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Do the Pittsburgh Steelers still have the best defense in the NFL?

That depends on three factors: the health of nose tackle Casey Hampton, the ability to replace inside linebacker James Farrior, and the emergence of a No. 2 cornerback. The most pressing issue is Hampton, who had ACL surgery in January. It's unknown whether the 35-year-old veteran will be lining up against Denver in the season opener, or starting the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. His absence could force Ziggy Hood to shift from defensive end, or push rookie fourth-round pick Alameda Ta'amu into the starting lineup.

The Steelers already know they must replace Farrior, who was cut March 2. Some would dismiss this as a challenge, because Farrior was a part-time player last season and contributed a career-low 78 tackles. Still, he was a 10-year starter and the top leader on defense. Many expected the Steelers to draft Dont'a Hightower as his replacement, but they chose guard David DeCastro in the first round instead. Now, Pittsburgh will fill that spot with either Larry Foote, who was previously released so Lawrence Timmons could start, or Stevenson Sylvester, who has 21 career tackles.

The other question is at cornerback, where Pittsburgh must fill William Gay's starting spot. It's up in the air right now, and should come down to a three-player race between Keenan Lewis, Cortez Allen and Curtis Brown. Lewis and Allen played on the team's nickel defense last season, but the dark horse to win this battle is Brown, a tenacious defender who led the Steelers in special teams tackles last season. The Steelers' defense ended last season ranked first in fewest yards and points allowed after being criticized early for being too old. So, it's hard to predict much of a falloff as Pittsburgh goes through some transition at a couple of positions.

We're continuing our series in which we feature one player from each AFC North team who is "On the spot" leading up to the NFL draft. That's a player who is holding a starting job now, but could lose it depending on how his team drafts.

Keenan Lewis, Steelers cornerback

Who he's replacing: William Gay, an unrestricted free agent who signed with the Arizona Cardinals. Last season, Gay started 15 games for the Steelers and finished the regular season with 56 tackles -- 45 solo -- with two interceptions.

NFL résumé: Lewis was a 2009 third-round pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers out of Oregon State, and has made only one career NFL start. Last year, he showed that he can be a playmaker, sealing a 13-9 victory at Kansas City with a leaping interception with 28 seconds remaining. But he has also been undisciplined, getting benched by coach Mike Tomlin in the 2010 preseason after he gave up an eight-yard catch to Brandon Lloyd and then proceeded to knee him.

Analysis from Matt Williamson, of Scouts Inc.: The Steelers have a formula at cornerback. They draft them in the mid rounds (as they did a year ago and with Ike Taylor) and allow them to make their bones on special teams while learning the "Steeler Way." I doubt that trend changes in this draft class. Losing Gay does open up a spot for someone to step up, but that could be Lewis or one of the mid-round picks from a year ago. I am betting that Pittsburgh uses yet another third or fourth round pick on the position with the exact same strategy in mind.

Potential draft replacement: Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama

Recent "On the spot" blogs: Bengals safety Taylor Mays on Thursday and Ravens linebacker Paul Kruger on Friday.

I've given my grades out to all the AFC North teams after the first wave of free agency was complete. Now, it's your turn.

Give me your grade and a two-line assessment (good, bad or indifferent) of how the Steelers have fared so far this offseason. You can also send your grade and comment to the AFC North mailbag.

This is our final installment of the week-long series, and I will post a fans' report card on Monday.

Here's a recap of the Steelers' offseason:

KEY PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

None

KEY PLAYERS ACQUIRED

None

KEY PLAYERS LOST

WR Hines Ward, LB James Farrior, DE Aaron Smith, CB William Gay, NT Chris Hoke, G Chris Kemoeatu, CB Bryant McFadden, WR Arnaz Battle, P Daniel Sepulveda.

Matt Williamson, of Scouts Inc., handed out grades to the AFC teams after the first wave of free agency. It's an Insider piece, but I will share a small portion for each of the AFC North teams:

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Williamson's grade: B-minus. While I am a proponent of not overspending on other teams' castoffs, and bearing in mind that the Bengals have a great opportunity to add quality talent in the draft with two first-round picks, I can't help but feel that the Bengals let a great opportunity slip through their hands this offseason. I would have attacked a high-end free agent or two such as Carl Nicks or Cortland Finnegan.

Hensley's grade: B. The Bengals upgraded at running back and left guard while bringing back their top free-agent priority in safety Reggie Nelson. The biggest knock against the Bengals is they didn't make a splash by signing a high-profile free agent like guard Ben Grubbs or wide receiver Robert Meachem.

