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

Dream scenario (11-5): The Bengals end their three-decade-long streak of inconsistency and put together back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 1981-82. Cincinnati wins its second division title in four years and hosts a playoff game at a sold-out Paul Brown Stadium.

The offense takes another step forward in coordinator Jay Gruden's second season. A.J. Green becomes a top-five receiver in the NFL and turns in a Calvin Johnson-like season (Johnson produced 1,331 yards and 12 touchdowns in his second season). Wide receiver Brandon Tate and rookie third-round pick Mohamed Sanu make surprising impacts and fill the void left by Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell. The running game goes from plodding to productive with BenJarvus Green-Ellis and two new run-blocking guards in veteran Travelle Wharton and first-round pick Kevin Zeitler.

The defense remains top 10 in the NFL and avoids a second-half swoon like last season. Rey Maualuga becomes a force in the middle now that he is healthy and adjusted to playing inside linebacker again. Cornerback Leon Hall is able to start the season after making a full recovery from last season's Achilles injury. The rest of the cornerbacks (Adam Jones, Jason Allen and Terence Newman) show they still have first-round talent. Safety Reggie Nelson lives up to his new four-year, $18 million contract.

Nightmare scenario (6-10): New players, same result. Even with an influx of young talent, the Bengals once again show they can't follow up a successful season, which crushes the momentum built from last year's surprising playoff season and productive offseason. This would follow the Bengals' pattern. Cincinnati had a four-win season after the last time it had gone to the playoffs in 2009.

Quarterback Andy Dalton suffers from a sophomore slump and regresses after defenses have had a full offseason to dissect him. Green also can't put up the same numbers from a year ago, although it's not his fault. Defenses clamp down on him because the Bengals don't have anyone to step up to become the No. 2 wide receiver. Green-Ellis, who averaged 3.7 yards per carry, doesn't upgrade the running back position over Cedric Benson.

Defensively, the Bengals start the season without Maualuga, who receives a suspension for violating the personal conduct policy. Hall doesn't heal as fast as expected and begins the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, meaning he misses the first six weeks of the season. His replacements prove to be either too old (Jones, Allen and Newman) or too young (first-round pick Dre Kirkpatrick). New starting safety Taylor Mays becomes a liability in pass coverage.

Teams usually have to recruit undrafted free agents in order to get them to sign. In the case of Vontaze Burfict, it seemed like the former Arizona State linebacker was the one pursuing the Cincinnati Bengals.

Burfict, a one-time first-round prospect whose stock plummeted due to poor offseason workouts and increased concern about his off-the-field issues, sought out Marvin Lewis after his pro day, according to the Bengals head coach. Burfict's persistence -- as well as investigative skills -- made an impression on Lewis.

"It was just the fact he took the opportunity to find my phone number because I don't know that I gave it to him," Lewis told the Cincinnati Enquirer. "To call me, to write me a letter, to do some other things. He got my phone number and called me and said, 'I hope I get an opportunity.' I said, 'I hope you do, too.'"

The Bengals signed Burfict after he went undrafted and plan to use him at middle linebacker. The team also plans to give him a fresh start.

”I struck a chord with him and maybe that’s what he needs," Lewis told the Enquirer. "He’s got a lot of story. I don’t have to believe any of it. It doesn’t matter one way or another to me now. What he does now from this point forward is going to determine whether or not he can be a NFL player. I think he has some ability. When you watch the tape there are a lot of things he didn’t do very well. But he does some things I can’t coach that he can do.

Lewis added, “We will continue to get him in shape. He’s a better conditioned athlete now than he was at the combine and at ASU in March. If he continues to go down that path, he seems bright enough to learn. He seems willing to want change this image people have of him.”

This is a good move for the Bengals because it's a low-risk one. They didn't invest a draft pick or a big signing bonus in him. The upside is he can become the top backup this year -- and perhaps start if Rey Maualuga is suspended under the league's personal conduct policy -- and make an immediate impact on special teams.

The first step for Burfict begins this weekend, when the Bengals have their rookie minicamp.

It's only days removed from the draft, and no AFC North team has taken the field for a practice yet, but that won't stop us from looking ahead. Each day this week, we'll project the starting lineup for a team in the division. Let's start with the Cincinnati Bengals:

OFFENSE

QB Andy Dalton: The Who Dey Nation asks, Carson who?

RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis: He's the prize of the Bengals' free-agent period.

FB Chris Pressley: Agreed to a two-year extension in March.

