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AFC FOCUS: Hard truths

New G.M. Phil Savage faces a monumental decision in identifying the Browns' quarterback of the future. But in the short term, he made a smart move in trading for QB Trent Dilfer from Seattle. Dilfer provides a short-term stopgap and still can manage a game effectively. The Browns still need to draft a quarterback in the first or second round.... The Jaguars again are at a stalemate with SS Donovin Darius, who is demanding to be traded. However, he undercut his wish by signing the team's franchise tender last week, giving him little choice but to play for Jacksonville if it wants to keep him. The Jaguars seem intent on doing just that, though it's time for them to move on from Darius, whose act is getting tiresome. Deke Cooper is more than capable as a replacement. ... The Bills will regret letting free-agent DT Pat Williams leave. The team likes the upsides of Tim Anderson and Ron Edwards, but neither represents an upgrade over Williams, a run-stopping force. Without Williams, DT Sam Adams will encounter more double-teams, which will hurt the run defense. ... Because the AFC North has top power backs in the Steelers' Jerome Bettis and the Ravens' Jamal Lewis, the Bengals are drooling over Georgia SS Thomas Davis. He's a nasty hitter who won't allow yards after contact. The Bengals need a strong safety who can hold up as an eighth defender in the box.... The Patriots got a stellar season from Corey Dillon, but their future at running back still isn't favorable. Dillon turns 31 next season, Kevin Faulk never will be an every-down back, and Cedric Cobbs failed to impress the club in spot duty as a rookie. Cobbs has the size and speed needed to make it in the NFL, but the Pats still might add another runner in the draft.... QB Kyle Boller has been erratic and inaccurate in his two seasons with the Ravens. There were complaints last year that Boller was hurt by the lack of a go-to receiver, but now that Derrick Mason is on board, it's time to find out if they have the quarterback who can get him the ball.... The Dolphins aren't planning a major overhaul on their offensive line; instead, they are putting a lot of responsibility on new line coach Hudson Houck, who received a three-year contract worth more than $800,000 annually to leave San Diego. Look for Damion McIntosh to compete against 2004 first-round pick Vernon Carey for the starting left tackle job. The Dolphins told McIntosh they wouldn't sign or draft a new left tackle if he reworked his deal, which he did. McIntosh likely will beat out Carey, who has no experience at left tackle and isn't gifted enough to play there. That means the Dolphins might return the same line from last year, when its play ranged from mediocre to awful.

Comeback route

If the Jets believe the return of WR Laveranues Coles--who was acquired from the Redskins for WR Santana Moss two years after leaving New York as a restricted free agent--is going to give them a big-play dimension they're mistaken. Coles is tough, fearless and productive, but he doesn't drastically change field position. He feels he was suffocated in Washington by Joe Gibbs' conservative offense, but in his last 29 games, Coles averaged 11.9 yards per reception--and 13 of those games came playing in Steve Spurrier's wide-open attack. Colas is a lot like Justin McCareins, which means the Jets have two quality receivers--but no one who can stretch the field.