CLEVELAND BROWNS

Williamson's grade: D. The biggest crime of the offseason was the Browns allowing the Redskins to outbid them for the second overall pick in the upcoming draft, but even after losing out on the right to draft Robert Griffin III, the Browns didn't add nearly enough to consider them as anything but a bottom feeder for yet another year.

Hensley's grade: C. The Browns desperately needed to improve at quarterback, wide receiver and right tackle. But Cleveland's offense came out of the initial wave of free agency empty-handed. The Browns did improve their run defense by signing Frostee Rucker and their pass rush by adding Juqua Parker.

BALTIMORE RAVENS

Williamson's grade: C. The Ravens lost several starters to other clubs over the past few weeks and will need younger players to step up in their place, but this remains a very strong roster.

Hensley's grade: D. The Ravens lost three starters (Ben Grubbs, Jarret Johnson and Cory Redding) from last season's AFC North champion team and have yet to add anyone to replace them. The toughest part of free agency was when the Ravens failed to sign Evan Mathis, who re-signed with the Eagles, after Baltimore had just lost Grubbs.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Williamson's grade: C. Pittsburgh was greatly handcuffed by its salary-cap situation. But even though the Steelers released quite a few older brand name players, they sit in good shape for the 2012 season.

Hensley's grade: D. The Steelers avoided a failing grade because they've lost only two starters from last season's playoff team. James Farrior was cut in the team's salary-cap purge, and William Gay left as an unrestricted free agent. What Pittsburgh really lost in trimming $25 million to get under the cap was veteran depth and leadership.

» AFC Assessments: East | West | North | South » NFC: East | West | North | South

Cincinnati Bengals

Key additions: RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, S Reggie Nelson, G Travelle Wharton, CB Jason Allen, CB Adam Jones, DE Jamaal Anderson, DE Derrick Harvey

Key losses: DE Frostee Rucker (Browns), G Nate Livings (Cowboys), G Mike McGlynn (Colts), DE Jonathan Fanene (Patriots), WR Andre Caldwell (Broncos)

Grade after first wave of free agency: B. The Bengals were the most active team in the division and they should have been. Cincinnati entered free agency with more than $50 million in salary-cap space, which was more than the rest of the AFC North combined. The Bengals upgraded at running back and left guard while bringing back their top free-agent priority in safety Reggie Nelson. The biggest knock against the Bengals is they didn't make a splash by signing a high-profile free agent like guard Ben Grubbs or wide receiver Robert Meachem.

The prize of the Bengals' signings is running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis, who is an improvement over Cedric Benson. Green-Ellis isn't known for breaking long gains, but he is a force in the red zone and has never fumbled in the NFL. Wharton is a step up from Nate Livings at left guard because he is a strong run-blocker who will open holes inside. The biggest losses came on the defensive line, where Cincinnati will miss Frostee Rucker on run defense and Jonathan Fanene in the pass rush.

What’s next: The Bengals can still close the gap between the Ravens and Steelers because they have two first-round picks in the draft (No. 17 overall, which came from Oakland in the Carson Palmer trade, and No. 21). Even with the signing of Wharton, Cincinnati needs a right guard and could have a shot at the top interior offensive lineman coming out of college. Stanford's David DeCastro is one of the safest picks in the draft and would start immediately for the Bengals.

The second first-round pick could be used on a wide receiver or a cornerback. The Bengals surprisingly didn't add a free-agent wide receiver to pair with A.J. Green. Georgia Tech's Stephen Hill or Baylor's Kendall Wright should be available in the bottom third of the draft. Another need is cornerback because Cincinnati could use an eventual replacement for Nate Clements, who is entering his 12th season. Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick, the second best corner in the draft, has a chance of sliding to the Bengals.

Cleveland Browns

Key additions: DE Frostee Rucker, LB D'Qwell Jackson, CB Dimitri Patterson, DE Juqua Parker

Key losses: RB Peyton Hillis (Chiefs), S Mike Adams (Broncos), G Eric Steinbach, OT Tony Pashos

Grade after first wave of free agency: C. Browns president Mike Holmgren and general manager Tom Heckert said they were building this team through the draft and they weren't joking. The Browns desperately needed to improve at quarterback, wide receiver and right tackle. But Cleveland's offense came out of the initial wave of free agency empty-handed. Blame the Washington Redskins. The Browns attempted to move up in the draft to take Robert Griffin III, and the Rams instead traded the second overall pick to the Redskins. Cleveland reportedly pursued wide receivers Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan, and both took high-priced deals from Washington.