WR A.J. Green: He's been working out with Larry Fitzgerald this offseason.

WR Jordan Shipley: The No. 2 wide receiver job is wide open, but I'm giving the nod to Shipley if he's fully recovered from his knee injury.

TE Jermaine Gresham: First Bengals tight end since Dan Ross from the early 1980s to post two seasons of 50 receptions or more.

LT Andrew Whitworth: He often goes overlooked in a division with Joe Thomas in it.

LG Travelle Wharton: A free-agent signing from the Carolina Panthers, where he started 99 games in eight years.

C Kyle Cook: Enters fourth season as the Bengals' starting center.

RG Kevin Zeitler: First-round pick was possibly best run-blocking guard in the draft.

RT Andre Smith: The big question is whether he can continue the progress he made last season.

DEFENSE

LDE Robert Geathers: Recorded 29 tackles last season, his lowest since his 2004 rookie season.

NT Domata Peko: Led defensive line in tackles for second straight year.

RDT Geno Atkins: Topped all NFL interior linemen with eight sacks last season.

RDE Michael Johnson: Regains his starting job after Frostee Rucker signed with the Browns in free agency.

SLB Manny Lawson: Returned to Cincinnati for a one-year, $2.1 million deal.

MLB Rey Maualuga: He could be facing a suspension from the NFL for his latest off-the-field incident.

WLB Thomas Howard: Led team in tackles in first season with the Bengals.

LCB Nate Clements: He has to fight off first-round pick Dre Kirkpatrick to keep his starting job.

SS Taylor Mays: His job looks safe after the Bengals didn't take a safety in the first four rounds of the draft.

FS Reggie Nelson: Re-signed with the Bengals this offseason for $18 million over four years.

RCB Leon Hall: If Hall (Achilles injury) isn't ready to start the season, Bengals can turn to Kirkpatrick, Terence Newman or Adam Jones.

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

Vikings general manager Rick Spielman disputed speculation that Minnesota bluffed the Cleveland Browns out of three draft picks in the first round.

Believing there was at least one other team interested in leapfrogging them for Trent Richardson, the Browns traded picks in the fourth, fifth and seventh rounds to move up one spot to No. 3 for the Alabama running back. There have been questions whether there was another team involved.

Did the Vikings dupe the Browns?

"We did have offers on the table, I can tell you that," Spielman told the St. Paul Pioneer Press. "I'm not going to tell you who or what. But I will say Cleveland did the right thing."

Hensley's slant: The Browns absolutely did the right thing. If they believed there was a chance that they could lose Richardson, they had to make that deal. Cleveland got beat out for quarterback Robert Griffin III last month. The Browns couldn't risk losing out on another elite playmaker.

BENGALS: Middle linebacker Rey Maualuga said he will play much better this season after having his ankle surgically repaired in January. He severely sprained it while leaping for a pass in practice on Oct. 13. Maualuga missed the next three games and wasn't the same when he returned. "I started out pretty good and then being off four weeks, including the bye, I don't want to make excuses, but it made me scared," Maualuga told the team's official website. "Are these guys going to try and chop block me? Are they going to try and take my legs out? I was in a fetal position so they don’t get to my ankles. It's like I was playing scared." Hensley's slant: The Bengals need a healthy and aggressive Maualuga in the middle of the defense. You could see the Bengals' run defense decline when Maualuga wasn't at full strength.

RAVENS: Left tackle Bryant McKinnie has been participating in some of the team's voluntary offseason conditioning workouts, offensive coordinator Cam Cameron told the Carroll County (Md.) Times. "We're in contact with him," Cameron said. "He's been in and out of town. I haven't seen him a lot. All things are positive. We're going to get him back and ready to go. It will be nice to have him this offseason. We'll get him for 10 organized team activities and three days of minicamp. Those are the most important things." Hensley's slant: McKinnie is living up to the agreement that he'll be in better shape after finishing the season at 360 pounds. That was the reason the Ravens paid him a $500,000 roster bonus in March. But the team can't be thrilled with the fact that McKinnie is only attending "some" of the workouts.

STEELERS: Chris Rainey is being reunited with Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey after Pittsburgh drafted the Florida running back in the fifth round. Rainey, who was born when his mother was locked up in a Florida jail, lived with Pouncey and his family in high school. "He's a good guy, he has a great heart," Florida running backs coach Brian White told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "I think it's great Maurkice will be up there with him, showing him what it takes to be a pro." Hensley's slant: Rainey slipped in the draft because of character concerns. As long as Rainey stays out of trouble -- and Pouncey should help in this area -- he will add a spark to the Steelers' offense and special teams. He's an electric playmaker.

