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Some argue that Joe Flacco is among the most underrated quarterbacks in the NFL. Others see him as one of the top quarterbacks under 30.

Now, raise your hand if you believe Flacco is the best quarterback in the NFL. Anyone? I mean anyone not wearing a purple No. 5 jersey.

"I think I’m the best," Flacco told a Baltimore radio station when asked if he felt like he was a top-five quarterback. "I don’t think I’m the top five, I think I’m the best. I wouldn’t be very successful at my job if I didn’t feel that way."

This reminds me of the time before last season when Eli Manning said he would put himself in the same class as Tom Brady. Everyone laughed until Manning beat Brady in the Super Bowl.

Flacco faces the same situation: You said it, so let's see if you can back it up.

Like Manning, Flacco was right to say it. No matter what you or I think, Flacco should believe he's the best quarterback in the league. Just like Colt McCoy should think he's leading the Browns to the division title.

How was Flacco supposed to respond when asked that question? I guess he could have given a more toned-down answer -- that he doesn't compare himself to other quarterbacks, for example, or doesn't place labels on himself. If he'd said that he was the 15th best quarterback in the NFL, people would be ripping him for having no faith in himself.

Flacco isn't Kyle Boller. He's won more games in his first four seasons than any other quarterback in NFL history. Flacco directed a winning 92-yard touchdown drive in the final minute against the NFL's top-rated defense last year. He also outplayed Brady in the AFC Championship Game and was one stripped pass away from leading the Ravens to the Super Bowl.

The problem is, Flacco looked like he was the NFL's worst quarterback at times, too. He struggled to complete passes and record first downs in prime-time disasters last season against the New York Jets and Jacksonville Jaguars.

Before Flacco can say he's "the best," he has to show he's consistent. He has to prove that the team can depend on him week after week. He has to take the Ravens to a Super Bowl and win it. That's the definition of being "the best" in the NFL. Right now, Flacco isn't even the best quarterback in his division.

Last season, Flacco didn't finish in the top 10 in completion rate (26th), passing yards (12th), touchdowns (13th) or quarterback rating (18th). You don't need to call for a Discount Double Check to see the disparity between Flacco and a certain quarterback in Green Bay.

It's understandable why Flacco has this attitude. He's always having to defend himself against critics. For some reason, he's become a punching bag for NFL players during the past year. During last offseason, Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley said Flacco will never win a Super Bowl "in this lifetime." And, during last season's playoff run, Flacco's own teammate -- safety Ed Reed -- questioned the quarterback's hold on the offense.

From Flacco's point of view, he has to pump himself up because it seems like no one else will. You don't hear the same criticism or negativity directed toward Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, who has similar career passing numbers as Flacco but no playoff wins.

Flacco isn't a cocky quarterback, but he is very prideful. You ask him if he's the best quarterback, and he's going to say that he is. Flacco has thought of himself as the underdog ever since he entered the NFL as a first-round pick out of FCS school Delaware. "I had to go down to the minor leagues of college football to prove who I was," Flacco said after getting drafted by the Ravens four years ago. "I'm going to carry that with me for the rest of my life and use it for the best."

So it's not a matter of whether Flacco is the best quarterback in the NFL. He's obviously not. What's important is that he believes it. The challenge now is to back it up.

While Ed Reed and Chris Crocker would disagree, a majority of those participating in this week's SportsNation poll say Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward was not a dirty player.

In a poll that drew more than 11,000 votes, 62 percent say that Ward didn't cross the line as an aggressive and violent football player. Ward, who announced his retirement Tuesday, has drawn criticism over the years for his hits, and was named the NFL's dirtiest player in a 2009 Sports Illustrated poll.

Here are some comments from the blog and the mail bag regarding Ward's style of play:

Go to War Mrs. Agnes: Dirty Player? Depends on if you're a Steelers fan or not!

Tommy2Steel: After 14 years in the league and consistently delivering those bone-jarring hits, if he truly wanted to end someone's career, I would think the list would be long and distinguished -- but there is no list because it never happened. He was fearsome and he was not afraid to lay the wood to you, but he was not out to end anyone's career.

JustBeWarned: When so many players say you are a dirty player, the argument is over. He's a dirty player. Fans and writers have never been within 10 feet of Hines Ward. What's broadcasted on TV isn't enough for us to be able to judge for ourselves.

Steelers6XSuperbowl Champs: The question is "Is Hines a Dirty Player?" My response is I don't care. All I know is he caught 1,000 passes for a load of yards and was a big part of winning us two Super Bowls. I admit that I usually see things from a black and gold prospective. But you know what, the Steelers have been fun to cheer for since I was a kid and they have six Championships to show for it. Hines will be missed!!!!

