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

The first time Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley called Ben Roethlisberger, the quarterback ignored it. Not intentionally, of course.

Roethlisberger didn't recognize the number, but he quickly returned the call after listening to his voice mail. The long-awaited chat "was a good step in the right direction," Roethlisberger told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

"I think it will be a good working relationship -- and good friendship, who knows," Roethlisberger told the paper.

NFL rules prohibit Roethlisberger and Haley from talking about football until April 16, so they touched on golf, family life and Haley being a ballboy in Pittsburgh.

So why did it take a couple of weeks for them to connect? "I didn't know what the rules were," Roethlisberger said. "Could I call him? Could he call me? I don't know what you're allowed to do or not allowed to do."

According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, the Steelers created $4.5 million in salary cap space by releasing defensive end Aaron Smith and guard Chris Kemoeatu. The Steelers, who were a projected $25 million over the cap, have cleared $37.4 million in cap room by cutting players and restructuring contracts, the Tribune-Review reported.

Hensley's slant: Let me get a show of hands ... who really thinks Roethlisberger and Haley avoided talking about football? Sure, and there's no tampering going on at the NFL combine either. You know quarterbacks and coordinators all around the league have chatted briefly about football this offseason. It's naive to think otherwise.

BENGALS: The Cincinnati Enquirer's Joe Reedy thinks the Bengals shouldn't re-sign wide receiver Jerome Simpson in free agency. Simpson pleaded guilty to a felony drug charge Thursday. "There are lots of players who have potential in this league, but if you base Simpson’s production on results and not the wow factor, he hasn’t delivered," Reedy wrote. "The off-field matter should only reinforce why it isn’t worth it. It’s time for another team to take over the role of redeemer." Hensley's slant: I agree that this offseason is the time when the Bengals show their fan base that they're not the same Bengals. That means letting another team take Simpson's baggage.

BROWNS: Head coach Pat Shurmur told the Cleveland Plain Dealer that the team hasn't yet slammed the door on putting the franchise tag on running back Peyton Hillis, although a source told that paper that it's "very unlikely." Shumur was noncommittal when asked about the chances of the Browns re-signing Hillis in free agency. "When he was in there, he played good football for us," Shurmur said. "Now the business of sport takes over here and we'll have to see what happens." Hensley's slant: Shurmur told the Plain Dealer that Hillis never talked to him about joining the CIA (which was first reported by ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter), but we all know that Shurmur is certainly familiar with Hillis going MIA. Hillis' inconsistent behavior on and off the field should caution the Browns and other teams about giving him a multiyear contract.

RAVENS: According to the New York Daily News, the Jets are targeting Ravens outside linebacker Jarret Johnson, who becomes a free agent on March 13. Johnson played six seasons under Jets coach Rex Ryan when he was the Baltimore defensive coordinator. "He's tougher than heck, and he's a lot more talented than people give him credit for," Ryan said of Johnson in September. Another Ravens defensive coordinator, Colts head coach Chuck Pagano, is also expected to be interested in Johnson. Hensley's slant: The Ravens can replace Johnson with Paul Kruger on passing downs, but they really don't have anyone who can set the edge against the run like Johnson. That's why the Ravens aren't going to let Johnson go without a fight. “I had a conversation with Jarret at the end of the season and I told him I would maintain communication with him throughout the process,” general manager Ozzie Newsome said last week at the NFL combine. “He plays like a Raven and we’d love to have him back if things can work itself out.”

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

A shocked Ben Roethlisberger wants answers from team president Art Rooney II following the "retirement" of offensive coordinator Bruce Arians.

"When I get back, I'm going to go up to Mr. Rooney's office and ask him what he wants from me, what he wants from this offense, because I think that's a viable question for him," Roethlisberger told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review at the Pro Bowl in Honolulu. "He's our owner and our boss, so I really would like to know kind of what he wants and where he sees our offense going because I'd like to tell him where I see us going."

The Steelers announced Arians had retired, but he later said his contract wasn't renewed by the team. Arians had been the only offensive coordinator in coach Mike Tomlin's five seasons as Steelers head coach.

Roethlisberger, who is close with Arians, invited him to Hawaii as his guest for the Pro Bowl, but Arians decided not to go after he was no longer with the team.

Roethlisberger was described as being "miffed" by the timing of the Steelers' move with Arians.

"We feel like we are really close to being an elite offense," Roethlisberger told the Tribune-Review. "For your leader to be gone is kind of a shocker for us, but you've got to be ready for it, and whatever the Rooneys and coach Tomlin decide is our next step. I think the [Steelers'] mind was made up, and B.A. was kind of ready to move on as well."