No one has had a more dramatic fall in the months leading up to the NFL draft than Arizona State inside linebacker Vontaze Burfict. If this is wrong, please let me know because I can't think of any.

But Burfict could have the a dramatic rise back after reaching a deal with the Cincinnati Bengals, a popular destination for NFL players wanting a second chance.

Could Burfict become the Bengals' latest redemption project? Could he go from a player no one wanted to draft to a starter in the season opener? This might sound crazy. And I fully admit this is jumping the gun especially since Burfict has yet to practice with Cincinnati.

Still, there is a scenario in which this could occur. Burfict will presumably compete with Dan Skuta to back up middle linebacker Rey Maualuga, who could face disciplinary action from the NFL after his latest legal issue. If Maualuga is suspended to start the season and Burfict wins the backup job, the Bengals would have Burfict in the middle of their defense in the season opener at Baltimore.

There are a lot of "ifs" and the odds of this happening are probably slim. But you can't rule this out. It would be a great story considering his pre-draft roller coaster.

Burfict had been rated as one of the top five inside linebackers in this draft, gaining attention for his on-field intensity and explosive hits. He then went from being linked to the Ravens in the first round -- the next Ray Lewis, some mock drafts described him -- to going undrafted. He completely flopped at the NFL combine, which included the slowest 40-yard time at his position. One draft publication called him "an overly emotional locker-room lawyer and divisive energy-draining field force." You should read Alyssa Roenigk's piece in ESPN the Magazine about him.

Going to the Bengals gives him his best shot at proving himself to every team that passed on him over the past three days (253 players were drafted). The Bengals didn't use any of their 10 draft picks on a linebacker, and they were clearly interested in him. During his pro day, head coach Marvin Lewis had a long conversation with him and they've been in contact ever since, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

A judge dismissed an assault charge against Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Rey Maualuga on Thursday after learning the dispute was settled in mediation.

Maualuga might not get off as easy from the NFL, and he really shouldn't based on the league's history with repeat offenders. In February 2010, two years before this latest incident, he pleaded guilty to drunken driving but he successfully won his appeal of a one-game suspension.

Avoiding a suspension will be tougher this time and it doesn't matter that he avoided conviction. In fact, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell suspended Ben Roethlisberger two years ago when the Steelers quarterback wasn't arrested or charged with a crime.

For Maualuga, he was charged with misdemeanor assault after an employee at a downtown bar told police that the middle linebacker punched him in the face. The judge dismissed the case after neither Maualuga nor the bar employee wanted to pursue the matter. In the eyes of the law, this case never happened. The NFL, however, knows it did.

A quick look at what's happening around the AFC North as the NFL combine continues in Indianapolis. I will provide my take on many of these issues and topics in the days to come, but I wanted to pass along the information.

CINCINNATI BENGALS

• Coach Marvin Lewis did seem troubled over the latest off-the-field incident involving middle linebacker Rey Maualuga, who has pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge at a Cincinnati bar. Maualuga is the fourth Bengals player since July to have a legal issue, joining wide receiver Jerome Simpson, cornerback Adam Jones and running back Cedric Benson. “There’s a concern," Lewis told reporters at the NFL combine, via the Cincinnati Enquirer. "What [Maualuga] does away from football is important. He has to make good choices and decisions.”
• Benson is not expected to be re-signed by the Bengals, and Lewis' comments about the running back didn't change that perception. As the team website points out, it sounded like Lewis was giving Benson a lifetime achievement award instead of a new contract. “I think we want to improve our running game and if it includes Ced, it includes Ced," Lewis said. "We need to have more explosive running plays. Ced has had a fine career. He’s a physical player and been a big part of our success.”
• Lewis provided encouraging news on two players who are coming off season-ending injuries. Cornerback Leon Hall (Achilles) is ahead of schedule, and wide receiver Jordan Shipley (knee) continues to make “significant progress," Lewis said.

