Sporting News, The: AFC reports

BALTIMORE RAVENS Incumbent Bennie Anderson and Casey Rabach are having an intense battle at right guard. Rabach (6-4, 30 l) is smaller and faster and can make blocks at the second level, but he will have a hard time winning the job. Anderson (6-5, 345), who has tremendous power at the point of attack, better fits the team's power running style.... The team likes rookie WR Clarence Moore's size (6-5, 211) and speed. Moore, who jumps well and is easy to locate in the red zone, could become a contributor once he learns how to run better routes.... Undrafted rookie WR Kareem Kelly has impressive hands and an outside chance to be the No. 3 receiver. Because of his athleticism, Kelly also could make the roster on special teams.... Rookie Derek Abney will get plenty of chances to replace Lamont Brightful as the punt returner. Abney is less explosive than Brightful, but he is more sure-handed. SCOUTING REPORT: Chester Taylor has been a third-down back the past two seasons, but he will have a bigger role this year because of starter Jamal Lewis' legal problems. Taylor is more of a slasher than Lewis and has more patience. As a receiver, he runs good routes and has good hand. Taylor's biggest weakness is that he seems to get tired late in the season, which has led to some fumbles.--Mike Preston

BUFFALO BILLS The offensive line remains unsettled. RT Mike Williams, still trying to regain his starting job, is out indefinitely after suffering a strained arch in his right foot last week, and RG Chris Villarrial missed time with a sore groin. The team says it isn't concerned the projected starters haven't worked together much in camp, but the unit isn't where it needs to be. ... RB Willis McGahee still runs tentatively at times and hasn't showed the burst he had before suffering a serious knee injury in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl. But he seems to be gaining confidence and strength with every touch.... Rookie DT Tim Anderson plays with tremendous effort. He gets good leverage and has adequate strength at the point of attack. He also is quick enough to gain penetration. Anderson lacks ideal size to be a dominant run stuffer and needs to work on shedding blocks, but the team believes he can be a starter in the future. TRAINING CAMP BATTLE: Izell Reese is holding off Coy Wire at free safety. Reese has good range and gets in position to make plays. He doesn't make a lot of big hits, but he rarely blows an assignment. Wire is moving from strong safety, so he is adjusting to playing farther from the line. But his physical ability intrigues the team, and he's starting to improve in coverage.--Allen Wilson

CINCINNATI BENGALS Recently re-signed DT Glen Steele adds depth and experience. He'll be part of a rotation with starters John Thornton and Tony Williams. Steele isn't flashy but is fundamentally sound. He puts forth great effort and stays in his gap. He's active and disruptive, shows good anticipation and quickness off the ball, reads his keys well and uses his strong hands to get leverage. But he lacks closing speed as a pass rusher and needs to be rested because he wears down if he plays too many snaps in a row.... Rookie RB Chris Perry quickly got up to speed after ending his holdout. He's quick and elusive, catches the ball well and is a willing blocker. Once he sharpens his timing, he'll be the ideal complement to starter Rudi Johnson.... LCB Deltha O'Neal has regained his confidence and is one of the most pleasant surprises in camp. His gambling style got him run out of Denver, but improved technique has made all the difference. ROOKIE REPORT: OT Stacy Andrews, a fourth-round pick, has all the makings of a draft-day steal because of his rapid improvement. At 6-6, 346, he is an intimidating presence. He also is a physical blocker who is adjusting to the various line calls and learning the fundamentals of pass protection. Andrews is being groomed as the top backup to RT Willie Anderson.--Chick Ludwig