Hensley's slant: Roethlisberger has to be worried about the direction of the offense. Team sources told ESPN's Chris Mortensen that Rooney wants the offense to go back to its blue-collar identity of the past. The trouble is, the Steelers are built to throw the ball with one of the best young and fast receiving groups in the league. You can criticize Arians' play calling. But it's hard to argue that the Steelers should go back to a run-first offense.

BENGALS: Mike Zimmer is returning for his fifth season as the Bengals defensive coordinator, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported, after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hired Rutgers' Greg Schiano as their head coach. Zimmer also had been in the running for the Miami Dolphins job before Joe Philbin was hired. While Zimmer is coming back, defensive backs coach Kevin Coyle is expected to be named the Dolphins' defensive coordinator. Hensley's slant: If the Bengals had their way, this is how it would have played out. Cincinnati didn't want to lose Coyle, but it was more important to keep Zimmer. The Bengals defense will remain a top-10 one under his direction.

BROWNS: Brad Childress is close to becoming the Browns' offensive coordinator, sources told The Plain Dealer. For more, click on the AFC North blog posted last night. Hensley's slant: My take on the probable hiring will be posted shortly.

RAVENS: In his introductory news conference as the new Colts head coach, former Ravens defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano said he went from an all-time low -- the loss in the AFC championship game was his most devastating one ever -- to an all-time high. “As fate would have it, I’ve got to be honest with you, I thought for sure that I was going to be coming to Indy to play for a world championship," Pagano said, via The Indianapolis Star. "That’s what I thought I was going to be coming here for, and certainly not standing before you today as the next head football coach of the Indianapolis Colts." Hensley's slant: Don't be surprised if Pagano takes some Ravens with him. Pagano's first target should be outside linebacker Jarret Johnson, who will be a free agent, because he'll need a leader who can explain the defensive system to the other players. It would be like when Rex Ryan brought Bart Scott along to the New York Jets. Defensive line coach Clarence Brooks could also follow Pagano to Indianapolis.

Ravens rookie receiver Torrey Smith drew national attention when he scored three touchdowns in one quarter last Sunday, but he apparently didn't gain the respect of Jets coach Rex Ryan.

"He’s a fast guy, and all that kind of stuff, but I don’t think he’ll have equal success this week," said Ryan, whose Jets face the Ravens on Sunday night. "If he does, then I’m just going to stay in Baltimore.”

Ryan laughed after the last comment, but it doesn't seem as if he considers Smith a serious threat. The second-round pick didn't have a reception in his first two games before making five catches for 152 yards against a below-average Rams secondary.

Smith's success doesn't increase the need for cornerback Antonio Cromartie (ribs) to play, Ryan said.

"If we want to shut them down, we can always put [Darrelle] Revis on them," Ryan told Baltimore reporters in a conference call. "We’ll do what’s in our best interest. The guy that I’d be more concerned with would be [Anquan] Boldin. He’s the proven commodity.”

Let's see what's in the AFC North mailbag this week for the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals.

Allan from Columbus, Ohio, and Kyle from Tiffin, Ohio, wants to know if free agent defensive end/linebacker Vernon Gholston could fit with the Browns.

James Walker: Someone will give Gholston another chance, Allan. But the Browns are switching to a 4-3 defense, and I don't see Gholston fitting into that scheme. I've covered New York Jets coach Rex Ryan since he was in Baltimore, and I have a lot of respect for his coaching ability, particularly on defense. If Ryan couldn't get anything out of Gholston in two years, there's a good chance he's legitimately a bust. Sometimes a change of scenery can help a player, but for Ryan to give up on Gholston says a lot.

Anton from Fort Collins, Colo., writes: What are the chances of Cleveland drafting a running back in the later rounds?

Walker: It's a very good possibility, Anton. The Browns relied on Peyton Hillis too much in the running and passing game last season, and as a result he got hurt late in the year. The Browns were really counting on 2010 second-round pick Montario Hardesty, but his history of knee injuries is a concern. Look for the Browns to take a scat-back type to complement Hillis in the middle or late rounds. One name to keep an eye on is Shane Vereen from Cal.

Brian from Solon, Ohio, writes: Does Clemson's Da'Quan Bowers' past injuries make him a big risk for the Bengals or Browns?

Walker: Brian, Bowers' knee injury and surgery probably drops him out of consideration for the first six picks. It's a shame because, if healthy, I think he would be a good fit in Cleveland or Cincinnati. Bowers led the nation with 15 sacks last year, and that kind of production is exactly what the Browns and Bengals need. But it's hard to invest such a high pick in a player when you're not sure he's healthy.

Jacob from Cincy wants to know if Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Matt Flynn is a trade possibility for the Bengals.