CLEVELAND BROWNS

• Coach Pat Shurmur reiterated the Browns want to re-sign starting middle linebacker D'Qwell Jackson, who's scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next month. Shurmur said the team hasn't made a decision whether it will place a franchise tag on Jackson, although the Plain Dealer of Cleveland reported last week that the Browns plan to do so. "We're going to be willing to use [the franchise tag]," Shurmur said. "As you go through signing our free agents, then we'll see what's the best place to use that tag."
• In injury updates, Shurmur said left guard Eric Steinbach is progressing from a season-ending back injury but he didn't commit to the left guard as a starter, according to the Akron Beacon Journal. Jason Pinkston, who replaced Steinbach at left guard, will not move to tackle and will continue to develop at the guard position, according to Shurmur.
• Former Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar attended the combine, but not in an official capacity, a team spokesman told the Akron Beacon Journal.

BALTIMORE RAVENS

• Coach John Harbaugh once again expressed confidence about holding onto Ben Grubbs, saying he's "pretty optimistic" about re-signing the Pro Bowl left guard. “I hope that’s not misplaced," Harbaugh said, via the Baltimore Sun. "We’re in the process of negotiating. We’re committed, [owner Steve Bisciotti’s] committed to offering him a really great number. Hey, the market dictates [it], and Ben has to make those kinds of decisions, and you’re really happy for guys. He’s had a great career. He’s had a great number of years here. He’s earned the right to take a look for his family. One thing we’re not doing, we’re not giving him a low number. We’re doing everything we can to try to keep him in Baltimore.”
• In injury news, wide receiver Torrey Smith had surgery to repair a double sports hernia, and cornerback Cary Williams had hip surgery. Both are expected to be ready for training camp.
• Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said the team isn't looking to add a free-agent running back to replace the retired Ricky Williams. He indicated that Anthony Allen, a seventh-round pick from a year ago, will be given the first shot at the backup running back job. The team would add a free agent during training camp if Allen struggles to secure that spot, Newsome said.
• Newsome is happy the team was able to keep director of player personnel Eric DeCosta, who turned down the chance to interview for the general manager positions with the Chicago Bears, St. Louis Rams and Indianapolis Colts. "I think it was very important because of the continuity that allows the organization to maintain people and have the process remain the same," Newsome said, via ESPN Chicago. "It was kind of like Scott Pioli remaining in New England for all those years with Bill [Belichick]. All it does is make you stronger. I'm very thankful that Eric decided to stay."

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

• Major changes are unlikely to occur to the Steelers' offense under new coordinator Todd Haley, according to general manager Kevin Colbert. The biggest reason is it's tough to do so when the team has been successful and is bringing most of the same personnel back. "So, it's hard to come in and drastically change your philosophy because of the group of players that you have," Colbert said, via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "You can't overhaul a whole roster. Nor are we looking to because this group of players has been very successful."
• The hope is that the high-ankle sprains that have hampered Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey the past two years are in the past. "The reports we got and the last time we saw him, he was progressing just fine," Colbert said, via the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "High-ankle sprains, they're a different injury and then when you re-injure it sometimes you've got to do some procedures to shore that joint up."
• A Cleveland-based reporter asked Colbert if the team had reached a "breaking point" with linebacker James Harrison, who was suspended last season after he knocked out Browns quarterback Colt McCoy. "No. Absolutely not," Colbert said. "James Harrison is a great player. He tries to play within the rules. Sometimes, the penalty is unavoidable, and he ends up getting a suspension out of it. He served his time. We've all moved on. We know James Harrison plays the game very hard. He plays it within the rules the best he can. Sometimes, circumstances happen in the course of a game, and you have to live with the consequences. But in no way are we ever going to be disappointed with that player."

Bengals middle linebacker Rey Maualuga has pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge, according to the Associated Press.

Police charged Maualuga this month after investigating allegations by a bar employee that Maualuga punched him in the face.

This is Maualuga's second violation in two years under the NFL's personal conduct policy, which likely will lead to discipline from the NFL. In 2010, he pleaded guilty to drunken driving, but successfully won his appeal of a one-game suspension. He was still fined two game checks that totaled $46,740.

Maualuga is the fourth Bengals player to get in trouble with the law in the past eight months, joining running back Cedric Benson, cornerback Adam Jones and wide receiver Jerome Simpson.

Bengals middle linebacker Rey Maualuga has been charged with a misdemeanor assault stemming from a bar incident in Cincinnati.


Police charged Maualuga on Friday after investigating allegations by a bar employee that Maualuga punched him in the face early Sunday morning. His arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 17.

This is Maualuga's second violation in two years under the personal conduct policy, which likely will lead to discipline from the NFL.

