AFC North News and Rumors

INDIANAPOLIS -- Matt Birk has been named a Pro Bowl center six times. He has been a part of eight playoff teams. But the achievement that epitomizes Birk as a person was given to him tonight -- the Walter Payton Man of the Year award. It recognizes his …

The Associated Press announced Saturday evening that Terrell Suggs of the Ravens is its 2011 winner of the Defensive Player of the Year award. Suggs held off Vikings defensive end Jared Allen, receiving 21 votes compared to Allen’s 14. Also receiving v…

The Associated Press announced Saturday evening that Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford was its 2011 selection for Comeback Player of the Year. Stafford edged out Browns linebacker D’Qwell Jackson, who received 15 votes to Stafford’s 21. 49ers quarte…

In a strong sign that Chad Ochocinco will be active for Sunday’s Super Bowl, the Patriots released wide receiver Tiquan Underwood on Saturday afternoon. The team activated defensive end Alex Silvestro from the team’s practice squad in place of Underwo…

The Associated Press announced Saturday evening that Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is the 2011 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Newton won in a landslide, receiving 47 of the AP’s 50 votes. Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton got the other three. Newton…

The announcement for the Pro Football Hall of Fame is coming shortly. For now, we now five of the 15 finalists that won’t make the cut this year. Steelers running back Jerome Bettis, pass rusher Kevin Greene, 49ers owner Eddie Debartolo, receiver Tim Br…

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward is recovering from surgery to repair bone fragments in his ankle. It’s the latest bit of confirmation that Ward intends to play football in 2012. He may have passed on the proced…

INDIANAPOLIS -- Hall of Fame offensive tackle Anthony Munoz talks about the 1988 Cincinnati Bengals team, which ranked No. 10 on ESPN.com's list of best teams to lose a Super Bowl. Thanks to NFC West blogger Mike Sando for the video.

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Bengals' Andy Dalton exceeded expectations in 2011 when he was the AFC's top rookie quarterback. A second-round pick last year, Dalton became the only rookie in NFL history to throw for 20 or more touchdown passes while winning eight…

It's Super Bowl week, but there's always time to talk about the draft. ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay offered his second version of his 2012 mock draft, with a draft order that projected the Cleveland Browns at No. 4 and 22 (from Atlanta), the Cincinnat…

PFT Live’s week at the Super Bowl wraps up in style Friday. Former Ravens coach Brian Billick will join Florio to preview the big game. Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew will discuss the future of the Jaguars. Finally, Florio and I will make out p…

INDIANAPOLIS — The Super Bowl predictions are in from over 50 experts at ESPN. Here's just a sampling featuring my quick take on the game along with the other AFC division bloggers: Jamison Hensley, AFC North: Patriots, 31-20. Tom Brady didn't play well…

Got a question about the AFC North? Well, I have some answers. Feel free to send your questions right here about the Bengals, Browns, Ravens and Steelers. You can follow me on Twitter at @espnafc_north and @jamisonhensley and on Facebook.

Thanks to his father Jackie, Patriots WR Matthew Slater understands the importance of making the most of a Super Bowl moment. Mike Smith is back as outside linebackers coach for the Jets after a brief spell on the West Virginia University coaching staff…

Every morning, grab a cup of coffee and get your AFC North wake-up call here: Browns cornerback Joe Haden believes the team will make a significant turnaround next season. "I'm not going to make any guarantees," Haden told the Cleveland Plain …