CLEVELAND BROWNS The Browns' linebackers say what they have learned about rookie TE Kellen Winslow will quickly become apparent to opponents. He runs routes with the precision of a veteran wide receiver, and although he's no faster than the speedier linebackers, he makes his breaks well. The team foresees Winslow as a go-to guy by the opener against Baltimore. Winslow has rubbed some teammates the wrong way with his ego but has offset that by showing them a zeal for blocking.... Free-agent pickup Warrick Holdman and Kevin Bentley should take a battle for the weakside linebacker job into late August. Bentley says Holdman is a better run defender. But Bentley is as fast as some backs--certainly faster than Holdman--giving him an edge as a cover man. Given the Browns' past problems against the run, the better run defender has the edge. PROBLEM SPOT: The team is comfortable with every starting offensive position except left guard. The coaches think Enoch DeMar, the front-runner, is agile enough to develop at left tackle; he shows a quick outside step against speed rushers. But DeMar thinks he is better at guard, having played there for part of his college career. DeMar's maturity and toughness could help him become the starter. Paul Zukauskas is mature but can't match Demar's athletic ability. Converted DT Chad Beasley, who was the No. 1 guard at the start of camp, seems to be a better fit on defense.--Steve Doerschuk

DENVER BRONCOS LT Matt Lepsis has a long way to go in making the transition from right tackle. He admits he'll have growing pains until he cleans up his technique and adjusts to the quickness of the defensive ends he's facing. Lepsis must be more aggressive and force the action rather than allow defenders to dictate moves and pace.... CB Roc Alexander, an undrafted rookie free agent, has a good chance to make the team. He has excellent speed and strong cover skills. He's still raw, however. He's learning how to make adjustments and read quarterbacks, and his tackling needs improvement. But at times he has outplayed drafted CBs Jeff Shoate (fifth round) and Jeremy LeSueur (third round).... RB Quentin Griffin has all but locked up the starting job. He's quick and sturdy, but his inability to move the pile is a concern, SCOUTING REPORT: SS John Lynch is a great tackler and a ball-hawk. He also is a terrific leader and a smart player. In recent years, Broncos defensive backs have made a lot of mental mistakes; Lynch won't do that. The Bucs let Lynch go partly because of concerns over his neck surgery. So far, Lynch has showed no ii] effects and has stuck his head into the action. Lynch isn't perfect, though: As good as he is at creeping into the box and stuffing the run, he lacks the speed and size to stay with premier tight ends such as the Chiefs' Tony Gonzalez.--Patrick Saunders

HOUSTON TEXANS In an effort to become a better blocker last year, TE Billy Miller added about 15 pounds. But the extra weight slowed Miller down. The team signed Mark Bruener, so now it doesn't need Miller to be a big-time blocker. Miller reported to camp in top shape this year, and his size and speed will create matchup problems in the passing game.... SS Eric Brown is a steadying force in a changing secondary. A big hitter, Brown excels in run support. He has instincts, a knack for causing fumbles and is a good tackler. Brown should be better this year because he'll be used more efficiently. Because Marlon McCree is better in coverage, coaches will use him at strong safety in passing situations. That should keep Brown fresh and productive.... Rookie WR Sloan Thomas didn't stand out during offseason workouts or early in training camp. But he seems more comfortable now, which is allowing his skills to emerge. The Texans are likely to carry five receivers. Thomas has the best skills among the group vying for the last spot, but he must prove he can help on special teams. SCOUTING REPORT: Backup RB Tony Hollings entered camp needing to prove his surgically repaired knee was sound. Mission accomplished. Hollings has run with more burst and power than he did last year. He also has gotten much better at catching the hall, which was his biggest weakness. But he must continue to work on his blocking and blitz pick-ups.--Carlton Thompson

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS LT Tarik Glenn's weight problems should be watched. He was held out of nine full-squad workouts during the first two weeks of camp when he failed to meet an undisclosed mandatory weight set by the team. Glenn is practicing again but admits watching his weight will be a struggle.... The run defense will be tested early by the Patriots' Corey Dillon in the opener, then by the Packers' Ahman Green in Week 3. The run defense was a weakness last year. The front four is small, and run support from linebackers and the secondary too of*en was inadequate.... The team needs a big year from DT Larry Tripplett. He has lost weight but believes he has retained his strength and increased his quickness. He also thinks playing at a lower weight will enhance his conditioning. Tripplett needs to make more game-swinging plays. TRAINING CAMP BATTLES: Starting RG Tupe Peko will try to hold off Steve Sciullo. Peko is an excellent athlete, which is an important characteristic in the team's scheme. He's also versatile, another necessity. Sciullo is more of a physical presence, but he's still developing. He played well as a rookie last year before suffering a neck injury. Nick Harper and Dona]d Strickland appear to be the starting cornerbacks. Harper is experienced; Strickland started eight games at safety as a rookie last year. Joseph Jefferson likely will push for a spot. He might be the most gifted of the three, but he's still developing.--Mike Chappell