He pleaded guilty to drunken driving in February 2010 and was placed in the Stage One of the NFL's Alcohol and Substance Abuse program. Maualuga successfully won his appeal of a one-game suspension but he was still fined two game checks that totaled, $46,740. After spending a month in rehab following the DUI arrest, Maualuga said "It was definitely a life-changer for me."

It could be difficult for Maualuga to avoid a suspension this time because this is his second offense.

That wasn't the first time Maualuga has encountered problems with alcohol. During his freshman year at USC in 2005, Malaulga was arrested for misdemeanor battery in an alcohol-related incident. The charges were dismissed when he agreed to participate in an arraignment diversion program that included attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

This is a rough start to the offseason for the Bengals, who have had a history of players getting arrested. Maualuga is the fourth player to get in trouble with the law since last July, joining running back Cedric Benson, cornerback Adam Jones and wide receiver Jerome Simpson.

Thumbs up: Cornerback Nate Clements. He made the playoffs for the first time in 11 seasons, a journey that has included six years with the Bills and four with the 49ers. Now, after 165 NFL games, Clements will finally get a taste of postseason football.

Thumbs down: Middle linebacker Rey Maualuga. He failed to get off blocks on the two long touchdown runs by Ray Rice. Maualuga was sealed off on the first run by guard Marshal Yanda and on the second one by fullback Vonta Leach. The bright side is that it did come against two Pro Bowl players.

Stat that sticks: 4 -- Touchdowns of 35 or more yards allowed by the Bengals in two meetings with the Ravens this season. Rice scored on runs of 70 and 51 yards Sunday.

Overheard: “I remember during the lockout people said we weren’t going to win any games this year; we were going to be 0-16. Look at us now. We’re winners. It’s paying off, all the hard work. We were working out during the lockout and I think all that came into play. Now that we have made it into the playoffs, we have to really prove that we belong there.” -- Defensive tackle Domata Peko told the team's website after finishing 9-7 and securing a playoff berth.

Three things to know about next Saturday's Cincinnati Bengals-Houston Texans wild-card game:

1. Improve the run defense. The Bengals entered the regular-season finale as the NFL's fifth-best run defense. But Cincinnati hardly looked like one of the league's best defensive units in giving up 191 yards rushing to the Ravens' Ray Rice. Two big touchdown runs (70 and 51) did the most damage and occurred because middle linebacker Rey Maualuga got blocked both times. The Bengals can't have the same missed assignments and poor tackling against Houston, which is the league's second-best running team. On Dec. 11 at Cincinnati, the Bengals gave up 144 yards rushing to the Texans.

2. Get wide receiver A.J. Green more involved. The Bengals’ most dangerous play is when quarterback Andy Dalton throws the deep, high-arching pass to Green, who has the athleticism to out-leap multiple defenders. But Green has disappeared from the Bengals offense the past two weeks -- which is also the time since he injured his shoulder. He has two catches in each of his past two games for a total of 51 yards. Cincinnati has to get back to attacking downfield with Green. His 11 catches of 35 yards or more are the most in the league and the most by an NFL rookie since Minnesota’s Randy Moss had 14 in 1998.

3. Learn how to finish games against winning teams. If the Bengals want to win their first playoff game since the 1990 season -- it was against the Houston Oilers and not Texans -- they have to figure out how to win the fourth quarter against playoff teams. Cincinnati has come up short against Pittsburgh and twice against Baltimore in the final minutes of games. And the Bengals had their biggest collapse of the season against the Texans earlier this year. Cincinnati failed to hold a nine-point lead in the final six minutes of the game, allowing rookie third-string quarterback T.J. Yates to drive 80 yards for the winning, last-minute touchdown pass.

CINCINNATI -- The Cincinnati Bengals aren't a playoff team this year.

That's not to say they're eliminated from the postseason. That's not to say the Bengals will fail to reach the playoffs next season and the next five years after that. But Sunday's 20-19 loss -- make that punch-in-the-gut collapse -- to the Houston Texans illustrates one point: The Bengals aren't ready.

Playoff teams come through in the clutch in December. They don't allow a rookie third-string quarterback to drive 80 yards in the final minutes to score the winning touchdown.

Playoff teams finish off teams on their home turf during a playoff run. They don't squander nine-point leads in the fourth quarter. They don't let a receiver go uncovered across the middle of the field on second-and-goal in the final seconds.

It would be easy to say the Bengals looked like the Bungles. Let's not go there. The Bengals simply looked like a young team that flinched when they needed to punch back.

