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Observations from the Ravens' 34-31 preseason win over the Washington Redskins on "Monday Night Football":

Baltimore Ravens fans were treated to a rare sight in the second quarter of Thursday's preseason game.

Ravens fourth-year quarterback Joe Flacco threw a beautiful deep ball that sailed high in M&T Bank and into the hands of speedy receiver Lee Evans. Baltimore's newest receiver blew by Redskins corner DeAngelo Hall for the 35-yard touchdown.

The Ravens hope to see many more big plays from Flacco and their offense in 2011. Baltimore's inability to get deep was a major reason the Ravens were ranked No. 22 in total offense last season.

As a result, Baltimore released receivers Derrick Mason and T.J. Houshmandzadeh and tight end Todd Heap. Evans, rookie Torrey Smith and Ed Dickson are some of the new, more athletic pieces the Ravens are counting on.

Time will tell whether the Ravens are better on offense this season. But they are certainly faster.

Here are some additional observations:

1. Baltimore's receivers look ready. The offense still has work to do in some areas. But starting receivers Evans and Anquan Boldin look ready. Both veterans caught touchdown passes from Flacco on Thursday night. Evans' score was a deep ball, while Boldin beat the zone over the middle for a 12-yard score. Both bring different strengths and are playing well off each other. Boldin and Evans combined for eight receptions and 133 yards in limited playing time.

2. Running back Ray Rice is getting to the next level. Baltimore is making a concerted effort to improve the running game this season. That starts with getting Rice to the second level. Pro Bowl fullback Vonta Leach is blocking well at the line of scrimmage, and Rice is exploding through the holes. He rushed for 72 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries against Washington. Rice averaged 5.5 yards per run.

3. Baltimore needs offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie. Baltimore's offensive line remains in flux, particularly with pass protection. The Ravens hope free-agent signing McKinnie is the answer. Rookie tackle Jah Reid still has a long way to go. He gave up another sack against fellow rookie Ryan Kerrigan of the Redskins. McKinnie didn't play Thursday but likely will play left tackle for Baltimore. That would push Michael Oher to right tackle and give Reid more time to develop.

4. The Ravens' pass defense remains a work in progress. Washington quarterback Rex Grossman had a lot of success against Baltimore's first-team defense. Grossman threw for 112 yards and connected with Redskins receiver Santana Moss for a 24-yard touchdown before halftime. The play featured a blown coverage by Ravens rookie corner Jimmy Smith.

5. Ravens rookie quarterback Tyrod Taylor took another step toward becoming Flacco's backup. The sixth-round pick continues to be a pleasant surprise. He was 11-of-18 for 125 yards and a touchdown. There is a lot of discussion in Baltimore about whether the Ravens can go into the season with a rookie backup. Next week Taylor likely will get a majority of the reps to put his final stamp on a solid preseason.

6. Dickson might have a slight lead at tight end. The Ravens have a young tight end combo in Dickson and Dennis Pitta. They are in a close competition for the starting job. Pitta jumped out of the gate fast this preseason but Dickson is finishing strong. He recorded three catches for 57 yards against Washington.

7. Baltimore rookie defensive end Pernell McPhee continues to impress. The fifth-round pick recorded his first sack of the preseason in the second half. The Ravens were not counting on McPhee to come on this quickly. But he has been very good in training camp and is earning a spot in the rotation at defensive end.

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

• Cleveland Browns coach Eric Mangini was non-committal on his starting quarterback. Mangini said he will wait for an injury update Wednesday with rookie Colt McCoy (ankle) before deciding between McCoy and Jake Delhomme.
• Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Hines Ward keeps plugging along after recording eight catches for 114 yards against the Cincinnati Bengals.
• How much should the Bengals worry about quarterback Carson Palmer?
• Cincinnati also placed starting safety Chinedum Nduwke (knee) on injured reserve, which ends his 2010 season.
• The Baltimore Ravens (8-4) will need to show a killer instinct tonight against the Houston Texans (5-7) on "Monday Night Football."

Speaking of the Ravens, check with the AFC North blog this evening for live analysis during the game as well as postgame reaction.