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS The defense will have to get creative to pressure quarterbacks with Paul Spicer starting at left end in place of Tony Brackens, who is expected to miss the season with a knee injury. The team likes Spicer's work ethic but doesn't consider him an every-down player. Look for LB Akin Ayodele, who played end at Purdue, to get some snaps there on third downs. ... The team hopes rookie WR Reggie Williams is a gamer because he has been a non-factor in practice. Scouts questioned Williams' speed and work ethic before the draft, and those questions remain unanswered. Williams has appeared sluggish, struggling to get separation against corners and even safeties.... The battle between OLBs Tommy Hendricks and Greg Favors has been more intense than expected. Hendricks was signed to play on special teams, but he has had one of the best camps of any Jaguar and started ahead of Favors in the team's first preseason game. Don't be surprised if Hendricks keeps the job. SCOUTING REPORTING: RB Fred Taylor has looked better than ever in camp, at least physically, showing exceptional burst and cutting ability. He appears energized by a strong, cohesive offensive line, which helped him run for a career-high 1,572 yards last season. The team wants to make him the focal point of the offense after too of*en abandoning the run in 2003. The one downside: Taylor's receiving skills don't seem to have improved, making it hard for him to stay in on third downs.--Bart Hubbuch

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS The team will have to make a decision soon on the future of MLB Mike Maslowski, whose bad knee is not coming around. Backup Kawika Mitchell has more ability, but the team would miss Maslowski's instincts, toughness and leadership.... Monty Beisel is having an outstanding camp, putting pressure on starting OLB Scott Fujita. Fujita is bigger and more experienced and should hold on to the job, but Biesel has taken much more quickly to coordinator Gunther Cunningham's system.... With a good preseason, K Lawrence Tynes could win his battle with veteran Morten Andersen. Both have kicked well in camp, but Tynes has a stronger leg and can handle kickoff duties. ROOKIE REPORTI: Rookie WR Richard Smith has gotten an opportunity because of injuries to Johnnie Morton, Eddie Kennison and Mare Boerigter. Smith has impressed the team, but he won't be ready for more than a limited role when the season starts. WR Samie Parker, a fourth-round pick, missed most of the offseason practices because of school commitments and has been outplayed by other rookies such as Smith. But Parker's downfield speed makes him a likely roster candidate. He could emerge as the team's best deep threat. TE Kris Wilson, a second-rounder, is a nice fit in the system, and the team plans to use several two- and three-tight end formations to take advantage of his receiving skills.--Adam Teicher

MIAMI DOLPHINS The defensive players realize they must carry the load for the team to succeed. RCB Sam Madison and DE David Bowens have talked about winning games 6-3 and 6-0 this season. That's courageous talk but not realistic. This unit is designed around its pass defense and speed, and those assets come into play more when the Dolphins' offense grabs an early lead, forcing opponents to try to catch up.... With David Boston (knee) out, there's little experience at wide receiver, and that has been evident in practices. The receivers don't have a good feel for how to get open and read zone coverages.... Neither QB A.J. Feeley nor Jay Fiedler has looked good consistently while working with a hamstrung offense. There are four new starters on an inexperienced line, so the team needs a quarterback who can scramble and react to the blitz. That makes Fiedler the No. 1 choice at this point.... RB Sammy Morris has been impressive but trails Travis Minor. Morris runs too high, and the concern is he'll take too many hits to be effective with a heavy workload. ROOKIE REPORT: CB Will Poole has been outstanding in camp. He has done an excellent job learning to play the slot in the dime defense. He also has played on the outside a lot because the team frequently rests Madison and LCB Patrick Surtain. Poole has earned raves from coach Dave Wannstedt for breaking up passes and forcing turnovers regularly. Poole has great quickness and hall instincts.--Jason Cole