The Browns provided more help to the defense in free agency. Frostee Rucker will make an impact in stopping the run, which was the biggest weakness on the NFL's 10th-ranked defense. Juqua Parker, who has 31.5 sacks over the past six seasons, will team with Jabaal Sheard to give Cleveland a strong rush coming off both edges. The Browns didn't try to keep Peyton Hillis and Mike Adams from going elsewhere.

What’s next: Offense, offense and offense. Did I mention offense? The Browns need a quarterback but there's no one worthy of the fourth overall pick. Cleveland could trade down to select Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill or wait until the second round for Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden. The big decision comes if the Browns stay put at No. 4. Cleveland's choices are Alabama running back Trent Richardson or Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon. The Browns could use either one because they don't have a starting running back or a No. 1 wide receiver.

Cleveland has a second first-round pick as a result of last year's trade with the Atlanta Falcons. The Browns need to target a wide receiver (if they don't take one earlier in the first round), right tackle or outside linebacker with the 22nd overall pick. Baylor receiver Wright, Mississippi offensive tackle Bobby Massie and Nebraska outside linebacker Lavonte David have been linked to Cleveland.

Baltimore Ravens

Key additions: C Matt Birk, ILB Jameel McClain, OLB Brendon Ayanbadejo, CB Corey Graham, S Sean Considine

Key losses: G Ben Grubbs (Saints), OLB Jarret Johnson (Chargers), DE Cory Redding (Colts) and CB Domonique Foxworth

Grade after first wave of free agency: D. The Ravens lost three starters (Ben Grubbs, Jarret Johnson and Cory Redding) from last season's AFC North champion team and have yet to add anyone to replace them. It was a rough start to free agency for Baltimore, which didn't sign any of its first three visits (guard Evan Mathis, defensive end Mark Anderson and receiver-returner Ted Ginn Jr.). The toughest part of free agency was when the Ravens failed to sign Mathis, who re-signed with the Eagles, after Baltimore had just lost Grubbs.

Baltimore was able to keep two free-agent starters, Matt Birk and Jameel McClain, and boost a struggling special-teams group that allowed three touchdowns last season. The Ravens signed Cory Graham, a Pro Bowl special-teams player from the Bears; Brendon Ayanbadejo, a three-time Pro Bowl special-teams standout; and Sean Considine, who played special teams for three seasons under John Harbaugh in Philadelphia.

What’s next: The Ravens' biggest need is at left guard, but there might not be one that warrants being taken at No. 29. Wisconsin center-guard Peter Konz's stock has slipped recently even though he can play guard right away before switching to center in future seasons. It's hard to pin down a player for Baltimore, which can go in a lot of different directions in the first round.

The Ravens could take the best wide receiver available (especially if he's a returner) because they need a third target who can eventually take Anquan Boldin's starting spot. They could take a safety because Ed Reed turns 34 at the start of the season and Bernard Pollard is a free agent next year. And they could take an offensive tackle because they don't have a reliable backup and Bryant McKinnie is a free agent in 2013.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Key additions: None

Key losses: CB William Gay (Cardinals), LB James Farrior, NT Chris Hoke, G Chris Kemoeatu, DE Aaron Smith, WR Hines Ward

Grade after first wave of free agency: D. It's been a quiet free-agency period so far for the Steelers. Then again, it's usually quiet for the Steelers at this point in the offseason. The only team that consistently does less than the Steelers in free agency is the Green Bay Packers.

The Steelers avoided a failing grade because they've lost only two starters from last season's playoff team. James Farrior was cut in the team's salary-cap purge, and William Gay left as an unrestricted free agent. What Pittsburgh really lost in trimming $25 million to get under the cap was veteran depth and leadership. Injuries would force young players to step up into starting roles.

What’s next: There are question marks at running back, guard, inside linebacker, nose tackle and cornerback. Despite all of those needs, the consensus has been Pittsburgh will draft Alabama inside linebacker Dont'a Hightower if he's available at No. 24. He has a great combination of size and speed and excelled in a 3-4 defense in college. It seems like Hightower would be the perfect fit for Pittsburgh.

There's no chance that Memphis' Dontari Poe falls to the Steelers, but there some quality nose tackles in the draft. Those who should be available after the first round are: BYU's Loni Fangupo (second round), Washington's Alameda Ta'amu (third round) and Alabama's Josh Chapman (fourth round). The Steelers likely will become active later in free agency, especially in retaining their own players. Wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery, running back Mewelde Moore and quarterbacks Byron Leftwich and Charlie Batch could potentially return to the team.

The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't sound heartbroken when they learned that last year's starting cornerback William Gay had agreed to a two-year deal with Arizona, which continues to be Pittsburgh West.

"We always knew we could lose a guy like William," Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "We have three young guys in the mix. It doesn't stop us from addressing [cornerback] in the draft. It really doesn't alter any preparation at this point."

Even though Gay enjoyed a bounce-back season, he is really an average corner who projects to be the No. 3 for the Arizona Cardinals. Still, Gay started 15 games for the NFL's top-ranked defense. Whether the Steelers will be hurt by the loss of Gay depends on Keenan Lewis.

A third-round pick in 2009, the 25-year-old Lewis played on the team's nickel defense and is the leading candidate to replace Gay. Lewis, though, has only made one career start and will have to earn that spot.

He showed that he can be a playmaker, sealing last year's 13-9 victory at Kansas City with a leaping interception with 28 seconds remaining. But he has also been undisciplined, getting benched by coach Mike Tomlin in the 2010 preseason after he gave up an eight-yard catch to Brandon Lloyd and then proceeded to knee him.

Lewis will likely compete against second-year corner Cortez Allen, a fourth-round pick from a year ago. At this point, Allen is penciled in as the nickel back. If the Steelers don't draft an additional corner, they can re-sign veteran reserve Bryant McFadden, a starter from 2008 to 2010.

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

None of the Steelers' free agents have signed elsewhere, but starting cornerback William Gay has suddenly become popular.

Gay, who started 15 games last season for Pittsburgh, visited the Cardinals on Monday and is scheduled to meet with the Titans on Tuesday. This comes a few days after Gay said he wanted to stay with the Steelers and the team had expressed interest in retaining him.

It was only last year when Gay was an unrestricted free agent during a lockout-shortened offseason and drew little interest. Gay eventually signed a one-year deal with Pittsburgh before training camp.

Hensley's slant: The Steelers don't seem too concerned about losing Gay, one of the bigger surprises for last year's top-ranked pass defense. Pittsburgh, which also cut Bryant McFadden, apparently will rely on Ike Taylor, along with younger players like restricted free agent Keenan Lewis and two players who were rookies a year ago, Curtis Brown and Cortez Allen.

BENGALS: Reggie Nelson, who signed his four-year deal Monday, explained why he chose the Bengals over the New York Jets. "Both Marvin [Lewis] and [Jets coach) Rex [Ryan] were in Baltimore together and they can both be very persuasive," Nelson told Cincinnati reporters, via the Cincinnati Enquirer. "But in the end, I like what Marvin and Zim [defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer] are doing and what the team has accomplished.” The Bengals hosted four free agents Monday: running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis, tight end Joel Dreessen, defensive end Derrick Harvey and cornerback Terence Newman. Running back Michael Bush will complete his visit Tuesday. Hensley's slant: You can't accuse the Bengals of being cheap this time. Nelson will earn $6.5 million this year (which includes base salary and bonuses), which is more than the franchise tag ($6.2 million) and more than what LaRon Landry received from the Jets (one year for $4 million). Now, Nelson has to keep playing like he did last year and live up to the contract.

BROWNS: Jason Pinkston and Shawn Lauvao will "almost certainly" be the starting guards for a second straight season, according to the Canton Repository. Pinkson was a rookie fifth-round pick a year ago, and Lauvao was drafted in the third round in 2010. “Hopefully, those guys improve and play even better than they played last year," general manager Tom Heckert said. Hensley's slant: The right side of the line is a concern with Lauvao and the current hole at right tackle. Lauvao gave up 4.5 sacks and committed eight penalties in his first full season as a starter. It's unknown what the Browns plan to do at tackle after injured Tony Pashos was cut and Artis Hicks signed with Miami. Oniel Cousins isn't the answer there.

RAVENS: Matt Birk, who signed his three-year deal Monday after passing his physical, said the reports of him leaving the game were somewhat exaggerated. He will be entering his 15th season. "I’ll probably always have that desire to play," Birk told the Carroll County (Md.) Times. "Let me just say the reports that I was seriously contemplating retirement, that never came from me. I did say I’d think about it, but that’s just natural. You take a little time to heal up emotionally, physically and mentally and decide if you can do it again. I talked about it with my family and I did some serious thinking. I’m of the mindset that I’m always going to do it until I can't. It’s a process. It takes time. Yeah, I’m back, but I really never left.” Hensley's slant: It's hard to imagine Birk playing all three years of this new deal at the age of 35. But I was wrong before. Count me among the ones who thought Birk was going to retire this offseason. Still, it makes a lot of sense for the Ravens to think about drafting a center this year.