“It’s a defeated feeling today," safety Chris Crocker said. "I can’t even put it into words how bad this hurts, especially being in it until eight seconds left. We just had so many opportunities. I can’t even put a word on how much this hurts."

Crocker added, "It was just one of those games where there were missed opportunities time after time after time. It was our own fault. We put ourselves in bad positions. Offensively and defensively, we just made critical errors all day long. And that’s why we lost this game.”

Some might argue that this is putting too much into one game. But Marvin Lewis was the one who called this the "biggest" game of his nine-year Bengals coaching career. Instead, he suffered one of the biggest collapses. Lewis talked about a "rebirth." Instead, he watched a loss that might have killed his best coaching season.

Hey, what's that saying ... If a team falls and there is no one there to see it, does it make a sound? Ok, that's a low blow, but it's accurate. The second-smallest crowd (41,202) in Paul Brown history showed up, leaving 24,333 seats unfilled. Those empty seats matched the Bengals' empty feeling.

"As far as the team goes, they are very disappointed and I’m going to have to pump some air in them," Lewis said. "We have to make some corrections and get back on track. Before this game, we controlled our own destiny, and now I can’t tell you what is going to happen. We have to move forward and see what happens."

The Bengals entered this game with a hold on the sixth and final playoff spot in the AFC. They left with a 7-6 record, one game back of the New York Jets (8-5), who grabbed the No. 6 seed away from them.

Even if Cincinnati is able to get that playoff spot back in the final three weeks, the Bengals will be a playoff team in name only. The Bengals are a team that will do damage in future seasons. They have the NFL's best rookie quarterback-receiver combination in the past two decades. They have a defense that will come back stronger with a healthy Leon Hall and Carlos Dunlap.

At this point, Cincinnati isn't on the same level as Baltimore and Pittsburgh. And the Bengals proved today that they can't beat a Texans team that is without its top two quarterbacks and star wide receiver Andre Johnson.

The Bengals are now 1-6 against teams that currently have winning records.

"It's not even about the playoffs anymore. It's about winning games," Crocker said. "We can't think about the postseason until we start winning games. It's a remote idea right now."

Everything that the Bengals did right -- a 97-yard touchdown drive, a 49-yard field goal in the final seconds of the first half and a season-high four turnovers forced -- gets lost in what the Bengals did wrong.

Cincinnati had first-and-goal at the Houston 1-yard line in the first quarter until right guard Bobbie Williams' false start (that led to a field goal instead of a touchdown). The Bengals were 1 of 3 in the red zone.

Cincinnati had a 13-point lead to open the second half until quarterback Andy Dalton was stripped from behind on the second play of the third quarter. Rookie tight end Colin Cochart couldn't block Connor Barwin, who caused the fumble inside the Bengals' 20-yard line (leading to a quick Texans touchdown).

And Cincinnati forced a fumble early in the fourth quarter, but defensive end Frostee Rucker coughed it up while trying to score. Then, Bengals safety Reggie Nelson and linebacker Manny Lawson fought over the ball, which allowed the Texans to regain control at their own 2-yard line.

Leading 19-10 at the time, the Bengals could have had the ball in the red zone and with a chance to put the game away. But three Bengals couldn't hold onto the fumble. The Texans marched 83 yards for a field goal to pull within 19-13 and set up the dramatic finish.

"That should have been one of the [turnovers] that would have helped us tremendously," Lawson said.

Their biggest downfall came on the final drive. On third-and-15, the Bengals allowed Yates to scramble for 17 yards. Then, after a 17-yard pass interference penalty on cornerback Adam Jones, they allowed the 152nd pick of the draft to throw the winning touchdown when linebacker Brandon Johnson followed tight end Owen Daniels and let Walter run free over the middle.

"A rookie quarterback beat us today," Crocker said. "I don't even know what to say. Wow. I don't even know what to say."

The Bengals are a good team. They are a promising one. But the Bengals have made it clear that they're not a playoff team.

"We knew if we came out there and outperformed them, it was a matter of time where we would get our chance to shine," Maualuga said. "But it sucks to look at that scoreboard and see that we lost by one point when we knew we had the whole game in the palm of our hands."

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

The Ravens might be without wide receiver Lee Evans once again.

There had been some optimism that Evans would play for the first time since Week 2 after the deep threat practiced on a limited basis Wednesday and Thursday. Evans has missed the past seven games with a left ankle injury.

But offensive coordinator Cam Cameron didn't sound hopeful that Evans will be ready to play Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.