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS Veteran NT Keith Traylor has gotten most of the work with the first team ahead of rookie Vince Wilfork. Coach Bill Belichick doesn't hand anything to rookies, so Wilfork will have to prove himself in the preseason to get playing time.... Rohan Davey is miles ahead of Kliff Kingsbury in the backup quarterback competition. But if Davey doesn't play well in the preseason, Belichick will take a long look at veteran Jim Miller, who should be recovered from his shoulder injury by the end of the month.... Rookie Ss Guss Scott and Dexter Reid have been working hard to learn the defense, but they must play well on special teams to make the gameday roster. The team needs depth at safety; it has no proven commodities behind starters Eugene Wilson and Rodney Harrison.... Belichick likes FB Patrick Pass' versatility. Pass is not a classic lead blocker, but he is a good receiver and a solid special teams player. He has experience carrying the ball and can return kicks. PROBLEM SPOT: The tight end position was supposed to be deep and competitive during camp, but it hasn't worked out that way. First-round pick Ben Watson is holding out, Christian Fauria did not return from injury until the second week of camp, and free agent pickup Zeron Flemister went on I.R. with a ruptured Achilles'. That has left Daniel Graham mostly by himself; he has responded with some outstanding catches and some easy misses.--Michael Felger

NEW YORK JETS The team could use another reliable kickoff returner. WR Jonathan Carter, perhaps the fastest player on the team, will be the primary returner, but his durability is questionable. Next in line is RB LaMont Jordan, who is better as a lead blocker.... The backup quarterback situation remains a major concern. Neither Brooks Bollinger nor Ricky Ray has regular-season experience, and the team might pick up a veteran before camp breaks. Bollinger is smart, tough and mobile, but he has yet to inspire the confidence of his teammates.... Based on pure coverage ability, nickel back Ray Mickens might be' the team's best corner. Mickens never has been given a fair chance to win a starting job because of his height (5-7), but he excels in man coverage and still has good speed and excellent change-of-direction skills. Opponents try to run at Mickens because of his size, but he's a textbook tackler who won't shy from contact. ROOKIE REPORT: Fourth-round pick Jerricho Cotchery probably will make the team as the fifth wide receiver, but it doesn't appear he will make an impact this season. He's a possession receiver, but his suspect speed might be hurting him. CB Derrick Strait, a third-round pick, also is struggling. Strait was primarily a cover 2 cover in college, but the Jets have been playing mostly man-to-man in camp. He's a shoo-in to make the team but will have trouble breaking into the lineup, even as a dime back.--Rich Cimini

OAKLAND RAIDERS MLB Napoleon Harris (knee)could miss the first two games of the regular season. Dwayne Rudd, who is fast and experienced, is Harris' replacement. The club will miss Harris" leadership but should be fine with Rudd.... The Raiders have several new players projected to play on the kick and punt coverage teams, which struggled last year. Also, new special teams coach Joe Avezzano is encouraging players to rely more on their natural ability to make plays.... With RB Tyrone Wheatley likely to start, Amos Zereoue figures be a third-down back. Zereoue is fast, elusive and has done the job before. He's the most proven receiver among the team's running backs. TRAINING CAMP BATTLES: Rookie Robert Gallery (6-7, 323) is competing against Barry Sims (6-5, 300) at left tackle. Gallery is big, strong, tenacious and fundamentally sound but has struggled at times against veterans. Look for Gallery to push Sims until the coaches think Gallery is ready to start. At that time, Sims likely will move to guard. At center, rookie Jake Grove is challenging Adam Treu. Grove needs to be more consistent and let his ability take over. The team might shy from starting Treu if the battle is a tossup because of his value as a long snapper. Treu is smart, fundamentally sound and knows the offense, but look for Grove to start at some point this season.--Steve Corkran