Walker: Jacob, it's hard to gauge interest in trades during this lockout because there is no movement and no discussions between teams and players. When I talk to people around the league, everything is really at a standstill aside from the draft. With free agency pushed back this year, I fully anticipate the Bengals' finding "Carson Palmer insurance" in this draft. That way they don't have to give up any compensation to other teams, and having a rookie quarterback still gives the Bengals flexibility of welcoming Palmer back as the starter without any issues if he has a change of heart this summer.

There are plenty of NFL draft questions in our AFC North inbox this week.

Will from Nashville, Tenn., writes: Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said that he thinks Auburn quarterback Cam Newton has "it." Do you believe this statement or do you see it as Lewis not wanting to burn bridges?

James Walker: This is not a smokescreen, Will. That the Bengals have visited with Newton and traveled to Auburn last week to hold a private workout shows they are interested. Cincinnati is taking starting quarterback Carson Palmer's retirement threats seriously, and I'm convinced the team will take one of the top quarterback prospects this year within the first three rounds. Whether it's Newton at No. 4 remains to be seen. But I believe it would be an awful pairing between a boom-or-bust player and an unstable organization that doesn't have the proper support system in place. I said the same thing two years ago about another boom-or-bust prospect, Andre Smith, although it was for different reasons.

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Blake from Dayton, Ohio, writes: Being that the Bengals play in the AFC North, wouldn't it be smarter to take Alabama receiver Julio Jones No. 4 instead of Georgia receiver A.J. Green? Or is the injury too big of a concern?

Walker: The foot injury isn't that big of a deal, Blake. Jones aced the combine with the injury and will only get better once healthy. Both are great prospects, but Green remains the safer pick because he's more consistent. Jones had issues with drops in college, and that's probably the biggest difference between the two.

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Thomas Jackson writes: How can you not view cornerback as the No. 1 priority for the Baltimore Ravens?

Walker: ESPN's Mel Kiper and Todd McShay both believe Baltimore will take a cornerback in the first round, Thomas. That's a possibility if the Ravens only look for the best available player at No. 26 and ignore need. With Domonique Foxworth healthy and returning next season, Lardarius Webb a year more experienced and the team likely making a push to re-sign pending free agent Josh Wilson, I don't view corner as the biggest need. Right tackle and another pass-rusher are bigger holes the Ravens should fill. I might even consider a speed burner at receiver for Baltimore ahead of a cornerback.

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John Scherzo from Bel Air, Md., writes: Is there anyway the Ravens could be interested in linebacker Vernon Gholston?

Walker: John, It's hard to gauge teams' interest during this lockout, because no one is talking about players. It's not allowed, which leaves only speculation. Sometimes a change in scenery could help. But chances are if Rex Ryan couldn't get anything out of Gholston in two years with the New York Jets, he's probably a bust.

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Chris from Washington, D.C., wants to know whether the Pittsburgh Steelers could trade up to land LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson.

Walker: Virtually no chance, Chris. The Steelers are sitting at No. 31 and Peterson is a top-10 pick. Pittsburgh would have to give up most of its draft to make such a dramatic move. Recently we provided a value chart to give fans an idea of what it takes to move up and down the draft board.

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Duane from Boardman, Ohio, writes: Wouldn't it be smarter for the Steelers to let cornerback Ike Taylor go if he wants $10 million per season and try to sign a younger corner?

Walker: Duane, it's too early to have a firm grasp on Taylor's value with free agency on ice because of the lockout. But I don't see the Steelers' paying Taylor or most players that type of money. With the draft before free agency, the Steelers should take a cornerback high this year for insurance. There is no guarantee Taylor will return, especially if he gets a big-money offer from another team.

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Wilson from Byram, Miss., writes: What will the Cleveland Browns have to do to compete with the Steelers and Ravens year after year?

Walker: It starts with talent, Wilson. The front offices in Cleveland haven't been able to put a roster together to consistently keep up with Baltimore and Pittsburgh. There was a point in 2007 when it appeared the Browns were on the right track, but that fell apart. President Mike Holmgren and general manager Tom Heckert are the strongest tandem Cleveland's had since returning to the NFL, and they need to keep closing the gap by adding good players. After that, the coaching has to be up to par.

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Eddie Kilroy from Brunswick, Ohio, writes: What are the chances that the Browns go after a linebacker in the second or third round?

Walker: The Browns are fairly comfortable with their linebackers, Eddie. Drafting for that position is more of a possibility in the middle rounds. You're probably going to see Cleveland address the defensive line and receiver positions early. The team might add a cornerback in the mix, as well. The middle and late rounds are probably when you're going to see the Browns look at positions like linebacker, running back and quarterback.

PITTSBURGH -- Question: What do Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie and Ravens defensive end Terrell Suggs have in common?

Answer: They both dislike Tom Brady but really like Ben Roethlisberger.