Here are seven notes and observations from Week 14 in the AFC North:

• Let's start with a prediction: We fully expect the Cincinnati Bengals (2-11) to have their Week 16 Sunday night game against the San Diego Chargers (7-6) "flexed" to an earlier time. The game, which is in danger of a blackout in Cincinnati, has no business on prime-time television with the way the Bengals are playing. They have lost an NFL-high 10 games in a row and there are much better matchups in Week 16. Potential replacements are the New York Jets (9-4) against the Chicago Bears (9-4) and the New York Giants (8-4) against the Green Bay Packers (8-5). (Update: Bengals flexed.)
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AP Photo/Don WrightTerrell Owens hasn't been pleased with the Bengals' play calling the past two weeks.
• We agree with veteran receiver Terrell Owens that Cincinnati's offense has become too predictable. Owens, who has played for four other teams and in some good offenses throughout his career, lashed out at the Bengals' play calling for the second straight week. After a good first drive by the Bengals, the Pittsburgh Steelers caught on to what Cincinnati was trying to accomplish. As Owens mentioned afterward, Cincinnati offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski didn't make proper adjustments at halftime and, as a result, the game quickly got out of hand.
• The Steelers (10-3) are in great position to land the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye in the AFC playoffs. But it's unlikely they will catch the New England Patriots (11-2) for the top seed. Pittsburgh is one game behind New England. But the Patriots hold the head-to-head advantage, so it's essentially a two-game lead with three games left. On the flip side, the Steelers own a two-game lead over the two other division leaders -- the Jacksonville Jaguars (8-5) and Kansas City Chiefs (8-5) -- with three games remaining. The biggest threat to Pittsburgh's second seed is the Baltimore Ravens (8-4), who can get within a game by beating the Houston Texans on Monday night. (Create your own scenarios with our NFL Playoff Machine.)
• Three Steelers defenders have scored TDs this season, and the team is 2-0 in those games. In addition to Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley and safety Troy Polamalu, defensive end Brett Keisel scored a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers earlier this year. That prompted Keisel to take a jab Sunday at his other eight defensive starters without touchdowns. "What's taking them so long [to score]?" Keisel said, laughing.
• Ravens Pro Bowl tailback Ray Rice is on a seven-game drought without posting 100 yards rushing. "Monday Night Football" would be a perfect time to snap that streak. Rice last eclipsed the 100-yard mark with a 133-yard effort on Oct. 10 against the Denver Broncos. Rice hasn't had 20 or more carries in the past month, and got only nine carries last week in a loss to Pittsburgh. Here are five more things to watch tonight for the Ravens.
• The Cleveland Browns (5-8) project to win just six games this season after Sunday's ugly loss to the lowly Buffalo Bills. Cleveland plays three division games to end the season: at Cincinnati (2-11), vs. Baltimore (8-4) and vs. Pittsburgh (10-3). There are a lot of questions about the future of Browns coach Eric Mangini, who went 5-11 last year. A 6-10 record won't look good on his résumé, which means Mangini probably must pull off major upsets down the stretch to impress Cleveland president Mike Holmgren.
• Finally, we'd like to give a special "Seven-step drop" congrats to Browns tailback Peyton Hillis, who eclipsed the 1,000 yards rushing for the first time in his career. Hillis has been, by far, Cleveland's MVP this season. He has had fumbling issues, which showed up again in the loss to Buffalo. But the Browns may only have had one or two wins this year if they had not the offseason trade with Denver to get Hillis for quarterback Brady Quinn.

Coming off a heartbreaking loss to the rival Pittsburgh Steelers, the Baltimore Ravens (8-4) will play their second consecutive prime-time game when they take on the Houston Texans (5-7) on ESPN's "Monday Night Football" (8:30 ET).

Here are five things to watch for Baltimore:

1. Can the Ravens bounce back? Since 2006, Baltimore is just 4-4 in regular-season games after playing Pittsburgh. There is a reason the Ravens play just .500 football after facing the Steelers. Every year these are the most emotional and physically demanding games in Baltimore's season -- and last week was no different. Pittsburgh struggled most of the game but scored 10 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to come from behind and hand the Ravens their first home loss of the season. There was plenty of frustration in Baltimore's locker room afterward. The Ravens may have blown their chance to win the AFC North and host at least one home playoff game. But they have to regroup and bounce back against Houston after a tough defeat.

2. Can the offense keep up? Baltimore's offense entered the season with high expectations. After the Ravens acquired receivers Anquan Boldin, T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Donte' Stallworth to go with a strong stable of running backs, Baltimore had one of the NFL's deepest collection of skill players. But entering Week 14, Baltimore's offense is still searching for consistency. The Ravens are No. 14 in total offense and No. 17 in scoring at 21.7 points per game. Baltimore is averaging just 13.5 points the past two weeks, prompting receiver Derrick Mason to call the offense "The Bad News Bears." It's not quite that bad for the Ravens. But the offense needs to step up and counter Houston's No. 7-rated offense.

3. Stopping Foster: Baltimore is solid against the run -- rated No. 6 in the NFL -- but this may be its stiffest test this year, facing NFL rushing leader Arian Foster. He already has 1,230 rushing yards, 13 touchdowns and is averaging 5.0 yards per carry. Houston has the reputation of being a wide-open passing team. But the Texans have drastically improved their running game behind Foster this season, which makes their offense very dangerous. The Ravens have to corral Foster and keep him under 100 yards rushing.

4. More sizzle: Ravens defensive end/linebacker Terrell Suggs, whose nickname is "T. Sizzle," has been on fire recently. He has 5.5 sacks the past five games and earned AFC Defensive Player of the Month honors for November. Suggs had his best game of the season last week against Pittsburgh, recording five tackles, 1.5 sacks and five additional hits on Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Baltimore needs similar pressure on Houston quarterback Matt Schaub, and Suggs will play a major role.

5. Replacing Heap: Ravens starting tight end Todd Heap injured his hamstring last week and isn't expected to play against Houston. That means rookie tight end Ed Dickson is the next player up for Baltimore. The third-round pick probably will make his first career start on the NFL's biggest stage. Dickson has eight receptions for 112 yards this season. His game is not as refined as Heap's, but Dickson is a good athlete with the ability to go vertical and stretch the field.

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

• NFL.com's Albert Breer believes Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu is the league's best defensive player.

Morning take: I'm already ducking for all the shots about to be fired in our latest "Troy Reed" debate.

• Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer says the future of Bengals coach Marvin Lewis continues to be a hot topic.

Morning take: With a poor product on the field, it's natural to begin looking forward to the offseason for Cincinnati (2-10). We will have more on this topic later (hint, hint).

• Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports Browns quarterback Jake Delhomme is getting ready for his third straight start.

Morning take: Delhomme played better last week, which is a good sign. The bar is now raised for the Browns, who are expected to beat bad teams like the Buffalo Bills (2-10) on the road.

• Edward Lee of the Baltimore Sun takes a look at Ravens rookie tight end Ed Dickson, who could start Monday against the Houston Texans in place of Todd Heap (hamstring).

Morning take: Dickson has the athletic ability but needs to show he can do the job through experience. Dickson's start also comes on the NFL's biggest stage.

Let's see what's in the weekend mailbag.

Harry Smythe from Gaithersburg, Md., writes: If Marvin Lewis doesn't re-sign with the Cincinnati Bengals, is there any chance he would come back to Baltimore to coach defense?

James Walker: I haven't heard anything along those lines, Harry. According to people I've talked to, the feeling I get is three things are possible (in no particular order): Lewis could return to Cincinnati, he could test the waters to try to get another head-coaching job, or he could coach in the college ranks. Personally, I view Lewis as more of an NFL coach than a college coach. But I'm told don't rule it out.

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Gabe from Iowa wants to know if Jon Gruden would be interested in coaching the Bengals.

Walker: Gruden was complimentary of quarterback Carson Palmer and the Bengals during the "Monday Night Football" telecast, but I wouldn’t read too much into it, Gabe. Cincinnati is a tough sell for any big-name coach because, frankly, it's not viewed as an attractive job in NFL circles. The Bengals have heavy-handed ownership, no general manager and a scant scouting staff. Any coach who comes in must deal with that. If Gruden leaves ESPN's television booth next year, he will generate plenty of interest from more attractive suitors. Even within the AFC North, Cleveland is as a stronger possibility for Gruden than Cincinnati, because the Browns have a more traditional front-office setup and Gruden has a relationship with Cleveland president Mike Holmgren.

