2005 Ad

In Moss, the Redskins get an explosive player who is capable of making game-breaking plays--if he stays healthy. At 5-10, 185 pounds, he tends to get dinged up, but he's worth the gamble because opponents now will have to respect the Redskins' deep passing game. Moss is quick off the line and can make tough catches in traffic. He also has home run ability as a punt returner, something the Redskins lacked last season. The trade of Colas shows Gibbs does not tolerate players who put their needs ahead of the team's.

STARTING OVER

Though DT Gerard Warren largely was a bust with the Browns, the Broncos are confident he can be an impact player. If they go forward with their plans to move to a 3-4 scheme, they believe Warren has the size (6-4, 325) to be an anchor at nose tackle. Warren showed signs of progress late last season, but his "Big Money" persona can be an internal distraction, and he does not lead by example with his work habits. Because the Browns are starting over with a new regime, it made no sense to keep him. Getting a fourth-round pick for the third player taken in the 2001 draft is disappointing but not senseless.

Remade Raiders

After trading for a home run threat in WR Randy Moss, the Raiders signed a bruising runner in LaMont Jordan. He never has started an NFL game, but he showed plenty of flashes as Curtis Martin's backup with the Jets. At 5-10,230 pounds, Jordan can absorb a pounding, yet he also has enough burst to turn the corner (4.9 yards per carry in his career). Jordan should be a nice upgrade over Tyrone Wheatley and Amos Zereoue, the primary ballcarriers last season when the Raiders ranked last in the NFL in rushing attempts and yards. Jordan also should benefit from the big-play receiving duo of Moss and Jerry Porter because defenses will have to concentrate on them.

CORRESPONDENTS: Baltimore, Mike Preston; Buffalo, Allen Wilson; Cincinnati, Chick Ludwig; Cleveland, Steve Doerschuk; Denver, Patrick Saunders; Houston, Carlton Thompson; Indianapolis, Mike Chappell; Jacksonville, Bart Hubbuch; Kansas City, Adam Teicher; Miami, Jason Cole; New England, Michael Felger; New York, Rich Cimini; Oakland, Steve Corkran; Pittsburgh, Gerry Dulac; San Diego, Jim Trotter; Tennessee, Jim Wyatt.

COPYRIGHT 2005 Sporting News Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning