AFC NORTH Browns-Steelers finally in meaningful contest today

First place in the division is at stake when the teams clash in Cleveland.
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Tim Couch, like most young quarterbacks, can get fooled by a defense and not recognize what type of coverage he's throwing into.
He can pick out a big NFL game when he sees one, though.
And for Couch and the Cleveland Browns, none have been bigger than today's matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"Everybody realizes what's at stake for us," Couch said. "First place. The Steelers here at home. It's just a huge game for so many reasons. It's the most meaningful game [of my career]."
Finally, a Steelers-Browns game with some clout. For the first time since Cleveland rejoined the league in 1999, the bitter rust-belt rivals are playing for more than bragging rights.
"Almost a playoff atmosphere," Steelers safety Lee Flowers said.
It may feel like mid-January, too, with today's weather forecast calling for freezing temperatures and possible snow squalls off Lake Erie.
Ah, the good old days.
"This is a big game for us, and a big game for Cleveland," said Steelers coach Bill Cowher, who played for the Browns. "The lake will be there. The wind will be there. It's appropriate that in Week 9 we'll be playing for first place."
With two months remaining in the regular season, the Browns (4-4) can't afford another loss inside the inferior AFC North if they have any designs on the postseason.
Beating the Steelers (4-3) may determine whether the Browns are still an expansion team -- or one ready for the playoffs
"This is what it's all about," Browns wide receiver Kevin Johnson said. "It's November, and this is why you play the game. We've put ourselves in position to make some noise."
Rescues Steelers
So have the Steelers, thanks to Tommy Maddox. Pittsburgh's season has been rescued by the former insurance salesman and XFL star, who came off the bench in relief of quarterback Kordell Stewart in Week 3 and beat the Browns.
Maddox went 11-for-13, leading the Steelers to a late, tying touchdown and setting up their game-winning field goal.
He's gone 3-1 as a starter since and helped turn Pittsburgh's season around in the process.
"He's gone full circle," said Browns end Kenard Lang. "He went from top to bottom, and now he's back."
The Browns missed a chance to deliver a knockout blow against the Steelers six weeks ago. Pittsburgh was 0-2 at the time and another loss would have been devastating for a team many picked to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.
In the Sept. 29 matchup at Heinz Field, Cleveland ran the ball effectively for the only time all season, slowed Pittsburgh's rushing game (93 yards), intercepted a pass in overtime and blocked a field goal in OT.
And still lost, 16-13.
"Somehow, they came out with a win, and that's given them so much confidence," Browns safety Devin Bush said. "We started their fire and now we got to put it out."
Steelers lucky first time
Even Maddox, the NFL's magic man this year, admitted the Steelers got lucky.
"A bounce here and there went our way and we were able to steal a win," he said. "That's probably one the Browns look back on and say, 'We should have had."'
They do. After watching game film earlier this week of the gut-wrenching loss, the Browns realize they let one slip away.
"Things could have changed around a lot," Lang said. "It's one of those would've, could've, should've stories. But if ifs and buts were candy and nuts, every day would be Christmas."
The Steelers got their gift early, and behind Maddox they're running with it. His insertion into the lineup has energized Pittsburgh on both sides of the ball.
His quick drops and strong arm have allowed Maddox to get the ball to wide receivers Plaxico Burress and Hines Ward quicker than Stewart ever did. In turn, they're breaking tackles for big gains.
Maddox's pinpoint passing has also helped the Steelers open 24-0 and 21-0 leads in two of their three wins with him starting. Playing with the big leads has allowed the defense to blitz more.
"We're definitely playing with a sense of urgency, which we weren't playing with at the beginning of the season," said linebacker Joey Porter. "Since Tommy came in, it's been different on offense, too, we're putting up a lot more points.