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Shaneeka from High Point, N.C., writes: I keep reading about how disappointing the Bengals' season has been due to their talent level. But are they really that talented? I mean, what starters on the Bengals could walk into Pittsburgh or Baltimore and start over the Steelers and Ravens current starters?

Walker: Shaneeka, comparing the Bengals to the two of the NFL's most talented teams is a bit unfair. But Bengals starters Johnathan Joseph, Leon Hall, Terrell Owens, Chad Ochocinco, Andrew Whitworth and Bobbie Williams are a half-dozen players who could start for Baltimore, Pittsburgh or both right now.

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Joel from Erie, Pa., writes: Do you believe Mike Holmgren is leaning toward firing Eric Mangini or keeping him for next year?

Walker: Holmgren hasn't made his decision, Joel. We're only halfway through the season, so it would be pure speculation. The Browns are 3-5, and Holmgren will grade Mangini's entire body of work at the end of the season. Mangini has two big wins, but I think he must do better than 3-5 in the second half of the season to boost his résumé. A 6-10 season would be a hard sell to Holmgren even though the Browns are getting better.

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Kovacs from Santa Monica, Calif., wants to know if Mangini's indecisiveness is hindering rookie quarterback Colt McCoy's development.

Walker: It's up to the individual player, but it hasn't hurt McCoy so far. McCoy has taken the approach every week to prepare like the starter and that has helped him. He doesn't seem fazed by it, which shows me that he's mentally tough. Although I don't agree with Mangini waffling with his quarterbacks, McCoy is handling it well.

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Todd Marchese from Goulburn, Australia, writes: What are the Steelers going to do about Jeff Reed's inaccuracy?

Walker: Todd, there's really nothing the Steelers can do. I don't think they'll bring in another kicker. I don't get the sense Pittsburgh has lost confidence in Reed. The Steelers believe he will turn it around eventually. But Reed must start making clutch kicks.

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Noah from Baltimore wants to know if Ravens rookie defensive lineman Terrance Cody made an impact against the Atlanta Falcons.

Walker: Cody got significant playing time for his standards and played pretty well. He held up the line of scrimmage and was active, recording five tackles. Atlanta only rushed for 60 yards on 23 carries. The Ravens can use Cody in the rotation during the second half of the season to keep everyone fresh.

Comment and complaint department

Here are some comments and complaints from our AFC North community.

Matt W. from Nebraska writes: Can you tell me why Braylon Edwards is obsessed with hating the city of Cleveland? Did I miss something? We all know things didn't work out, but I can't understand why he is obsessed with showing such hostility and rage and making it seem like he was so mistreated. Other than boos when he dropped balls, I can't think of a time BE was mistreated by the fans. I've seen other players in other cities, including Cleveland, treated worse than he was. The way he is acting you would have thought his jerseys were burned in the street and he had a retaliatory fake commercial on the internet like a certain someone. Am I missing something?

Dave from Raleigh, NC, writes: If the Browns can improve to 5-5 (OK, let's say 6-6) by Week 13 with three division games left to play, do you think they graduate from "spoiler" to "division contender"?

Walker: Matt, Edwards, in his mind, always felt like an outsider because he played for the University of Michigan. He never thought he got a fair chance in Cleveland, but I disagree. Edwards' drops, lack of accountability and attitude didn't go over well in Cleveland. But his feelings of rejection will motivate him Sunday when the New York Jets come to town. Dave, slow down. The Browns are not winning the division this year. Playing competitively and being a good spoiler for playoff contenders is a solid role for them in the second half of the season.

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John Shepherd from Dallas writes: I am a Steelers fan living in Dallas for the last 20 years. I was wondering for all the kudos Pittsburgh gets for starting 3-1 without Ben Roethlisberger, why you dowe not hear Mike Tomlin's name mentioned more for coach of the year?

E from Dayton, Ohio, writes: After watching that game Monday night, Maurkice Pouncey has to be rookie of the year. The difference with him out of the game was amazing. I thought our season was over. Pouncey will help us survive losing Starks.

Walker: John, Tomlin is in the mix, but it's too early for coaching awards. I don't feel any coach is being mentioned right now, because the second half of the season is so important. E, Pouncey's play has made everyone around him better, but it's rare that a center gets that kind of consideration. A skill player such as St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford is more likely to win.

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Will writes: Why are all Baltimore Ravens fans slightly deluded. I can't stand them, and I'm not an AFC North fan. I don't believe Joe Flacco will ever win the big game, and if they do it's because of something else. His games against the Steelers, Patriots and Colts were less than OK.

Brian from the Batcave writes: James, you keep saying that the Ravens hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Steelers. Isn't that a bit premature? They still play each other one more time, and there is no reason to talk about tiebreakers midseason.

Walker: I believe the Ravens are a solid Super Bowl contender, Will. Flacco showed some grit Thursday in bringing the Ravens back from down 13 against the Atlanta Falcons in a big game. It wasn't his fault Baltimore lost. Brian, the Ravens own the head-to-head tiebreaker, but that doesn't mean it can't change. If it does in December, then I will write the Steelers own the head-to-head tiebreaker.

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John from Newlexignton, Ohio, writes: I have been a die-hard Bengals fan my whole life and I am 33. After this year I am done getting up for football season, done thinking that this team can do anything but screw up like always. Do you see any reason why I should watch football ever again?

Walker: John, don't give up your fandom. I understand that it's not easy being a Bengals fan, and this is another disappointing year. But cheer them on the rest of the season and keep in mind that a lot of changes could be made in the offseason.

AFC North Homer of the Week

Our favorite homer is back! The first three-time winner for "Homer of the Week" still believes in the 2010 Bengals.

John W. from Denver writes: This is getting harder each week to do this, but I still think the Bengals are the best team. They are a great team. It's not that the other teams are better, it's just they keep defeating themselves. I predict a huge turnaround this week with the Bengals winning 30-7 against the Colts. It isn't over yet, 10-6 is still possible. WHO DEY!!!!

Walker: We're going to retire John W. and put him in the "Homer of the Week" Hall of Fame. His comments aren't giving anyone else a chance.

If you have any questions, comments or complaints, feel free to send them to our division inbox or AFC North Twitter.

» NFC Final Word: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

Five nuggets of knowledge about Week 10:

Braylon Edwards returns: The Cleveland Browns should expect a motivated Braylon Edwards when they host the New York Jets Sunday. As a former first-round pick of the Browns, Edwards developed a reputation as a "bright-lights player" during his tenure in Cleveland. Despite his inconsistency, when the spotlight was on, Edwards usually was at his best. Although this isn't a prime-time game, this is a big one for Edwards, who wants revenge after being traded by the Browns. He also felt mistreated by Cleveland fans. The Browns should expect his best effort. Edwards has 25 receptions for 453 yards and five touchdowns with the Jets.

Fourth-quarter woes: If the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots comes down to the final quarter, the advantage could be for New England. According to ESPN's Stats and Information, Pittsburgh has the NFL's No. 2 defense in the first three quarters, but is ranked last in yards allowed in the fourth quarter. Last week the Steelers led the Bengals, 27-7, on "Monday Night Football." Cincinnati scored 14 unanswered points in the fourth quarter, but an incomplete pass to rookie Jordan Shipley ended a late rally. Pittsburgh's late struggles on defense date to last season.

The Palmer rollercoaster: Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer has yet to put consecutive quality starts together. He will try to accomplish that feat against the Indianapolis Colts. In three previous outings this season when Palmer had a passer rating of 80.0 or higher, his average rating was an abysmal 60.6 in the following game. Palmer posted a respectable 88.7 passer rating against Pittsburgh and will need to perform well again to have a chance against the Peyton Manning-led Colts.

Getting Ocho involved: Bengals Pro Bowl receiver Chad Ochocinco blew up on national television last week after catching just one pass for 15 yards against Pittsburgh. His frustration boiled over toward Palmer, and Ochocinco was briefly benched. To avoid this from happening again, Cincinnati's coaching staff must find a way to get Ochocinco involved. Yes, Ochocinco is getting most of the coverage, which has freed up Terrell Owens to have a big season. But little wrinkles such as quick outs, hitches and screens are creative ways the Bengals can get Ochocinco the football.