Ohiodeclan: Ward was the dirtiest player on a team with a long history of dirty players.

pusencer: Ward was a hard-nosed blocker and played a physical style of ball. He wasn't dirty and played within the rules. The only questionable hit I ever saw him make was on Rivers a couple years back. It was a bit high, but clean. He just didn't see it coming. He should be a Hall of Famer. I'm a browns fan, glad to see him retire. I never saw him as dirty, but definitely intense and physical.

Bob from Winston Salem, N.C.: Concerning Hines Ward being dirty, I would more often call him the King of Unnecessary Roughness. Ward ended Keith Rivers' rookie season with an unnecessary play. The play is going out of bounds, Rivers is at jogging speed trailing the play, Ward lines him up and lays him out breaking his jaw in two places. You cannot break a players jaw with a legal hit. Ward's helmet went up under Rivers facemask. Ward could have just knocked him sideways and instead he took the free lay out hit. Dirty? Perhaps. Unnecessary? Absolutely. If he did that to Tom Brady, Ward would be suspended for a year!

Here's one way the New England Patriots can get back to the Super Bowl: Sign receiver Mike Wallace, one of the best players in free agency.

The Pittsburgh Steelers' Pro Bowler is a restricted free agent who is ripe for the taking. Pittsburgh has salary-cap issues this offseason and cut many of its veteran players. The team also could not afford to put a franchise tag on Wallace.

A first-round pick and a good contract offer are the only things standing in the way of Wallace joining the reigning AFC champions. New England should be the first team in line to throw caution to the wind and pry Wallace from Pittsburgh next week when free agency begins.

Here are several reasons why this is a smart move for New England:

Reason No. 1: Patriots have plenty of draft picks, cap space

This is the perfect year for the Patriots to pounce. Unlike the Steelers, New England has plenty of cap room and more than enough draft picks to make a solid pitch for Wallace.

The cost for Wallace would be a first-round pick and a contract extension. New England has two first-rounders (No. 27 and No. 31) and two second-rounders. Losing one of those early picks would not hurt the Patriots. New England likely would not get an immediate, Pro Bowl-caliber player at the end of the first round anyway. Wallace would count as part of the Patriots' draft class. New England could add a top-10 receiver in his prime.

New England's best chance is to offer Wallace a front-loaded contract. The key is to provide a high amount of guaranteed money and salary in the first season, which would count against this year's cap. The Patriots have that luxury over Pittsburgh and can use it to their advantage.

The Patriots entered the offseason with more cap space than any team in the AFC East. Receiver Wes Welker's franchise tag would take up some of that, but the Patriots still can offer Wallace more than Pittsburgh. New England may have to eventually work out an extension with Welker, as a result, but the Patriots are considering that option anyway.

Reason No. 2: Patriots need a deep threat

Imagine the possibilities: Tom Brady throwing to Welker and Rob Gronkowski underneath, and Wallace and Aaron Hernandez vertically. That would be a passing attack that is tough to stop.

New England's best deep threat last year was Hernandez, its backup tight end. He was the only player who could consistently get vertical and was a threat for making huge plays.

Wallace's speed would bring a unique element to New England's offense. He is arguably the best deep threat in the NFL and has 23 receptions of 40 yards or more the past three seasons. The Patriots' offense hasn't had that type of big-play capability since Randy Moss.

There are criticisms that Wallace is a "one-trick pony." That’s debatable. But getting deep is really all the Patriots would need from Wallace. New England's other receivers and tight ends will take care of the underneath routes and allow Wallace to focus on what he does best.

Reason No. 3: It hurts a big AFC rival

The Steelers are one of the most well-run and respected franchises in the NFL. The ownership, front office and coaching are all top notch.

Therefore, Pittsburgh consistently poses one of the biggest threats to New England in the AFC. The Steelers and Patriots combined for eight Super Bowl appearances the past 11 years. If Pittsburgh didn't get "Tebowed" by the Denver Broncos in January, the Patriots would've had another tough playoff matchup against Pittsburgh. The Steelers beat New England in the regular season.

Signing Wallace away from Pittsburgh would simultaneously strengthen New England and hurt the Steelers' depth at receiver. The Steelers already released team captain and all-time leading receiver Hines Ward. In terms of leadership, Ward leaves a huge void that is tough to replace. Losing Wallace, Pittsburgh's best receiver, would be another big blow.

Pittsburgh also cut starting linebacker James Farrior, starting guard Chris Kemoeatu and veteran defensive end Aaron Smith. Years of manipulating the cap is finally catching up to the Steelers, and it could cost the team Wallace if New England or another team goes after him.

Reason No. 4: No harm, no foul

Let's say the Steelers find a way to match New England's offer. That could still work in New England's favor.