“It’s really going to be predicated on how he practices,” Cameron said, via The Baltimore Sun. “He probably needs a week or two of good practice. I think that will help. Some of our other guys are playing really well, and we’ve got some other options until he comes back. We’ll see how the practices go. If he’s practicing at a level that [coach] John [Harbaugh] feels and we feel that he can help us win the game, then I’m sure he’ll be there. But that may take a week or two.”

Hensley's slant: While the Ravens have gotten used to playing without Evans, it would be a big blow not having him Sunday considering his track record against Cincinnati. In four games against the Bengals, Evans has caught 21 passes for 445 yards and three touchdowns (according to the Bengals' team website). That's 21.2 yards per catch and 111.2 yards per game.

BENGALS: Rey Maualuga looks up to the Ravens' Ray Lewis and once got a return text from his middle linebacker idol after Lewis congratulated him for a big hit in the 2010 opener. “It said something like, ‘Thanks Bro,’ and I went ,’Ye-e-s,’ ” Maualuga told Bengals.com. ”Things like that go a long way. A simple 'hi' or a simple 'hello.' ” Maualuga likely won't be able to take notes Sunday on Lewis, who is expected to miss the game with a toe injury. Hensley's slant: Most head coaches have trouble finding their franchise quarterback. For Marvin Lewis, he has always been seeking a young middle linebacker to quarterback his defense. His search could be over with Maualuga, who has been impressive in his first season as an NFL middle linebacker.

BROWNS: Rookie defensive tackle Phil Taylor is coming off his best game of the season, Browns defensive coordinator Dick Jauron said, via The Cleveland Plain Dealer. He recorded one sack and five tackles, including one where he chased down Rams running back Steven Jackson downfield. "He made some big plays for us and was a force inside at critical times," Jauron said. "Every week he learns a little more." Hensley's slant: There's no doubt that Taylor is one of the most promising defensive rookies in the league. But he's been very inconsistent, making a total of three tackles in the three games before this last one. When he becomes a steady force inside with Ahtyba Rubin, that will be another step in making the Browns run defense a strength instead of a weakness.

STEELERS: Pittsburgh has relied on its backups this season because 10 position players that started the season opener have missed at least two games including two who were lost for the season, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. The Steelers have used nine different starting lineups on defense. "We don't have benchwarmers here," free safety Ryan Clark said. Hensley's slant: This is why the Steelers' defense ranks second in yards allowed but first in depth. Few defenses could remain one of the NFL's best when six starters in the front seven have missed at least one game. As a reward, outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley might be back after the much-deserved bye.

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

It looks like Josh Cribbs will have a bigger role on the struggling Browns offense Sunday. What that exact role will be has yet to be revealed.

Cribbs, the Browns' wide receiver-return specialist, hinted to reporters that he'll be lining up in the backfield Sunday against the Rams. "I can't give nothing away, but they put something in that's special to me and that's all I can say about that," Cribbs said, via The Cleveland Plain Dealer. "Coach is really trying to target me and the coaches are really making an opportunity for me to get the football more."

Asked again later about possibly lining up in the backfield, he said, "We've got eight games left. There will be some surprises this week."

This likely means two options: head coach Pat Shurmur is open to allowing the offense to use some Wildcat again with Cribbs or Cribbs will line up at running back to help boost an injured and ineffective group. Asked if Shurmur might run some Wildcat, Cribbs said "he's warming up to it.''

Hensley's slant: This is very intriguing, but honestly, any new wrinkle would be a welcome change for this sputtering offense. Shurmur has to do something to create a spark because his top two running backs are hurt and Chris Ogbonnaya proved he isn't an every-down back. If Cribbs can add some punch to the offense, the Browns should see if he can play run defense. Just joking. Well, half-joking.