Extended break: The Baltimore Ravens, who lost to Atlanta on Thursday, have extra time to rest and prepare for their next game, against the Carolina Panthers (1-7) on Nov. 21. It's almost another bye week for Baltimore, which had just three days to prepare for the Falcons. The Ravens have some issues to correct, particularly in the secondary, where cornerbacks Fabian Washington, Lardarius Webb, Josh Wilson and Chris Carr had bad moments against Atlanta. I'm curious to see what corrections and improvements Baltimore makes with its pass defense.

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

• Baltimore Ravens fullback Le'Ron McClain tweets that maybe a little spit got on Miami Dolphins linebacker Channing Crowder, but it was unintentional.
• Were back-to-back wins over the New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots a turning point for the Cleveland Browns?
• Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall is having success with one particular play
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• Here is more on Monday night's game between the Steelers (5-2) and Cincinnati Bengals (2-5).

CINCINNATI -- NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowl linebacker James Harrison is working to alter his game.

Goodell met briefly with the media during an ESPN-sponsored event leading into the "Monday Night Football" matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) and Cincinnati Bengals (2-5). Goodell also met with Harrison last week to discuss his string of fines this season.

Harrison has become the poster child this year for the NFL's increased policing of big hits and player safety. The former defensive player of the year has been fined a total of $100,000 this season for big hits on opposing players.

"I think James is an outstanding player, and he wants to play the game within the rules," Goodell said. "He's certainly a tough football player, and I admire him very much on that level. I think one of the things he's frustrated by is when the offensive player is moving. And when the offensive player is moving, how do I, as a defensive player, adjust?"

Goodell said that is something the league's competition committee will continue to discuss in the offseason.

Although we still have Monday's matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals, half of the division played Sunday to impact this week's ESPN.com Power Rankings.

Here is a preview of the voting:

Baltimore Ravens (6-2)

Last week: No. 2

Result: Beat the Miami Dolphins, 26-10

Analysis: Expect the Ravens to be the No. 1 team this week. Not only did Baltimore get a quality win against the tough Dolphins, but the former No. 1 team, the New England Patriots, suffered a blowout loss to the Cleveland Browns. Baltimore has won five of its past six games and will get my top vote.

Projected range: No. 1-2

Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)

Last week: No. 3

Result: Plays Cincinnati Monday

Analysis: The Steelers have a great opportunity to put two AFC North teams at No. 1 and No. 2 in the Power Rankings for the second time this season. To do it, Pittsburgh has to beat the Cincinnati Bengals tonight on the road. The Steelers struggled against the Bengals last season, but catches Cincinnati at the right time. The Bengals have lost four straight games.

Projected range: N/A

Cincinnati Bengals (2-5)

Last week: No. 25

Result: Plays Pittsburgh Monday

Analysis: We will find out a lot about the Bengals on "Monday Night Football." With their playoff hopes done, this team will either relish the role of spoiler or pack it in during the second half of the season. Cincinnati is good enough to make it hard on opponents, but the execution hasn't been there. The Bengals could be in for a makeover after the season.

Projected range: N/A

Cleveland Browns (3-5)

Last week: No. 26

Result: Beat New England, 34-14

Analysis: Cleveland won its second game in a row in impressive fashion with a physically dominating performance against the Patriots. I’ve been saying for two weeks that the Browns deserve more respect for the way they’re playing. This could be the first time this season Cleveland is rated ahead of the underachieving Bengals, depending on what happens Monday night.

Projected range: No. 20-22

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

• After back-to-back wins, the Cleveland Browns should start rookie quarterback Colt McCoy the rest of the season.

Morning take: With victories over Drew Brees and Tom Brady, there shouldn't be any additional questions. McCoy could be their long-term solution at quarterback and he gives Cleveland the best chance to win.

• Baltimore Ravens fullback Le'Ron McClain denies spitting on linebacker Channing Crowder during their victory over the Miami Dolphins.

Morning take: Watching the replay and Crowder's reaction, something may have taken place during their altercation. The NFL will look into it.

• The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense needs more success on third down against the Cincinnati Bengals on "Monday Night Football."

Morning take: Pittsburgh was 3-for-10 last week on third down, which kept the defense on the field in a loss to the New Orleans Saints. The Steelers have to handle the blitz better against Cincinnati.

• Will Bengals star receivers Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens respond under the bright lights against Pittsburgh?

Morning take: I want to see how much fight the entire team has left after a four-game losing streak. This game is a character test for Cincinnati.