The Patriots would retain their first-round pick and cap room, while forcing Pittsburgh overpay on a front-loaded contract to keep Wallace. The Steelers, as a result, would have more issues with the cap. For the Patriots, there's no harm in trying.

New England also has options. The Patriots could quickly turn its attention to veteran receiver Brandon Lloyd, who is a viable Plan B. Lloyd wants to reunite with new Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and would be happy to join the reigning AFC champs. Instead of the home run (Wallace), New England could settle for a triple (Lloyd).

Going after Wallace in free agency is a win-win for the Patriots, regardless of the result.

A look at some of the questions fielded in Wednesday's online chat:

Alex (Cincinnati): Say Bengals owner Mike Brown decided to put up the money this year, and took Mike Wallace from the Steelers. Do you think Andy Dalton would be able to utilize A.J. Green and Mike Wallace as the major deep threats they are?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): I don't think there is any question that Wallace is a better fit with the Steelers because [Ben] Roethlisberger has a stronger arm. But Dalton gets the ball downfield better than anyone expected. I don't see this happening, but the Bengals have the draft pick and the cap room to do so if they wanted Wallace.

Caleb (Washington, the state): I know you've already stated that nose tackle Dontari Poe is not gonna fall to the Steelers at 24. What would it take for the Steelers to move up to a point where they can draft him? We've seen them move on players they felt were special (Santonio Holmes and Troy Polamalu, both of which were great moves). Is Poe special enough that they aggressively go after him?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): All reports indicate that Poe is going to be special. You just have to watch it when it comes to the bigger defensive linemen. Some don't turn out because work ethic never matches talent ([Albert] Haynesworth). It would take a lot for the Steelers to jump the nine or 10 spots needed to get him. I don't see it happening, but he is one player that should tempt Pittsburgh.

Flaps (101): How far do you see Vontaze Burfict falling? Do you think the Ravens will still gamble on him if he's still available in a later round?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): He's looking more like a second-rounder now. But I don't see him falling to the bottom of that round. So, if the Ravens want him, they probably would have to move up in the second or trade back from the first.

Christian (Ohio): RG3 or Colt McCoy?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): RG3 > CM1

Tim (Kentucky): Do you see the Bengals being able to repeat themselves next year, maybe even winning the division with the elderly ravens and pitt falling off?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): The Bengals have had trouble putting two great seasons back-to-back. It doesn't matter whether the "elderly" Ravens and Steelers fall off. It's whether the Bengals can continue to improve. They went to the playoffs because of what they did in the offseason. Cincinnati needs another productive draft and free-agent period to make a run at the division title.

Gary (The Woodlands, Texas): Kind of narrowed minded of you to make that call on Colt after one year. I bet you thought that of Alex Smith as well. This is one of the Browns problems?they draft a QB and in a few years draft another essentially starting over. Draft a guy and give him some talent and see how that works out. Draft RGIII and pray he can do it all because the Browns won?t have the picks to help him.

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): For every Alex Smith, I can give you a lot more examples of quarterbacks that failed with good and bad situations. Alex Smith has become the answer for all supporters of struggling quarterbacks. It's a lot like the people who think you can find quarterbacks late in the draft and always cite Tom Brady. If you are a fan of 5-yard passes and quarterbacks who can only make plays by rolling out of the pocket, McCoy is definitely your quarterback.

Nick (Syracuse): Was Peyton Hillis's off year just the Madden Curse or something more?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): It was the "I'm playing in my contract year and can't get no love" curse.

Max (Austin, Texas): Do you ever get tired of 90 percent of the chat questions being from the same six Bengals fans?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): Who Dey?

The AFC North is running a series where every position will be ranked and what could change at that position.

QUARTERBACKS

1. STEELERS: Ben Roethlisberger remains the best quarterback in the division, and it's still not even close. Despite three injuries (sprained foot, broken right thumb and high ankle sprain), he threw 400 more yards than any other quarterback in the AFC North. Roethlisberger's highlights were throwing five touchdowns against Tennessee, out-dueling Tom Brady and beating Cleveland in the first meeting on one leg. He was the true most valuable player on the Steelers, even though Antonio Brown was named that by his teammates. When Roethlisberger hurt his ankle in early December, the Steelers offense was never the same. With a healthy Roethlisberger, the Steelers don't lose at Denver in the playoffs. In Charlie Batch's only start, the 37-year-old backup completed 15 of 22 passes for 208 yards against the Rams. What could change: The Steelers have to make a decision at backup quarterback. Batch, Byron Leftwich and Dennis Dixon are all unrestricted free agents. Leftwich is the favorite to get the No. 2 job.