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

DEFENSIVE BACKS

1. STEELERS: Pittsburgh had the top-ranked pass defense, and it wasn't all about the pass rush this time. Actually, the pass rush was extremely inconsistent this season, so that No. 1 ranking is more of a reflection of the Steelers' secondary. Cornerback Ike Taylor and free safety Ryan Clark had career years. Taylor's season, though, was marred by a late-season decline that ended with him getting stiffed-armed by the Broncos' Demaryius Thomas on the touchdown that ended the Steelers' season. Clark had the best season of any safety in the division, which is saying a lot when Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed are in the AFC North. He finished second in the division with 100 tackles. Polamalu was solid, but didn't play up to his usual spectacular level. William Gay was a pleasant surprise, taking back the starting cornerback job that he lost in 2010. What could change: Gay is an unrestricted free agent, but it shouldn't take much to retain him. Look for rookie cornerbacks Cortez Allen and Curtis Brown to make more of an impact in their second seasons.

2. RAVENS: This group exceeded expectations, and did so in a surprising manner. Instead of starting Domonique Foxworth and Chris Carr at cornerback, the Ravens finished fourth in pass defense with Lardarius Webb and Cary Williams. Webb was the division's top cornerback, recording five interceptions and breaking up 20 passes (and that doesn't include three interceptions in the playoffs). Williams was a physical presence at corner. The biggest disappointment was Reed, who intercepted three passes -- his fewest in a season where he played more than 12 games. The Ravens' other safety, hard-hitting Bernard Pollard, provided more of an impact than Reed. First-round pick Jimmy Smith endured an up-and-down rookie season. What could change: Smith should take over for Williams as a starting cornerback this season. Foxworth is expected to get cut, and the same could happen to Carr. Both backup safeties, Tom Zbikowski and Haruki Nakamura, are free agents, but I suspect Nakamura will get re-signed.

3. BROWNS: Joe Haden showed signs of being a shutdown corner, even though he failed to make an interception. He held his own against some of the best receivers in the NFL, from Larry Fitzgerald to Brandon Marshall. His worst games came against Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green. While Haden is among the division's best cornerbacks, Sheldon Brown was the worst starting corner in the AFC North. Brown's biggest asset is the experience he provides to a young secondary. The defensive backfield was hurt by the loss of strong safety T.J. Ward, who missed the final 10 games with a foot injury. Teams took advantage of Ward's replacement, Usama Young. Free safety Mike Adams beat out Young for a starting job in training camp. Dimitri Patterson was a reliable nickelback, breaking up a dozen passes. What could change: The Browns might replace Adams, who is a free agent, and they could give rookie seventh-round pick Eric Hagg a shot at doing so. Cleveland is very interested in bringing Patterson back. It wouldn't be a surprise if Patterson starts in place of Brown.

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

The Steelers released cornerback Bryant McFadden and special teams player Arnaz Battle, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

These moves freed up $3.5 million in salary-cap room. McFadden played six of his seven NFL seasons for the Steelers, and Battle joined Pittsburgh in 2010.

Pittsburgh officially announced the signing of safety Myron Rolle, who was a 2008 Rhodes Scholar. He had been on the Tennessee Titans practice squad in 2010 and in their training camp last summer.

Meanwhile, the St. Louis Rams requested permission to speak to Steelers director of administration Omar Khan for their general manager position, sources told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Khan, the team's salary-cap manager and chief contract negotiator, has been with the Steelers since 2000. He was a finalist in the Seattle Seahawks' general manager search two years ago.

BENGALS: The Bengals dropped to 10th in the AFC this season with 22 takeaways. Their 10 interceptions were the fewest in coach Marvin Lewis' nine seasons in Cincinnati. "If there’s one thing we have to get … figure out a way to create more. Teams that create the most turnovers play in this game," Lewis told the team's website while at the Super Bowl. "More recently we have declined [in interceptions] and we have to find out why. We play more man concepts. That is part of it. We started very good and then we hit a lull. You have to look at that but conceptually that’s the difference." Hensley's slant: That was the biggest season-long weakness for a defense that consistently overachieved. How important are turnovers? Like Lewis said, you just need to look at the two teams who played in the Super Bowl. New England led the AFC with 34 takeaways, and the New York Giants were fourth in the NFC with 31.

BROWNS: Quarterback Colt McCoy was medically cleared from a head injury that sidelined him for the final three games last year, team president Mike Holmgren told ESPN 850 WKNR-AM in Cleveland (via the Akron Beacon Journal). "He passed all his tests and he’s feeling fine," Holmgren said. "He has no residual effects from the play. I know no one will work harder this off season than Colt McCoy. So I’m happy we got through all that and he’s fine and he appears to be.” Hensley's slant: Now, the only question that remains at quarterback is who will be competing against McCoy for the starting job. At this point, it would be a letdown if the Browns failed to draft Baylor's Robert Griffin III or sign Matt Flynn in free agency.