For all the nasty and obscene name-calling Cromartie had last week for the Patriots' quarterback, the Jets' corner is doing a complete 180 this week with Pittsburgh's franchise quarterback.

"I love Ben, man. Ben's a competitor," Cromartie told New York-area reporters.

Roethlisberger continued the Jets-Steelers lovefest this week during his news conference on Wednesday.

"Well, I love him too," Roethlisberger said of Cromartie, prompting a room full of laughter. "I have a lot of respect for those guys, every single one of them on defense, because they're so good."

Suggs' disdain for Brady and respect for Roethlisberger also has been well-documented. Recently, Suggs hinted that Brady's three rings were tainted and called Roethlisberger, who has two rings, "a beast." Keep in mind Roethlisberger owns seven straight wins over the Ravens, which includes last week's 31-24 playoff victory.

But as Cromartie, Roethlisberger and head coaches Rex Ryan and Mike Tomlin have proven, don't expect many barbs leading up to Sunday's AFC Championship Game. Mutual respect and admiration have taken over this week with the Jets and Steelers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Baltimore Ravens elevated former defensive backs coach Chuck Pagano to defensive coordinator on Tuesday. He replaces former defensive coordinator Greg Mattison, who left Baltimore to take over the same post at the University of Michigan.

Pagano will be the third defensive coordinator for the Ravens in the past four seasons. Rex Ryan left the post following the 2008 season to become head coach of the New York Jets. Mattison was Baltimore's defensive coordinator for the past two years.

The Ravens continue their trend of promoting from within. Pagano coached Baltimore's defensive backs for three seasons and also had NFL coaching stints with the Oakland Raiders and Cleveland Browns.

PITTSBURGH -- The Steelers' Mike Tomlin was informed Tuesday that Jets counterpart Rex Ryan said Tomlin was one of his favorite coaches.

A smile came to Tomlin's face. Then, he returned the compliment.

"I love Rex," Tomlin said. "Rex has a lot of fun with you guys [the media]. But when you pass all of those things, man, Rex is a great football coach. He has a pulse of his football team, does a great job of motivating them, and he's very sound schematically. His glass is always half full and I appreciate that."

Things are already warm and fuzzy between the Steelers and Jets compared to last week's heated AFC divisional playoff games. Do not expect any T-shirts with obscene gestures this week or threats to ruin players’ careers.

The outspoken Ryan and normally low-key Tomlin usually have different approaches. But it appears both are taking the same tact heading into the AFC Championship Game. The AFC East and AFC North trash-talking is over for the rest of this season, and now the sole focus for Pittsburgh and New York is advancing to Super Bowl XLV.

Ryan and Tomlin set the tone for the week, and that likely will permeate down to the players.

Here are some other quick notes from Tomlin's news conference:

• In terms of injuries, Tomlin says the Steelers are in "great shape." The biggest concerns this week are starting cornerback Bryant McFadden (abs) and defensive end Aaron Smith, who is still working to return from triceps surgery. McFadden will be limited in practice this week, while Smith will practice and is making progress.
• If Smith is healthy enough to play, he won't start Sunday. Tomlin said Ziggy Hood has been solid. And after not playing for nearly two months, it would be risky to play Smith too many snaps this early.
• Tomlin said the running game is very important for the Jets and a big part of their "personality." Pittsburgh is No. 1 in the NFL at stopping the run and it will be strength versus strength.

There is only one team remaining in the AFC North as we are down to the NFL's version of the Final Four. So in our latest installment of "Take your pick," we want to know who will win Sunday's AFC title game between the New York Jets (13-5) and Pittsburgh Steelers (13-4).

This is a rematch of Week 15 when the Jets beat the Steelers, 22-17, at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh was without Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu and starting tight end Heath Miller. Will being closer to full strength make the difference for the Steelers in the rematch?

Meanwhile, the Jets have won road playoff games against the Indianapolis Colts and a big upset over the New England Patriots. Can quarterback Mark Sanchez, coach Rex Ryan & Co. keep the momentum going in Pittsburgh?

Take your pick in Sunday's Steelers and Jets matchup. You can share your thoughts below, or send them to our division inbox and AFC North Twitter page. We will run the best responses throughout the week.

Three things to know about next Sunday's New York Jets-Pittsburgh Steelers AFC Championship Game:

1. The road to the Super Bowl now goes through Pittsburgh. The Steelers caught a break Sunday night with the Jets' upset win against the New England Patriots. Pittsburgh, the AFC's No. 2 seed, will play host to the conference title game for the second time in three years. The Steelers said Saturday night that they were confident regardless of the opponent. But playing at home in the postseason is always a preference, and the Patriots and quarterback Tom Brady have had Pittsburgh's number in recent years.