2. RAVENS: The biggest frustration for the Ravens is that Joe Flacco can look like a championship quarterback one week and a confused one the next. Another uneven season included four games with 300 or more yards passing and seven with less than 200 yards passing. When Flacco was at his best, he threw three touchdowns in the first quarter at St. Louis, delivered a last-minute comeback at Pittsburgh and completed 79 percent of his passes in the regular-season finale at Cincinnati. His biggest moment came in the AFC championship game in New England where he threw the winning touchdown that sent the Ravens to the Super Bowl ... until the ball was stripped from Lee Evans. Rookie backup Tyrod Taylor threw one pass. What could change: The size of Flacco's contract. The Ravens have made it a priority to sign Flacco, who is entering the final year of his contract, to an extension. It should get done before the end of August because both sides don't want this issue to hang over their heads entering the regular season.

3. BENGALS: Andy Dalton was the best rookie quarterback in the AFC and would've been the top one in the NFL if not for that quarterback named Cam. A second-round pick in 2011, Dalton became the only rookie in NFL history to throw for 20 or more touchdowns passes while winning eight or more games as a starting quarterback. The most impressive part of Dalton's game is his anticipation. He gets rid of the ball before the wide receiver gets out of his break, which is quite a feat for a first-year passer. His biggest challenge is overcoming the best defenses in the division. In four games against Pittsburgh and Baltimore, Dalton had an 0-4 record with four touchdowns and five interceptions. Against the rest of the NFL, he was 9-3 with 16 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Backup Bruce Gradkowski replaced an injured Dalton in the season opener and led two fourth-quarter touchdown drives in rallying the Bengals to a 27-17 victory at Cleveland. What could change: The playbook is set to expand for Dalton in his second season. Dalton will progress as long as the Bengals improve his supporting cast. They need to upgrade the No. 2 wide receiver spot and find a more consistent starting running back.

4. BROWNS: No one questions Colt McCoy's leadership or toughness. It's his arm strength, accuracy, recognition of blitzes and ability to make plays in the pocket that are the question marks. You can argue that he doesn't have playmakers in the passing game and the Browns receivers were tied for the NFL lead in dropped passes. While all of that is correct, it's also true that McCoy is limited as a quarterback no matter who the Browns put around him. In his first full season as a starter, McCoy ranked 27th in completion percentage (57.2), 25th in passing yards per game (210.2), 33rd in yards per attempt (5.9), 27th in passer rating (74.6) and 25th in QBR (39.8). His season ended with a concussion that resulted in a vicious hit by Steelers linebacker James Harrison. Backup Seneca Wallace isn't the answer. He is 1-6 in seven starts for the Browns. Wallace didn't look like an experienced backup with his poor clock management at the end of the first half in Baltimore. What could change: The Browns need to find a franchise quarterback, whether it's signing Matt Flynn in free agency or trading up to draft Robert Griffin III, which is what I endorse. The fallback option is keeping McCoy as the starter for another season.

Feb. 20: Special teams; Feb. 21: Defensive line; Feb. 23: Linebackers; Feb. 24: Defensive backs; Feb. 27: Offensive line; Feb. 28: Wide receivers; Feb. 29: Tight ends; March 1: Running backs.

It's never a good Sunday when it's Sunday without football games. But it does give us time to open some mail ...

Todd from Vallejo, Calif., writes: My question relates to the Bengals draft picks. By all accounts, the players they want to select (guard David DeCastro, cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, running back Trent Richardson, etc.) will all be gone by picks 17 and 21. I have a hard time seeing them reach for a running back with those picks or even a lesser guard (like Cordy Glenn) or risky corner (Janoris Jenkins). What do you think they will do? Trade up or down?

Jamison Hensley, from AFC North headquarters, responds: The Bengals are more likely to trade down, especially at No. 21. It seems like every draft there is some team wanting to jump back into the bottom part of the first round to get a quarterback. Since the Bengals have Andy Dalton, they would be happy to drop back and acquire more picks. The only player that I could envision the Bengals trading up for is Alabama running back Trent Richardson. Cincinnati wouldn't mortgage the entire draft for Richardson, but it would be willing to move up a few spots if he surprisingly falls out of the top 10. Of course, I would be extremely surprised to see Richardson slip that far.

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Abe from Baltimore writes: Don't you think the Ravens will be better suited going for Pierre Garcon, Mario Manningham, or Robert Meachem rather than breaking the bank for any of these big-name wide receivers?

Jamison Hensley, from AFC North headquarters, responds: The Ravens don't have the salary-cap room to go after a wide receiver like Vincent Jackson. As I wrote last week, the best fit is the Colts' Reggie Wayne, whose value will be lowered by the number of young deep threats available in free agency. If Wayne proves to be too expensive, the Ravens still need to add a free-agent wide receiver because Lee Evans was a flop and Tandon Doss apparently isn't ready to get on the field. Baltimore only had two wide receivers with more than four catches, so the Ravens have to upgrade here.