RAVENS: The team's website speculated that offensive tackle Jah Reid might shift to left guard if Ben Grubbs leaves in free agency. Reid, a third-round pick from a year ago, was drafted to be the team's future right tackle. "The thing that Steve [Bisciotti, team owner] pushed John [Harbaugh] and I the last couple of years is, ‘Don’t be afraid to play young players,’” general manager Ozzie Newsome said when asked about the potential position change. “We’ve had Jah now for a year, and now we’ve got him for a full offseason ... so John and I are not afraid.” Hensley's slant: The Ravens need to make contingency plans because it appears that the odds are against Grubbs returning. Replacing a Pro Bowl guard with a converted tackle seems like a major step backward to me. Baltimore would be better off adding a stop-gap veteran guard if it can't draft a quality one in the first three rounds.

Revisiting the Pittsburgh Steelers' 14-3 win over the visiting Cleveland Browns:

The "old and slow" defense is starting to hit its stride. The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking like the same intimidating defense from years past in shutting down offenses and taking the ball away from them.

On Thursday night, the Steelers nearly had as many turnovers (two) as points allowed (three). Pittsburgh has now held its past three opponents under 10 points.

The tone was set on the Browns' opening drive, which went from Cleveland's 20-yard line to the Steelers' 1. One play after replay overturned Colt McCoy's 2-yard touchdown scramble, Pittsburgh linebacker Larry Foote hit Browns running back Peyton Hillis for a 1-yard loss on third-and-goal to force Cleveland to kick a field goal.

The Browns' only other trip in the red zone came on their second-to-last possession of the game. That ended with Steelers cornerback William Gay intercepting McCoy in the end zone on third-and-goal.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin opened his postgame news conference by praising Pittsburgh's red zone defense (and not Ben Roethlisberger's dramatic return from a high ankle sprain). "It's the reason why we won the game," Tomlin said.

STAT THAT STICKS: 6 -- Steelers' opening drives in the past nine games that finished with a touchdown. Pittsburgh is 6-0 when reaching the end zone on its first possession of games.

OVERHEARD: "We aren't surprised by his contributions. We've seen it for two years on the practice field. This guy comes to work every day, and it's good football justice. We respect him in terms of his big playmaking ability, but we respect him more for how he approaches his profession at work." -- Steelers coach Mike Tomlin on wide receiver Antonio Brown, who had five catches for 151 yards and one touchdown.

INJURY LIST: Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey suffered a high ankle injury shortly after Roethlisberger and didn't return. ... Tomlin mentioned after the game that safety Troy Polamalu may have tweaked his hamstring. "I don't know how significant it is," Tomlin said. "We just got him out of the game to exercise some caution."

WHAT'S NEXT: The Steelers (10-3) have a 10-day break before playing at NFC West champion San Francisco (10-2) on "Monday Night Football." The 49ers have beaten their past two opponents at home by a combined score of 49-7.

PITTSBURGH -- Thoughts on the Steelers' 14-3 victory over the Browns:

What it means: It wasn't pretty. It wasn't easy. It was extremely physical -- both starting quarterbacks were knocked briefly out of the game. The Steelers gutted out the much-needed win with limping quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, and without Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey (ankle) and sacks leader LaMarr Woodley (hamstring). The Steelers (10-3) became the first AFC team to reach 10 victories, winning for the eighth time in nine games. Pittsburgh increased its chances for a wild-card spot (and could clinch a berth this weekend) and would take the lead in the division if the Ravens get upset by the winless Colts on Sunday. The Browns (4-9) clinched last place in the AFC North as well as their 10th losing season in 12 years since rejoining the NFL.

Roethlisberger plays in pain ... again: In a season in which he has endured a foot injury and broken thumb, Roethlisberger pushed through an ankle injury to complete 17 of 22 passes for 280 yards and two touchdowns. He hobbled off the field in the second quarter after getting sacked but returned for the start of the second half following X-rays that were negative. After the injury, Roethlisberger was 9-of-13 for 178 yards, despite not being able to put pressure on the left leg. He sealed the game with a 79-yard catch-and-run touchdown connection to Antonio Brown in the fourth quarter.