2. Don't forget the Jets beat Pittsburgh too. While the Steelers avoided a trip to New England, the team with the best record in the regular season, they will face a Jets team that went into Heinz Field on Dec. 19 and handed Pittsburgh a 22-17 defeat. New York outplayed Pittsburgh in Week 15, particularly on special teams. The Steelers also were without Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu, who missed the game with a calf/Achilles injury.

3. There are tons of AFC North connections in this game. This will be a big week for Jets receiver Santonio Holmes, whom Pittsburgh traded this offseason to New York. Holmes will make his second trip to Pittsburgh this season, but this time a ticket to Super Bowl XLV is at stake. Jets coach Rex Ryan, linebacker Bart Scott and defensive lineman Trevor Pryce are among those who joined New York from the Baltimore Ravens' organization. Receiver Braylon Edwards was acquired in a trade with the Cleveland Browns, and the Browns traded their No. 5 overall pick to the Jets in 2009 to allow New York to draft quarterback Mark Sanchez. Jets safety Brodney Pool also played five seasons in Cleveland.

This week's "Take your pick" in the AFC North involved a pair of likely playoff teams.

Who will win Sunday's high-profile matchup between the New York Jets (9-4) and Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3)? There are plenty of postseason implications for both clubs.

Here are some predictions from our always booming AFC North inbox:

Todd from Winnipeg, Manitoba, writes: Without a doubt Pittsburgh is gonna roll straight over the Jets. I've been watching the Jets closely over the last five weeks and the Steelers have little to worry about here. Mark Sanchez gets frazzled easily and with Pittsburgh's relentless pass rush and run-stopping ability the Jets will be lucky to see 10 points in this affair.

Kevin from Pittsburgh writes: If you asked me three weeks ago, I would have picked the Jets. This week, however, it's going to be the Steelers. Mark Sanchez and the Jets are slumping at the exact same time that the Steelers' defense is starting to fire up. Defense wins championships, and it's going to win this game too.

Groomraves writes: I think Jets are more desperate and they have a lot to lose. I know Rex Ryan has been battling against these guys for years, and he has the formula to beat Ben Roethlisberger. I still remember how bad Bart Scott scorched him in 2006 at Heinz field. I think he can and will do it again. Jets squeeze one out here, 17-14.

Whodey1 from Cincinnati writes: The Jets will be looking to show everyone that they should be in the playoffs with a big win over the Steelers. Jets win, 21-10.

Dave from Birmingham, Ala., writes: I'm picking the Steelers. Elite quarterbacks (Tom Brady, Drew Brees account for 2 of 3 losses) can exploit their weaknesses on defense. That's not the case with lesser quarterbacks, and right now Sanchez is struggling. He will continue to struggle this Sunday in Pittsburgh.

Jason M. from Wakeman, Ohio, writes: I'm calling Jets on this one. I think the Steelers are the better team and have a better shot in the playoffs. But they're on a winning streak and due for a letdown while the Jets are desperate and looking for a big bounce-back game. Either way, it's going to be close and ugly. Jets, 17-14.

Cory from Pasadena, Md., writes: The Jets have lost momentum and can't seem to find any offensive rhythm. Meanwhile the Steelers' D is on fire. Pittsburgh is too hot right now to let the Jets upend them at home. Steelers win, 16-6.

Ryan from Marion, Iowa, writes: The Jets will lose a close game late, 23-17, and spoil Santonio Holmes' return to Heinz Field. I look for Ben to get the offense rolling and actually score some touchdowns this week. I think Mike Tomlin has these guys focused enough to get through this game and a short week against Carolina then rest some guys with the Number No. 2 seed locked up.

Joe from San Antonio, Texas, writes: The Steelers will put the Jets out of their misery with a stifling defense and their balanced offense. If the Jets can't score more than six points against Miami, do they even score against Pittsburgh on the road? Steelers all but lock up the No. 2 seed in the AFC with a convincing, 28-3, win.

Beth Larson from Harmony, Pa., writes: The Jets are weak and we're playing them at a perfect time! Our defense will take advantage of Mark Sanchez's weaknesses and our offense will finally get the ball rolling. Steelers win, 21-10.

AFC North (not so) final say

James Walker: As expected, more AFC North readers believe the Steelers will beat the Jets at home Sunday. But don't expect this to be a cakewalk for Pittsburgh. The Jets are built like an AFC North team thanks to the players and mentality that head coach Rex Ryan brought to New York. And as poor as Sanchez is playing right now, Pittsburgh's offense isn't lighting up the scoreboard, either. The Steelers' offense only got three field goals last week from kicker Shaun Suisham against the lowly Cincinnati Bengals (2-11). If Pittsburgh struggles to get into the end zone again, it will be another low-scoring game. Like we always do, the AFC North blog will pick this game and others in the division on Friday.