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Ben from Pensacola, Fla., writes: Even if Robert Griffin III is every bit as good as Cam Newton, there's no way he'd have that kind of success in Cleveland. Newton was throwing to a pair of good tight ends and Steve Smith, with a nice running back tandem of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. RG3 comes into an offense with no running game and, frankly, a terrible group of receivers and tight ends. I understand Colt McCoy probably isn't getting the most out of the players around him, but even Tom Brady would have a hard time scoring points for the Browns. The Browns need a lot more than a new quarterback to be even solid on offense.

Jamison Hensley, from AFC North headquarters, responds: I understand your argument for a lack of playmakers, but you can't downplay the fact that a franchise quarterback elevates the talent around him. That's why Cam Newton had more success with this supporting cast than Jake Delhomme, Jimmy Clausen and Matt Moore. There's no doubt that the Browns have to significantly improve the players at the skill positions. But McCoy isn't a quarterback who gets the most out of his teammates. I'm not saying RG3 will do this. I'm just saying the Browns have to look elsewhere because McCoy isn't the answer.

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Jared from Orlando, Fla., writes: Do you think that Heath Miller will ever get to the Pro Bowl again? Granted the one time he made it, it was because one of the tight ends chosen was in the Super Bowl that year. I'm extremely biased as a Steeler fan who grew up in the same town as Heath. However, it seems like the only tight ends to make the pro bowl are pass catchers. Heath has great hands, but he's at least top three in the league as a blocking tight end. Thoughts?

Jamison Hensley, from AFC North headquarters, responds: Miller has been underused the past two seasons, especially in the red zone. But he won't get to another Pro Bowl because he's on the decline. Over the next couple of drafts, the Steelers have to take a look at adding an athletic pass-catching tight end like Cincinnati's Jermaine Gresham and Baltimore's Ed Dickson. That's the direction the NFL is headed, and Pittsburgh is going to be forced to fill the void there sooner than later. Miller is entering the final year of his contract.

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Cameron from Cincinnati writes: If the Bengals are going to get a guard and a cornerback with their first two picks, which looks likely, what position do they address next? Running back, or wide receiver?

Jamison Hensley, from AFC North headquarters, responds: Running back comes next in the draft, and wide receiver is among the priorities in free agency. The Bengals need to get younger and faster at running back. That means the draft is the best way to address the position. As far as wide receiver, Cincinnati needs a dependable route-runner as the second option to A.J. Green. The Bengals can find one in free agency.

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Gene from San Diego writes: What's more important in the draft for the Ravens: an outside linebacker opposite [Terrell] Suggs, an inside linebacker for the future or a center?

Jamison Hensley, from AFC North headquarters, responds: In order of priority, I would go inside linebacker, center and outside linebacker. It wouldn't be a surprise to see others rank these differently because it's a tough call. I put inside linebacker first because this is the time to find that heir apparent to Ray Lewis, so the rookie can learn under the future Hall of Fame linebacker. The Ravens can get by this year with Matt Birk at center and Paul Kruger at outside linebacker.

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Sean from Van Wert, Ohio, writes: I know that Cleveland needs help at receiver. With all the big names out there, we should worry about overspending. Which is why, I keep bringing up Pierre Garcon. He would be a great fit for Cleveland's West Coast offense, and we could get him for less than DeSean Jackson or any of the other big names wide receivers. I believe we could land Garcon around the $13-15 million range over three to five years. What are your thoughts on Garcon landing in Cleveland?

Jamison Hensley, from AFC North headquarters, responds: I put Garcon on the top of my list in terms of the best fit for Cleveland. The reason? Garcon provides what the Browns desperately need at wide receiver -- speed. He showed he can stretch the field, and he proved that he doesn't need an elite quarterback to do so after Peyton Manning was sidelined all season.

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DJ from Brockport, N.Y., writes: Have the Browns actually shown interest in Robert Griffin III or is it all rumors and assumptions at this point?

Jamison Hensley, from AFC North headquarters, responds: Browns officials met with RG3 for a 15-minute interview on Friday night. But it doesn't take a top analyst like Trent Dilfer to answer this question. The Browns need to upgrade at quarterback, and RG3 will be top quarterback available after Andrew Luck gets drafted by the Colts. Cleveland officials don't have to draft RG3, but they do have to consider it.

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John from Medon, Tenn., writes: With Rashard Mendenhall's injury, could you see the Steelers potentially having an interest in Peyton Hillis? I know they don't spend much in free agency, but Hillis could possibly be had at a decent price after a bad year. Hillis' hit-the-hole-hard style would actually be a better fit than Mendenhall's constant hesitation at the line of scrimmage. Hillis in a Steeler uniform would be very intriguing.