McCoy makes costly mistake: Knocked briefly out of the game five plays earlier, Browns quarterback Colt McCoy threw a critical interception on third-and-goal in the end zone. Steelers cornerback William Gay easily picked off the underthrown pass that was intended for Mohamed Massaquoi.

Browns don't back down: The Cleveland defense kept the game close with an impressive goal-line stand in the fourth quarter. After stopping Rashard Mendenhall on three runs inside the Browns' 3-yard line, Cleveland's D'Qwell Jackson and Mike Adams teamed up to stop Mendenhall on fourth down from the 1-yard line. The Steelers surprisingly went for the touchdown when a field goal would have given them a touchdown cushion.

Brown beats Browns: It seems like every week Antonio Brown makes the play when the Steelers need it the most. With the Steelers clutching a 7-3 lead in the fourth quarter, Brown caught a pass along the sideline against cornerback Joe Haden and then burst toward the end zone for a 79-yard touchdown. It's becoming more apparent that Brown is bypassing Mike Wallace as Roethlisberger's favorite receiver. He finished with five catches for 151 yards.

Harrison's costly hit: Steelers linebacker James Harrison put McCoy on the sideline for a couple of plays with a helmet-to-helmet hit in the fourth quarter. McCoy had pulled up before the original line of scrimmage prior to taking the shot from Harrison, who likely will receive a sizable fine.

What's next: The Steelers have an 11-day break before playing at NFC West champion San Francisco. The Browns head west for their next game, playing at Arizona on Dec. 18.

Here are some other matchups to watch in Sunday's AFC North games:

BENGALS AT STEELERS

• Bengals WR Andre Caldwell vs. Steelers CB William Gay: In the last meeting, Gay was the defensive star, with a hand in Andy Dalton's two interceptions — including picking off the rookie late in the fourth quarter to seal the victory. Caldwell didn't step up when A.J. Green went down with a knee injury, producing 25 yards on three catches against Pittsburgh.
• Bengals DT Geno Atkins vs. Steelers C Maurkice Pouncey: Atkins has 6.5 sacks, which leads the Bengals and ranks second in the NFL among defensive tackles. Pouncey lost 12 pounds from a violent stomach virus last week and is listed as probable.

RAVENS AT BROWNS

• Browns LB Titus Brown vs. Ravens RB Ray Rice: Brown could have to start at weakside linebacker after Scott Fujita went on injured reserve. Rice, who leads the Ravens with 772 yards rushing, could challenge Brown, who has one tackle in seven games played.
• Ravens WR Anquan Boldin vs. Browns CB Joe Haden: Boldin was a problem for the Browns last season, scoring three touchdowns in two meetings against Cleveland. He also had 10 catches for 157 yards. Haden has broken up 16 passes this season, which ranks second in the NFL.

» NFC Stock Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

FALLING

1. Ray Rice's impact. The Ravens running back has been averaging 12.3 carries the past four games, including a season-low five on Sunday. Rice's decrease in carries came right after he ran 25 times in a win over the Jets and 23 times in a victory over the Texans. Rice is a threat to break any run for a touchdown, which everyone saw on his first carry against Pittsburgh two weeks ago (a 76-yard run that was called back for holding). Baltimore showed a commitment to the running back when it made Vonta Leach the league's highest-paid fullback. Not using Rice is mind-boggling.

2. Browns' scoring at home. Remember Ben Watson's 10-yard touchdown catch against the Titans? Well, you should. That was the last time the Browns scored at home. It happened in the fourth quarter on Oct. 2. Cleveland has gone the past two home games without reaching the end zone. That's eight straight quarters. The touchdown drought at Cleveland Browns Stadium has reached 131 minutes, 36 seconds. The Browns play at home against Jacksonville on Sunday.

3. Special teams for Browns and Ravens. In two losses by a combined six points, these two AFC North teams combined for three missed field goals and three fumbles on return teams. The Ravens watched kickoff returner David Reed fumble twice in the first half (a total of three times in two weeks) and kicker Billy Cundiff miss from 50 and 52 yards. The Browns lost their game against Seattle when they botched the snap on a 22-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Josh Cribbs fumbled a punt return that led to the Rams' go-ahead field goal.

RISING

1. Steelers' fourth-quarter turnovers. Taking the ball away from teams has been one of the biggest disappointments with the Pittsburgh defense. But there are signs that the Steelers are getting back on track as far as turnovers. In its past two games, Pittsburgh has forced three turnovers in the fourth quarter. Against Baltimore, James Harrison's forced fumble set up the go-ahead touchdown. Against Cincinnati, William Gay deflected a pass (which led to an interception) and picked off another throw to seal the win. All three of those turnovers came in Pittsburgh territory.