Two of the NFL's hottest rivalries will take center stage in Week 13. Lucky for us.

The Pittsburgh Steelers will visit the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night. The New York Jets then will visit the New England Patriots on Monday night. Combined record of the four teams: 34-10.

Millions of football fans will be tuned in to see both marquee matchups with superstars and storylines aplenty.

But which pairing represents the NFL's best divisional rivalry?

Each matchup has a history, quality quarterbacks and plenty at stake for the playoffs. A couple of feisty bloggers -- James Walker from the AFC North and Tim Graham from the AFC East -- will state a case for why his division has the better rivalry.

James Walker: Tim, I just want to apologize in advance, because I don’t think you have much of a leg to stand on comparing these two rivalries. Do you accept my apology?

Tim Graham: If that's really what you think, then the only thing to accept is your resignation. The Jets-Patriots rivalry goes back 50 years, showcases ESPN's team of the decade versus the biggest media sensation, involves espionage, features incredible player and coaching crossover and will generate significantly more attention this week than the Steelers and Ravens. Yet I don't have a leg to stand on? This should be amusing.

Walker: OK, let's get down to business. First, I'm going to tell you why the Jets-Patriots rivalry doesn't stack up to Ravens-Steelers. For starters, the Jets aren't even the Patriots’ biggest rival in the AFC. The Colts are. Indianapolis and New England have played eight straight years in much bigger games -- sometimes with the Super Bowl at stake.

Meanwhile, there is no debating the Steelers and Ravens are each other's biggest rival. Both teams have played on the biggest stages, including the AFC Championship Game in 2008, when the Steelers went on to win Super Bowl XLIII. Finally, here's another difference: Pittsburgh and Baltimore both have championships within the past decade. When both rivals are able to reach the pinnacle while beating up each other along the way, that's when a rivalry is truly special. The Ravens and Steelers have it. The Colts and Patriots have it. The Jets and Patriots? I don't think so.

Graham: Your opinion about the Colts representing a bigger rival than the Jets would be pertinent if the Patriots agreed with it. Tom Brady earlier this year declared "I hate the Jets," and he wasn't joking. The Patriots play the Jets twice a year. Division games are worth more than any other game in terms of importance. A Patriots-Colts game is more like a playoff exhibition.

You do make a good point about the Ravens and Steelers each winning a Super Bowl in the past decade. But recent titles don't necessarily make rivalries. If they did, then the Packers, Vikings and Bears don't have rivalries. Storylines and animus make rivalries. In that regard, Jets-Patriots is unsurpassed.

Walker: Brady says he hates the Jets, but a rivalry is a two-way street. How much hatred does New York really have for the Patriots? It can't be too deep-rooted. Most of New York's key people recently came from the AFC North and other teams, including head coach Rex Ryan. I'd be willing to bet Santonio Holmes hates the Ravens more than he hates the Patriots. I know Bart Scott hates the Steelers. We've talked about it several times while he was in Baltimore. Braylon Edwards? He hyped his return to Cleveland 10 times more than this week's game against New England. Do you really think key players like Edwards, LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Cromartie have a feel for the Jets-Patriots rivalry? I doubt it.

But there is legitimate, two-way hatred between the Steelers and Ravens. Hines Ward hates the Ravens. Ray Lewis hates the Steelers. The markets of Pittsburgh and Baltimore simply cannot drive the point home like bigger cities New York and Boston can. For example, Ravens defensive end Terrell Suggs basically told me he doesn't like the Steelers, either, which is similar to what Brady said about the Jets. Yet it didn't get any attention. The Jets-Patriots rivalry may be unsurpassed in hype. But the Ravens-Steelers rivalry is unsurpassed in substance.

Graham: Come on, James. You need to do more than take a glance at 2010 rosters to understand the Jets-Patriots rivalry. Every team has free agents who need to learn a rivalry. The point about Brady's hatred was that he never said that about the Colts, which you propose is a bigger rival for the Patriots than the Jets are.

But you want substance? How about Bill Parcells taking the Patriots to the Super Bowl and then leaving them for the Jets amid such controversial circumstances the NFL forced New York to send four draft picks to the Patriots over three years, including the first-round pick in 1999, as a penalty? How about the infamous Curtis Martin defection from the Patriots to the Jets and the infamous "poison pill" contract? How about Parcells abdicating his Jets job to Bill Belichick and then Belichick writing his resignation on a cocktail napkin moments before the Jets thought they were introducing him as their next head coach? How about the Jets blocking Belichick from joining the Patriots until he filed a federal lawsuit and then settling on the Patriots shipping five draft picks to the Jets over three years, including their 2000 first-rounder? How about Patriots defensive coordinator Eric Mangini departing to be Jets head coach and leaving the bridge in cinders? How about the Patriots filing tampering charges against the Jets on receiver Deion Branch? How about a little thing called Spygate? How about Damien Woody, Danny Woodhead, Ty Law, Vinny Testaverde, Roman Phifer, Larry Izzo, Hank Poteat and Chris Baker (among many other role players) wearing both uniforms within the past decade? Steelers-Ravens has nothing even remotely close to a third of that rundown.