Jamison Hensley, from AFC North headquarters, responds: The Steelers aren't going to make many free-agent signings because of their limited cap space. So it would surprise me if they chose to use that precious cap room on a player who struggled on the field for most of the season, got hurt and became a malcontent in the locker room. I believe the Steelers need to address running back in free agency, but it would be out of character for Pittsburgh to pursue Hillis.

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Michael from Cleveland writes: How crazy is it to think the Colts will draft Robert Griffin III and the Browns move up to draft Andrew Luck?

Jamison Hensley, from AFC North headquarters, responds: This is beyond crazy. Actually, this is the very definition of fantasy football for Browns fans.

QUARTERBACK: Tom Brady fell short of his fourth game-winning touchdown drive in a Super Bowl. He overcame a ragged start to find his groove. He set a Super Bowl record with 16 straight completions, including 15 straight on two touchdown passes. His first touchdown pass, a 4-yarder to Danny Woodhead, showed his patience to wait for the running back to break free of the linebacker. Brady's second one, a 12-yarder, was quicker recognition to find tight end Aaron Hernandez against the middle linebacker. Brady did get hit on his interception (which turned out to be a long punt) and seemed to hurt his already banged-up left shoulder. He started off the scoring but not the way he intended. His intentional grounding penalty on the Patriots' first play led to a safety, a strange mistake for a quarterback known for such great awareness. Grade: B-plus.

OFFENSE: The Patriots' receivers let Brady down in the fourth quarter with drops from Wes Welker, Deion Branch and Hernandez. The passing game was limited with tight end Rob Gronkowski less than full strength with a high-ankle sprain. He didn't get a catch until three minutes left in the first half. Hernandez picked up the slack with a 12-yard touchdown grab in the third quarter. The offensive line held up quite well against a Giants pass rush that recorded five sacks of Brady in the last Super Bowl matchup. Welker was a hot target in the passing game, although he couldn't pull down a key reception late in the fourth quarter. Grade: C.

DEFENSE: The Patriots' much-maligned defense came up big in the biggest game of the season. Playing both safeties deep to defend against the deep pass, the Patriots made it tough for Eli Manning and forced him to throw into tight windows. The New England run defense got pushed around early (70 yards rushing allowed in the first half), but fared better in the second half. The Patriots played more physical after they were sparked by Patrick Chung's hit on Hakeem Nicks along the sideline. The Patriots then allowed Ahmad Bradshaw to score a 6-yard touchdown with 40 seconds left, so they could get the ball back into the hands of Brady. Grade: B-minus.

COACHING: Bill Belichick lost his second straight Super Bowl. The Patriots had a great game plan defensively and were running an efficient offense. But it was questionable to throw on second-and-11 in the fourth quarter — which resulted in an incompletion to Welker and stopped the clock with four minutes left in the game. Then, the challenge on the Mario Manningham catch on the Giants' final drive cost the Patriots a timeout. Belichick prides himself on precision and discipline, which is why having 12 men on the field for defense was so surprising. That penalty negated a recovered fumble for the New England defense and led to the Giants' first touchdown (a Victor Cruz 2-yard catch in the first quarter). Grade: B.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Stephen Gostkowski kicked a 29-yard field goal. The kickoff coverage team allowed a 34-yard return early in the third quarter. The Patriots' return game was virtually non-existent. Punter Zoltan Mesko was outplayed by Steve Weatherford, averaging 38 yards per punt. Grade: C.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Former Steelers running back Jerome Bettis was asked to name the winner of the quarterback matchup in the Super Bowl, and the answer might surprise you.

"Right now, you got to go with Eli Manning," Bettis told ESPN New York radio. "He's the hotter quarterback of the two when you look at their body of work. The last game they played, Eli played a lot better than Brady did. Brady left a lot of big plays on the field. The game didn't have to as close as it was. So, when you look at it, Eli is the hotter quarterback."

Bettis added, "Is he the better quarterback in a game like this? I don't know that. That has yet to be seen. But I will say it will be a shootout. That's for sure."

Manning definitely had a better conference championship game than Brady. He threw for 316 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions, while Brady had 239 yards passing with no touchdowns and two interceptions.

But to say Manning is the hotter quarterback is an overstatement. In his past six games, Brady has averaged 320.1 yards, throwing 15 touchdowns and five interceptions. In the same stretch of games, Manning had 291.8 yards passing per game with 12 touchdowns and five interceptions.

Ravens safety Bernard Pollard has a history of hurting the Patriots, delivering blows over the years that have injured Tom Brady's anterior cruciate ligament, Wes Welker's knee and Rob Gronkowski's ankle.