2. Bengals pass rush. Cincinnati isn't a heavy blitzing team, but the defense -- especially the front four -- keeps getting to quarterbacks. The Bengals have recorded 11 sacks the past two weeks. It was impressive that Cincinnati sacked Ben Roethlisberger five times, which matched his season-worst, because the Bengals were without their best pass-rusher, Carlos Dunlap. The Bengals have 25 sacks this season, which is eighth-best in the NFL.

3. Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown. Defenses have more to worry about than just covering Mike Wallace these days. Brown is establishing himself as a go-to receiver downfield for Pittsburgh. He has emerged at a time when Hines Ward and Emmanuel Sanders have been banged up. Over the past four games, Brown is averaging 6.5 catches and 91 yards receiving. His receptions on Sunday converted two third downs and went for 12, 15, 17, 21 and 21 yards.

We're handing out game balls after Week 10 and here is who's getting them:

OFFENSE: Steelers wide receivers. Antonio Brown and Jerricho Cotchery stepped up in Cincinnati, where Mike Wallace was held in check and Hines Ward was not used. Brown continues to make a major impact, catching five passes (all on scoring drives) for 86 yards, a 17.2-yard average. His spectacular 19-yard grab converted a third-and-19 and kept alive a drive that ended with a field goal late in the second quarter. Cotchery made only two receptions for 29 yards, but one went for Pittsburgh's first touchdown and another score was called back because of a Heath Miller penalty.

DEFENSE: Steelers cornerback William Gay. He redeemed himself in the fourth quarter by deflecting a pass (which led to the first interception) and picking off another. Those two turnovers allowed Pittsburgh to hold on for a seven-point win. It was only a week ago when Gay was beaten for the winning touchdown against Baltimore. Gay finished with four passes defensed in Cincinnati.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Browns kicker Phil Dawson. To be honest, no special-teams player stood out in the division Sunday. Dawson kicked a season-best four field goals: 44, 32, 43 and 27 yards. Even that isn't really spectacular for Dawson, who usually has to make them from beyond 50 yards. He did miss the 22-yard game-winner, but that was the fault of the long-snapper and not the kicker.

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

Just like before you board any roller coaster, the AFC North race should come with an advisory: Please be aware of sudden drops, quick climbs and unexpected jarring turns.

How else can you describe the Pittsburgh Steelers going from 0-2 in the AFC North to the division leader in a span of a week. Or how the Ravens can go from being the top team in the AFC to one that would barely make the playoffs if the season ended today.

The Steelers (7-3), who are on a bye, now will watch Sunday's Bengals (6-3) at Ravens (6-3) game to see which one matches their record. Pittsburgh would have the tie-breaker advantage over Cincinnati but not Baltimore.

This is what we learned from Week 10: The Steelers kept their hope alive of winning a fourth division title in five seasons. The Ravens proved once again that they can't handle success in a 22-17 loss at Seattle. The Bengals validated themselves as a playoff-caliber team in a 24-17 loss to Pittsburgh. The Cleveland Browns (3-6) made the case for being one of the three worst teams in the NFL in a 13-12 loss to St. Louis.

Here are what the local columnists are saying about the teams:

• BENGALS: The Cincinnati Enquirer's Paul Daugherty believes the Bengals are still trying to learn how to close out games like the Steelers. "The Steelers know how to finish. Their winning memory is institutional," Daugherty wrote. "That doesn't change the notion that, after four quarters Sunday, it was hard to tell who had the better team."
• BROWNS: The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Bud Shaw took the stance that the Browns' failure to finish off a win isn't head coach Pat Shurmur's fault. "Shurmur did nothing wrong in playing for a field goal at the end of a numbing 13-12 loss to the Rams," Shaw wrote. "The clock and the circumstances made it more accurate to say he played for the win. After losing four of five, you still wanted him to throw caution to the swirling lakefront wind?"
• RAVENS: The Baltimore Sun's Mike Preston points to the Ravens blowing the opportunity of getting home-field advantage in the playoffs by losing to the teams they're supposed to beat. "Somewhere in the psyche of this team, there is a switch that needs to be turned on, one that gets this team to play hard all the time, full-time," Preston wrote. "The Ravens had this same problem a year ago and it's still plaguing them."
• STEELERS: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ron Cook praised cornerback William Gay, whose interception sealed the win at Cincinnati one week after he got beat for the game-winner against Baltimore "It's going to be a long two weeks for the talk shows," Cook wrote. "Whom are the fans going to criticize after the Steelers' 24-17 win Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals? How can they rip cornerback William Gay after he played the biggest part in it?"