Walker: Why you think playing for both teams makes it more of a rivalry is beyond me. I think it lessens your argument. I can't imagine Ed Reed or Lewis wearing a Steelers jersey. Ward would never sign a deal to play for the Ravens. Not in a million years. These two teams hate each other too much. Yet all these Jets and Patriots players simply flip-flop between teams at their leisure? That’s weak and not the sign of a hated rivalry, in my opinion.

Graham: That's rather Pollyanna to think Ravens would never go play for the Steelers or vice versa. Do you honestly believe if the Steelers had hired Ryan, then all of those players who followed him to the Jets wouldn't have gone to Pittsburgh? Please. Players pursue the best opportunity based on money, playing a system they love and a chance to win a title.

Here is how players switching teams make for a better rivalry: It thickens the plot. Fans who used to wear a player's jersey burn them. The expatriate player shares playbook secrets and other intelligence. That player has a chip on his shoulder and comes back to haunt his old team.

Walker: Moving onto quarterbacks. I think there are some similarities between the teams' four passers. Joe Flacco is the third-year upstart trying to get to the championship level of Ben Roethlisberger, who already has two rings. Much of Flacco's status eventually will be determined by how much success he has against Roethlisberger and the Steelers within his division. It seems the Ravens and Steelers are always in the way and have to go through each other to have a deep run in the playoffs and get to the Super Bowl. What dynamic do you see developing with Brady and a young Mark Sanchez?

Graham: I don't know if there's much of a quarterback comparison beyond the glamour element at this stage. Brady and Sanchez have a lot in common from an off-the-field standpoint. They sell a lot of jerseys, attract a lot of ladies, walk a lot of red carpets, appear in a lot of photo shoots and do a lot of cameos. But they're too far apart in experience to compare résumés.

I see the Jets and Patriots as more of a fan base and organizational rivalry: teams from two of the greatest sports markets, with two of the NFL's most influential owners, and two of the best defensive coaches in the game -- heck, two of the most controversial coaches of this generation. Ever since Ryan took over as Jets head coach, he has been tweaking Belichick. Some thought the rivalry would wane when the Jets fired Mangini, but Ryan -- a guy who helped build the Steelers-Ravens rivalry, by the way -- came along and made it juicier.

Walker: Now is our favorite part. It's prediction time. It's no secret the Steelers and Ravens are built and play similarly. So it's usually a close game. Baltimore is going for its first series sweep since 2006, but Roethlisberger didn't play in the first meeting because of a suspension. Now he's back and is 7-2 all-time against Baltimore. But I have a feeling this is the Ravens' week. They are healthier overall, 5-0 at home and appear to be peaking at the right time. The Steelers, on the other hand, have been up and down. Both teams usually bring out the best in each other, but I'm picking the Ravens to win, 20-17. So who are you picking between the Patriots and Jets, Tim? Don't chicken out.

Graham: I predict the loser of the Jets-Patriots game will have the same record as the team that wins the Ravens-Steelers game. Predicting a score has no bearing on our debate of which rivalry is better. But I will say the Jets and Patriots provide a rare showdown between teams with the NFL's best two records. This is only the fifth time in "Monday Night Football" history two clubs with records of 9-2 or better will play, and the first game under those circumstances that doesn't involve the Joe Montana-led San Francisco 49ers in Candlestick Park.

This is a special game befitting a special rivalry. Your game features clubs that needed overtime to beat the Buffalo Bills. I'll expect that resignation letter by kickoff.

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

• According to Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, he will beat his brother, Rex Ryan, and the New York Jets Sunday.

Morning take: Cleveland is playing well, so this should be a good game. The Browns (3-5) have a chance to get one-step closer to .500.

• Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Hines Ward says the team won't look ahead after a 6-2 start.

Morning take: Pittsburgh was 6-2 last year and crumbled to a 9-7 finish. Barring injuries, this year's team won't do the same.

• Atlanta Falcons receiver Roddy White admits he "pushed down" Baltimore Ravens cornerback Josh Wilson for Thursday's game-winning touchdown.

Morning take: The Ravens got the short end but it's time to move on. I don't like to get too deep into officiating in the AFC North blog.

• Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco was fined $20,000 for wearing gold cleats.