Now, after the Ravens' loss in the AFC championship game in New England, he is hoping for the New York Giants to deliver the big blow on the Patriots in the Super Bowl.

“I really hope the Giants – I just hope they just put a thrashing on the Patriots. I really do," Pollard told a Houston radio station.

While I respect Pollard for voicing his opinion and not giving a bland answer, this probably won't happen. The Patriots haven't been "thrashed" all season. Their three losses have been by a total of 15 points.

It would be difficult for any team to rout New England because the Patriots' mindset is to outscore you. The Giants, who had the fourth-worst pass defense in the regular season, will have trouble slowing down the Patriots.

Pollard believes the Ravens would have beaten New England and "pretty boy" Brady -- which is how he referred to the quarterback last week -- if Billy Cundiff had made the 32-yard field goal, which would have tied the game with 11 seconds left in regulation.

"We knew if this thing got to overtime … we knew we were going to the Super Bowl," he said. "I think we played a really good game."

The Ravens are extremely healthy going into Sunday's AFC championship game at New England.

The only player listed on Baltimore's injury report was Pro Bowl safety Ed Reed, who is probable with an ankle injury. He had a full practice on Friday.

Reed rolled his ankle with 11 seconds remaining in last Sunday's playoff win over the Houston Texans after he leapt to knock down a Hail Mary pass in the end zone.

The Patriots' injury list isn't as short. There are 14 players who are questionable but only offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer (back and foot) is at risk of missing the game.

New England quarterback Tom Brady wasn't listed on the injury report. He missed Wednesday's practice with a sprained left shoulder and had a full practice on Thursday.

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- All the talk surrounding the Ravens this week has been about Ed Reed's critical comments regarding quarterback Joe Flacco and how they will affect the team heading into Sunday's AFC Championship Game.

In reality, Reed is a bigger problem for the Patriots than he'll ever be for the Ravens. No one draws more respect from the Patriots than Reed and no one gives them more reasons to worry than the eight-time Pro Bowl safety.

The Patriots know they can slow down Terrell Suggs by putting a couple of blockers on him. They know Ray Lewis is always going to be in the middle of the defense before they line up.

There's no certainty when it comes to Reed. He can be anywhere on the field. Reed can even make it look like he'll be on one side and end up on the other before the ball gets there.

When it comes to stopping the Patriots' passing game, the Ravens have to keep an eye on Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez and Deion Branch. When it comes to having success against the Ravens' pass defense, all eyes are on Reed.

Having Reed playing center field in the secondary is the biggest reason that the Ravens allowed an NFL-low 11 passing touchdowns this season (four fewer than any other team). He's also the biggest reason that no quarterback has thrown more than one touchdown pass against the Ravens in any game this season.

The biggest compliment that Patriots quarterback Tom Brady can give Reed is that the free safety is always at the forefront of his mind.

"When you break the huddle, you find where he's at and you make sure you're not lobbing the ball up in his zones, because as you saw in the Houston game, he's going to go up there and make the plays," Brady said. "He's just an exceptional player. I don't think there is a weakness that he has."

Reed is coming off one of the worst regular seasons of his career, at least statistically. His three interceptions and eight passes defended are his lowest in a full 16-game season.

But the postseason has always been Reed's best season. His eight interceptions are one shy of tying Ronnie Lott, Bill Simpson and Charlie Waters for the most in NFL playoff history.

Reed's latest came last Sunday with 1:51 left in the game and the Ravens ahead by a touchdown. Knowing the Texans would look deep to wide receiver Andre Johnson, Reed held his ground in the middle of the field, even though quarterback T.J. Yates was trying to make the safety move left by staring in that direction.

When Yates cocked his arm back, Reed jumped to the right side toward Johnson before Yates even released the ball. Reed was there in time to intercept the pass in front of Johnson at the Baltimore 4-yard line.

Reed's instincts and awareness have led to 57 interceptions, the most among active players.

"I've just been playing football for a long time," Reed said of having a nose for the ball. "I've been playing football since I was a little kid, so it's just some natural blessings that God has blessed me with to get to the ball and understand what I've been doing over the years."

With 11 seconds left in last Sunday's playoff game, Reed made the play that allowed the Ravens to advance to the AFC Championship Game. On that play, Reed was playing over the top against Johnson on the left side, which forced the Texans to throw the Hail Mary to the right. Reed raced all the way across the field to knock down the pass, preserving a 20-13 victory.

"I’m not sure that if he hadn’t made it, I don’t know what would have happened there," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. "Those are the kinds of plays he makes. He probably covers more field back there as a single safety than most teams can cover with two. He’s got great instincts; he’s a tremendous player.”

