For the Pittsburgh Steelers, the worst collapse in NFL history by a reigning Super Bowl champion is as maddening as it is saddening.

Barely a month ago, the Steelers were 6-2 after winning five in a row and well positioned not only to win the AFC North, but also to take another run at the Super Bowl. Ben Roethlisberger was enjoying a career year statistically, the defense was as nasty as ever and the Steelers had the look and attitude of a champion.

Then, somehow, it all got away from them.

For the Steelers - 6-7 after a 13-6 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Thursday night - finding the words to explain a five-game losing streak that has wrecked their hopes of repeating as Super Bowl champions is proving as difficult as covering a kick return.

To Hines Ward, the collapse is "embarrassing." To Roethlisberger, it's "disappointing." Ryan Clark calls it "despicable, sad." Most of the Steelers call it baffling, because none of them saw it coming.

FALCONS: Coach Mike Smith says Jonathan Babineaux's arrest Thursday night for felony possession of marijuana will not affect his struggling team. Babineaux, a fifth-year defensive tackle, has been charged with possessing 1 1/2 ounces of marijuana.

REDSKINS: Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth will miss his third game in four weeks with a sprained left ankle when Washington visits Oakland on Sunday. Also, cornerback DeAngelo Hall will be sidelined with a sprained right knee.

TITANS: Quarterback Vince Young is questionable for Sunday's game against St. Louis after aggravating his sore right knee.

VIKINGS: Wide receiver Percy Harvin missed his third consecutive practice Friday with migraine headachesand is questionable for Sunday's game against Cincinnati.