Morning take: Ochocinco thought the cleats would change his fortune, but it turned out he had his worst game (one catch, 15 yards) of the season. Not only that, he's out of $20,000.

BEREA, Ohio -- Like a proud father flipping through a photo album of his children, Eric Mangini leaned forward in his office chair to display the New York Jets' offensive and defensive depth charts to a visitor seated across from his desk.

Mangini pointed at player after player after player after player. These were the guys he once coached. As he rattled them off, he tacked the phrase "was with me" after each name. Mangini articulated the names with an emphasis that reflected their importance to him.

"You go right on down the list," Mangini said from his spacious office that overlooks the Cleveland Browns' practice fields. "It's a core group of guys, and you know so much about these guys. You've had so many shared experiences with them, and now you're playing against them."

Mangini is in between games against his previous employers, referring to these two weeks as his personal version of the film "Ghosts of Girlfriends Past."

He gleefully embarrassed the New England Patriots last week and will coach against the Jets for the first time since joining the Browns on Sunday.

Mangini unwillingly departed the Jets 22 months ago. They fired him after a 9-7 season that began with a promising 8-3 start and Super Bowl chatter but disintegrated along with Brett Favre's right arm.

An outsider might assume the games create similar feelings for Mangini. They don't.

Mangini has faced his former mentor, Bill Belichick, several times. They've exchanged many frigid handshakes. Mangini, a former defensive assistant ruled a turncoat for joining the Jets, has a long history with the Patriots. The subsequent Spygate scandal drove the wedge deeper.

Still, the Patriots and Belichick are in his coaching DNA. Mangini is from them, of them.

"Being with Bill as long as I was there," Mangini said, leaning back in his leather chair and eating purple grapes from a cup, "you understand things change and parts change there each week, but philosophically it doesn't change."

His three years with the Jets were more of an association. Unlike his time with the Patriots, though, he had ownership of the Jets' roster. Those were his guys, and many of them remain on Rex Ryan's squad.

"Those are guys that I was instrumental in bringing in and developing and coaching and teaching," Mangini said.

"I told those guys when I left -- I got to address the team -- and I said 'Look, fellas, we were close here, and we made mistakes. There's a new head coach coming in here, and you guys have worked too hard to fight that guy and set yourself back. Embrace that guy and allow him the opportunity to achieve things we could have achieved.'"

Mangini didn't know at the time the Jets would hire Ryan, a gregarious figure who made the transition easier for the players. Most of them quickly embraced Ryan on his own merits, but the fact that he was a stark contrast to Mangini's austerity helped.

The Mangini-Jets breakup has worked out for the Jets. They made the playoffs last year -- with the same 9-7 record that got Mangini fired -- and are considered among the NFL's top few teams, a Super Bowl contender.

It must be noted Mangini played a significant role in giving Ryan a roster to work with. Still, Mangini insisted he's not bitter about his exit. He has acknowledged the concept of the fall guy, and one was necessary. He remains close friends with Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum.

"It's cool to see them doing as well as they're doing," Mangini said.

Mangini claimed that what's happening in Cleveland has made this week's preparations for the Jets less emotional for him.

Mangini barely survived his first season with the Browns. They went 5-11 but won their last four games. The Browns hired Mike Holmgren to oversee football operations. Holmgren stripped Mangini of some duties, but the product seems to be improving.

The Browns are 3-5 and enter Sunday's game against the Jets with back-to-back victories over the New Orleans Saints and Patriots.

"This has been pretty satisfying," Mangini said. "Getting the job was great because it meant somebody recognized the great work we did in New York. We had a tough last year, but we developed. This year, we're competitive and we're making more steps. It's starting to pay off to some degree."

Mangini's disparate feelings for the Jets and Patriots are evident in his personnel moves.

He and Tannenbaum have made notable trades.

The Browns sent Braylon Edwards to the Jets last year for receiver Chansi Stuckey, linebacker Jason Trusnik and two draft picks. The Jets were able to get quarterback Mark Sanchez through a blockbuster draft-day trade that sent quarterback Brett Ratliff, defensive end Kenyon Coleman, safety Abram Elam and two picks to the Browns for the fifth overall selection.

Mangini, whether with the Jets or Browns, never made a trade with Belichick.

That fractured relationship is unlikely to heal.

"I appreciate what he did for me," Mangini said. "He was a huge part of my life. We were very close friends for a long time. When things started to go south, it sucked.

"Whether it'll ever get to that stage where we're close friends again, I don't know. Maybe, maybe not. But at no point will I ever stop appreciating what he's done. I feel I know who the guy is as a person, and hopefully at some point the friendship will resume."

That's why the Jets and Patriots are different for Mangini.

But he wants to beat them just the same.