Seven years ago, a younger, energetic Marvin Lewis arrived in Cincinnati with big dreams. In his first head-coaching gig, Lewis aimed to turn the lowly Bengals into a winning franchise and perennial Super Bowl contender.

Lewis had the No. 1 overall pick, which turned out to be Carson Palmer -- a quarterback with prototypical size and arm strength to be Cincinnati's franchise player.

Lewis also inherited a young receiver named Chad Johnson, who was physically gifted and hungry to develop into one of the best at his position.

This trio was expected to deliver multiple playoff victories -- and perhaps even a championship. Yet, seven years later, the Bengals have neither and are in the midst of an embarrassing 2-5 season.

Lewis looks tired, stressed from all the losing and battles through the years with ownership. He has a career record of 58-60-1, no playoff wins and doesn't wield much power behind the scenes.

Palmer, 30, hasn't had the career many expected. Outside of a few good statistical seasons, Palmer's career has been marred by injuries and inconsistency. He looks far removed from his Pro Bowl form.

Johnson -- now named Ochocinco -- is a 32-year-old receiver having his second bad season in three years. Ochocinco has more television shows (three) than touchdowns (two) and can't get on the same page with his quarterback.

It's officially time to blow up the Bengals. The Lewis/Palmer/Ochocinco era in Cincinnati has run its course, and the team needs to hit the reset button.

But first the Bengals must play out the season, starting with their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) on "Monday Night Football" (ESPN, 8:30 p.m. ET). If it weren't for the higher-profile Dallas Cowboys (1-6) and Minnesota Vikings (2-5), Cincinnati would be the NFL's most disappointing team. With their playoff hopes virtually gone, the best the underachieving Bengals can do is play spoiler the rest of the season.

"I think everyone is more frustrated and emotional right now," said Palmer, describing the mood of the team. "Losing does that to you. Losing is frustrating and can wear on you."

Lewis, Ochocinco and Palmer have contract situations that will be addressed in the offseason.

Lewis is coaching in the final year of his deal, and there's a lot of speculation that both sides are open to parting. Despite winning the Coach of the Year award in 2009, Lewis has not reached a contract agreement with the Bengals. Yet Cincinnati recently signed defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer to a three-year extension, which raised some eyebrows. Zimmer is now the top in-house candidate to replace Lewis if the head coach doesn't return.

There are also some changes Lewis pushed for, such as an indoor practice facility, that failed to get by Bengals owner Mike Brown. With the Bengals struggling, Lewis doesn't have as much leverage as he had in the offseason.

Lewis hasn't talked about his contract situation during the season, but he discussed it in-depth at the NFL combine.

"There's a lot of things [in terms of] what we're doing and how we're doing things -- all of those things are important to me," Lewis said in February. "There were things that when I started this job in 2003 that were important, and we can't change those.

"We have to stay on track and I have to make sure that we're continuing to progress that way. Those are the things that are as important to me as anything."

The contract situations for Ochocinco and Palmer aren't as simple.

Ochocinco's deal is up at the end of the season, but the Bengals have a team option for 2011 if they want to keep the receiver for another year. Palmer is in the fifth season of a nine-year, $118.75 million contract. He's one of the NFL's highest-paid players, and his base salary will balloon to $11.5 million next season. Palmer's production is declining, and Cincinnati must decide whether he's worth that kind of money.

Cincinnati also has important offseason decisions to make on other key veterans. Starters such as cornerback Johnathan Joseph, tailback Cedric Benson, middle linebacker Dhani Jones and leading receiver Terrell Owens are pending free agents.

Coming off a division title and playoff appearance last season, this team was built to win this year. It didn't work. So it's time for the Bengals to cut their losses and build for their long-term future.

It's been a decent run for Palmer, Lewis and Ochocinco. They brought much-needed excitement to a franchise that was desolate before their arrival.

But after eight seasons together, these three carried the Bengals as far as they could. The window is now closed, and it's time for some -- or all -- to go their separate ways.

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

• One streak has to give as the Baltimore Ravens are 3-0 at home and the Miami Dolphins are 4-0 on the road.

Morning take: We picked the Ravens to win, but Miami is playing good, tough football. Baltimore needs to defend home to stay ahead in the AFC North race.

