 2006 season.