PITTSBURGH STEELERS The biggest camp competition is at running back, where free-agent pickup Duce Staley and Jerome Bettis are splitting time with the first unit. Coach Bill Cowher hasn't announced a starter, but Staley has looked good, hitting holes more quickly than Bettis and looking comfortable as a receiver. Expect Staley to win the battle.... Backup QB Charlie Batch will be out for at least two to three weeks because of a knee injury, which will give Ben Roethlisberger and Brian St. Pierre more preseason playing time. Batch's injury gives St. Pierre, a fifth-round choice in 2003, a chance to make the team with a strong preseason. ... RT Oliver Ross has the edge on rookie Max Starks. Ross showed more intensity at the end of last season, and it has carried over to camp. He's a good pass blocker but sometimes sits too far back and can't recover. Starks is bigger, more athletic and eventually will be the starter, but he plays too high and loses leverage at the point of attack. PROBLEM SPOT: The offensive line, which played poorly last season, has looked much better, mainly because there have been no injuries. LT Marvel Smith, who missed 10 games because of a pinched nerve in his neck, is back and appears to have no problems. Justas important, RG Kendall Simmons, a first-round pick in 2002, has regained his weight and strength after being diagnosed with adult onset diabetes before camp last year. He is playing like he did as a rookie.--Gerry Dulac

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS DE DeQuincy Scott is facing hernia surgery. He will miss at least a month if he undergoes the procedure. An extended absence would be a blow because the team lacks pass rushers. It also could mean more playing time for rookie Igor Olshansky, who's strong against the run but needs work as a pass rusher.... To prepare the defensive backs for a crackdown on illegal contact beyond 5 yards from the line of scrimmage, the coaches are having them wear small boxing gloves during passing drills. The gloves inhibit the players' ability to grab and hold, forcing them to focus on footwork and applying solid jams. They struggled early but have become more comfortable.... LG Toniu Fonoti needed only a week to regain his starting job. He missed last season because of foot problems and was a no-show for offseason workouts. But Fonoti is lighter and looks ready to live up to expectations. He's a powerful straight-ahead run blocker who can be dominant when he gets his hands on a defender. TRAINING CAMP BATTLES: Kwamie Lassiter and Jerry Wilson are competing at free safety. Lassiter is bigger and provides more pop against the run, but Wilson is regarded as the better pass defender after playing cornerback most of his career. The No. 3 tight end spot behind Antonio Gates and Justin Peelle also is up for grabs. Rookie Ryan Krause and Josh Norman have elevated their games after slow starts in camp. Both are better receivers than blockers.--Jim Trotter

TENNESSEE TITANS When the Titans traded WR Justin McCareins, all eyes turned to second-year WR Tyrone Calico. After an inconsistent rookie season, Calico is rising to the challenge. He has caught just about everything in practices, and his route running has improved. Because of his long arms and speed, he should be able to run past cornerbacks and get plenty of jump balls. Calico plans to double his 2003 numbers, when he caught 18 passes for 297 yards and four touchdowns. The team wants him to do even more than that.... RB Antowain Smith has worked on his blocking since joining the team, and coaches are encouraged with the results. Smith wasn't part of the Patriots' third-down package last season, but he might play on some passing downs with the Titans to help with protection. Smith (6-2, 232) has good size, but he needs to stay low and improve his footwork to take on blitzing linebackers and defensive backs.... CB Tony Beckham has made strides since tearing his right ACL in April. Beckham is running at full speed and could return this season. Beckham was the No. 3 cornerback behind Samari Rolle and Andre Dyson at the end of last season. SCOUTING REPORT: K Joe Nedney is back after suffering a torn right ACL in last year's season opener. Nedney's replacement, veteran Gary Anderson, was consistent on field goals (27-of-31), but his range was about 45 yards, and he didn't kick off. Nedney gives the team at least 10 more yards on kickoffs than P Craig Hentrich.--Jim Wyatt