• Here are four things to watch between the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots.

Morning take: I'm looking at the quarterbacks. Tom Brady of the Patriots is the master of playing efficient football and a good person for Browns rookie Colt McCoy to model himself after.

• Former NFL coach and current ESPN analyst Jon Gruden still believes in Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer.

Morning take: It's clear Palmer isn't playing up to his once-Pro Bowl form. We will have more on the Bengals later (hint, hint).

• The Pittsburgh Steelers give up a lot of completions but remain No. 1 in points allowed.

Morning take: That's why I'm not concerned with Pittsburgh's defense. Opponents are passing well but the Steelers are stopping the run and don't allow many touchdowns.

Like Troy Polamalu, everyone has one bad week.

The AFC North blog went winless picking games in Week 8 as the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals suffered defeats. But, as usual, we're going to bounce back strong.

Here are "Walker's AFC North picks" for Week 9 in the division (all times are ET):

Miami Dolphins (4-3) at Baltimore Ravens (5-2), Sunday at 1 p.m.

Skinny: The Dolphins are undefeated on the road (4-0), but the Ravens are undefeated at home (3-0). We will take the home team.

Pick: Ravens, 24-17

New England Patriots (6-1) at Cleveland Browns (2-5), Sunday at 1 p.m.

Skinny: With a wide talent gap between these two teams, don't be surprised if Patriots coach Bill Belichick tries to stick it to his former pupil Eric Mangini.

Pick: Patriots, 28-13

Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) at Cincinnati Bengals (2-5), Monday at 8:30 p.m.

Skinny: The Bengals could play spoiler. But they haven't showed anything during this four-game losing streak to make me think they can thrive in this role.

Pick: Steelers, 21-14

Last week: 0-2

Overall: 14-9

Comment: I'm going 3-0 this week.

Our latest "Take your pick" in the AFC North involved this week's "Monday Night Football" game between the Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) and Cincinnati Bengals (2-5). The Steelers are playing much better football, but the Bengals swept Pittsburgh last season.

So who will win this game? Here are responses from our division inbox and AFC North Twitter:

Brandon Crawford from Sykesville, Md., writes: The Steelers have been in two close games in a row, and look for this trend to continue as the Benagls try to play the spoiler role. But in the end the Steelers will find a way to win, 21-17.

Bill Graham from Houston writes: I'm taking Cincinnati in a November landslide. Even though these guys have not been playing well, I can not help but feel they are due for a big one. Pittsburgh's offense seems to be out of sync and struggling more every game. The Cincinnati defense will make sure that trend continues.

Duane Smith from Boardman, Ohio, writes: The Steelers win this game for the same reason they lost last week: they are coming off a bad loss. Their D gave up too many big plays and will take it out on the worst team in the AFC North.

RyanBurton via Twitter writes: As a Ravens fan, this might seem like a stretch, but Bengals have the best game of the year since Pittsburgh can't stop the passing attack.

Thomas030 via Twitter writes: The Steelers win. My Browns are a better team than Cincy!

Blufftonpirate via Twitter writes: I will take the Bengals. It is now or never for them. This is a must win!

Tyson from Newark, Ohio, writes: This game is very interesting to me. I think the Steelers will have control, but the Bengals will not let it get out of hand. The Steelers are by far the better team. The D will be feisty. Steelers win, 24-13.

Ben Indino from Colorado Springs, Colo., writes: As a lifelong Bengals fan, I will have to say the Steelers will win by three touchdowns. The Bengals are just sorry this year, and I don't think the defense can hold up against the Steelers with Carson Palmer leading our offense to three-and-outs. Plus, it is primetime and the Bengals always embarrass us on national television.

Jason from Jacksonville, NC, writes: As much as I would absolutely LOVE to see the Bengals win this game, I don't think it's gonna happen. In fact, I'm still not sure how the Bengals beat the Ravens.

Steve from Loveland, Ohio, writes: Coming from a Steelers-hating Bengals fan, the Steelers are primed for a deep playoff run -- now and into the future. Bengals are sadly destined for franchise mediocrity--now and into the future. Steelers all the way, 30-10.

AFC North final say

James Walker: A majority of AFC North readers believe the Steelers will win this game. We will pick this contest and others in the division coming up next.