• BENGALS: Middle linebacker Rey Maualuga, who hasn't played since spraining his ankle Oct. 9 at Jacksonville, has his sights on playing Sunday against the Steelers. “I just want to make sure I come in at the right time and not get any setbacks with my ankle,” Maualuga said, via The Cincinnati Enquirer. “The coaches will take care of me and limit what I do. It’s only Wednesday and hopefully by Saturday I will be full speed and ready to go.” Cornerback Adam Jones (hamstring) also said he's "ready to go" after returning to practice. Hensley's slant: It will be more important for the Bengals to get back Jones because they might be playing nickel more than their base defense. Over the past three games, the Steelers have thrown the ball twice as much as they've run it (42 pass attempts compared to 20.6 carries for running backs). The return of Jones will have Cincinnati better equipped to handle the Steelers' three-receiver sets.
• RAVENS: Anquan Boldin leads all NFL wide receivers in catches (26) and receiving yards (405) over the past four weeks. He is averaging a career-best 15.3 yards per catch and is on pace to break the franchise record for single-season receiving yards. “Anquan is playing lights out,” offensive coordinator Cam Cameron told the team's website. “He’s playing outside receiver, which he hasn’t played a lot of, and he’s playing phenomenal.” Hensley's slant: This is what the Ravens envisioned a year ago when they traded for Boldin. It took removing Derrick Mason and Todd Heap from the offense this offseason for Joe Flacco to start trusting and relying on Boldin. It will be interesting to see how the return of Lee Evans -- if it indeed happens this week or next -- affects the number of passes thrown Boldin's way.
• STEELERS: The Steelers are on pace for the lowest number of takeaways in NFL history, according to The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. The NFL's third-ranked defense has forced four turnovers (two interceptions and two fumble recoveries) through nine games. "Great defenses make people turn the ball over," nose tackle Casey Hampton told the paper. "We haven't been doing a good job of that, but it is coming." Hensley's slant: The Steelers only have themselves to blame. It seems like they've dropped at least a half-dozen passes this season. Generating turnovers will be tough Sunday against the Bengals, who lead the AFC with the fewest giveaways (seven interceptions and one fumble).

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

Texans fullback Lawrence Vickers said he's "geeked up" to play his former team and admitted to the Cleveland Plain Dealer that he was hurt by the Browns' decision not to re-sign him last year.

"And I know they're pretty much geeked up, too," Vickers told The Plain Dealer. "We all had this game circled on the calendar."

Vickers said he never heard from them after his 2010 exit interview, but he knew his time was up after Cleveland drafted fullback Owen Marecic in the fourth round. Vickers' powerful run-blocking helped Jerome Harrison and Peyton Hillis lead the team in rushing the previous two seasons.

Asked how much the Browns' running game misses him, he said, "My focus is on Lawrence Vickers. I'm on to the next chapter. I wish Peyton and all their running backs the best."

Hensley's slant: Injuries have factored into Cleveland's struggles in running the ball this season, but not having Vickers has contributed to the Browns falling to 29th in the NFL in rushing. His lead blocking was a big reason why the Browns ranked No. 8 in rushing in 2009 and why Hillis ran for 1,177 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. The Browns thought Vickers' style wouldn't fit into their new West Coast offense. Wonder if the front office is rethinking that decision now?

• BENGALS: Middle linebacker Rey Maualuga (ankle) continues to work off to the side, and outside linebacker Thomas Howard (hamstring) remains limited in practice. But the Bengals don't seem too concerned because of their depth at linebacker, according to The Cincinnati Enquirer. Backup middle linebacker Dan Skuta and outside linebacker Brandon Johnson didn't play much in the first five games, but they've filled those spots "seamlessly." Hensley's slant: The way the Bengals have played well without Maualuga and with Howard at less than full strength is more a reflection of the team's defensive line. The strong rotation up front has allowed Cincinnati to plug anyone at linebacker and remain effective. The defensive line is the backbone of perhaps the most underrated defense in the NFL.
• RAVENS: Left guard Ben Grubbs continues to practice and even lined up with the first-team group during drills, according to MASNSports.com. Grubbs hasn't played since the season opener against the Steelers because of a toe injury. "Anytime you can get a player like Ben back, that's big because he played extremely well in the first game," offensive coordinator Cam Cameron said. "We'll see. He is probably going to be a game-time decision. We'll take Ben back at any point in time." Hensley's slant: The loss of Grubbs has been a bad domino effect for the Ravens. Andre Gurode has struggled a lot the past two games at guard, which has cause left tackle Bryant McKinnie to help out more to the inside. Because McKinnie can't put all of his focus on protecting the blind side, the pass protection on the edge has declined. So, the return of Grubbs would be big for the Ravens.
• STEELERS: The first-half Most Valuable Player isn't really a player, according to The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. It's defensive backs coach Carnell Lake. The former Steelers player is receiving the most credit for adding the physical element to the Steelers' secondary. Hensley's slant: When Pittsburgh ranked No. 1 in pass defense in the past, it usually was the result of the Steelers' pass rush. But this year, it's the defensive backs who have really stepped up. Ike Taylor is having a Pro Bowl-type season, and William Gay has rebounded after a rough start.