Belichick's affection for Reed is well-known. He called Reed one of the greatest players ever to play the game. Last year, Brady joked that Belichick wanted to adopt Ed Reed and change his name to "Ed Belichick."

"He has said that to us before, and then constantly threw the ball back there at him," linebacker Suggs said. "I don't know how much that holds weight."

Suggs is right that the Patriots' adoration doesn't mean they fear Reed, who has broken up five passes in four career games against New England and intercepted Brady in the 2009 wild-card playoff game.

While the Patriots were praising Reed all week, the Ravens had to answer questions about his comments every day. Reed went on national radio this week to say Flacco was "rattled" in last Sunday's playoff game and "just didn’t look like he had a hold on the offense." He doesn't believe those comments will distract the team leading up to Sunday's AFC Championship Game.

"It's about the Ravens and New England playing football," Reed said. "All that other stuff is to the side. That was about the last game. It's irrelevant to what we're doing right now, getting ready for the Patriots. What was said was something I said about the whole team, and it wasn't just about Joe. We were critical about ourselves in that game. That's every teammate of mine talking about the game we watched on film. We weren't satisfied with our effort."

Reed won't be satisfied until he wins a Super Bowl, and the years to capture one are starting to dwindle for him. He'll turn 34 less than a week into next season, and he's contemplated retirement before because of a nerve impingement between his neck and shoulder.

Does Reed sense the window of opportunity closing?

"We'll cross that bridge when that happens," Reed said. "Right now, we're focused on playing football and winning this game. That's what it's about at the end of the day. It's about us going out and trying to win this game to the best of our ability, and that's what we're going out there to do."

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Free safety Ed Reed remains the only Ravens player on the injury report. He was limited for a second straight day with an ankle injury.

For the Patriots, quarterback Tom Brady (sprained left shoulder) returned to practice today with full participation. He missed practice on Wednesday.

Here's the injury report for Sunday's AFC Championship Game:

RAVENS

Limited participation: FS Ed Reed (ankle)

PATRIOTS

Limited participation: WR Deion Branch (knee), T Marcus Cannon (ankle), S Patrick Chung (knee), LB Dane Fletcher (thumb), TE Aaron Hernandez (concussion), S James Ihedigbo (shoulder), DL Kyle Love (ankle), G Logan Mankins (knee), LB Rob Ninkovich (hip), OT Nate Solder (concussion), LB Brandon Spikes (knee), OT Sebastian Vollmer (back/foot), WR Wes Welker (knee), LB Tracy White (abdomen).

Full participation: CB Kyle Arrington (foot), QB Tom Brady (left shoulder), C Dan Connolly (groin), WR Matthew Slater (shoulder).

When Ravens safety Bernard Pollard faces Tom Brady on Sunday, he's looking to win a trip to the Super Bowl and not change the NFL again.

Three seasons ago, Pollard ended Brady's year when he hit him below the knee, which tore the quarterback's ACL and led to the Brady Rule. Now, it's illegal for NFL defenders who are on the ground to lunge at the quarterback's knees or lower.

"That's the pretty boy. That's the man of the NFL. That's Mr. Do-It-All," Pollard told reporters Wednesday, via The Baltimore Sun. "So everybody is going to hold that against me but I don't care."

This isn't the first time that Pollard has played against Brady since that hit. In the 2009 season finale, Pollard intercepted Brady when he was with the Houston Texans.

But everyone remembers Pollard for his part in the Brady Rule.

“You go down there and they’ll take change out of your pockets,” Pollard said. “You have a second to make a decision. We’re conscious of what rules are being put in, but we’re playing football.”

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- In the same week that he tries to bury Tom Brady into the Gillette Stadium turf, Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs has apparently buried the hatchet with him as well.

Suggs said there's "no beef" with Brady after feuding with the Patriots quarterback since 2009.

"You grow and mature," Suggs said on Wednesday. "As you all can clearly see, I’m not the same guy that I was in ’09. I’m definitely 20 pounds lighter."

Back in 2009, Suggs and Brady verbally sparred on the field after the quarterback complained about not getting a flag following a hit from Suggs.

"I’m pretty much over it. I respect him," Suggs said. "Like I said before, when it’s all said and done, they are going to speak on three quarterbacks: Johnny [Unitas], Peyton [Manning] and him."

Suggs has previously taken shots at Brady dating a Hollywood actress and even referred to Brady's three Super Bowl championships as "questionable" because of the tuck rule and Spygate.

So, Suggs really showed he has matured when reporters brought up Brady's Uggs commercials and the linebacker didn't take the bait to bash him.

"I heard they are really comfortable," Suggs said. "I’ll take some. I’ll send him some Ball So Hard gear.”