AFC reports

Sporting News, The, March 22, 2004

BALTIMORE RAVENS The team re-signed OT Orlando Brown, 33, because it believes he has two or three good years left. The Ravens need Brown because they are committed to running the ball, and he gives them power and a demeanor they lacked before acquiring him last offseason. Brown still must improve his pass blocking.... The team signed backup QB Anthony Wright to a two-year deal. Wright lacks accuracy but has been in the team's system for 2 1/2 years and can serve as a stopgap. He started seven games last season in place of injured starter Kyle Boller. HONING THEIR GAMES: OLB Terrell Suggs was superb at putting pressure on the quarterback as a rookie last season, but he became a liability in running situations. Suggs failed to grasp the Ravens' terminology and must better learn his assignments this offseason. He was a pass-rush specialist in college, but the team wants him to be an every-down performer. RG Bennie Anderson needs to improve his pass blocking and make sure he keeps his weight in check in the offseason so he doesn't have to play himself into shape. Despite his size (6-5, 335), Anderson has enough agility and speed to reach the second level of a defense in the running game. If he improves his footwork while pass blocking, he could develop into an all-around guard.--Mike Preston

BUFFALO BILLS with Drew Henson out of the picture, the Bills need to look at other options for a quarterback of the future. They have denied reports that they are scouting Titans free agent Billy Volek but should explore the possibility. Volek has a strong, accurate arm and great mobility and could step in if Drew Bledsoe has another bad year. The other free-agent options are limited.... The release of Dave Moore means the team is in the market for a tight end. HONING THEIR GAMES: If he's more consistent, RT Mike Williams could be one of the NFL's most dominant linemen. New line coach Jim McNally has a reputation for getting the most out of his players and will push Williams to give maximum effort on every play. Williams already is an overpowering run blocker but needs better footwork and technique to excel in pass protection. CB Terrence McGee has the quickness and ball skills to play slot receivers. But McGee (5-9, 201) must show he can cover big outside receivers, be a force against the run, get stronger and sharpen his techniques in case he needs to be a starter. DE Chris Kelsay has a relentless style and good quickness as an edge pass rusher but must add strength to engage big offensive linemen at the point of attack. If he can develop an all-around game, Kelsay could be a key contributor.--Allen Wilson

CINCINNATI BENGALS Re-signing C Rich Braham was smart because it will stabilize the offensive line and allow QB Carson Palmer to make a smooth transition to starter. Braham is one of the strongest, toughest and smartest players on the team. His ability to recognize defensive fronts and handle the complex array of line calls will help improve Palmer's protection and open holes for RB Rudi Johnson.... The salary-cap purge of CBs Artrell Hawkins and Jeff Burris is a vote of confidence for CB Dennis Weathersby, whose size and speed will make him a factor on the left side. The team wants to sign a free agent so Weathersby can ease his way into the lineup as a nickel back before he becomes a starter. HONING THEIR GAMES: Kevin Hardy had difficulty adjusting to playing middle linebacker in his first season at the position because he played too stiff and upright and was pushed around in traffic. At his natural strongside spot next season, he'll get a chance to showcase his athleticism and range. Hardy must work on his lower-body strength so he can handle big linemen at the point of attack. RG Victor Leyva is an intense player who comes off the ball hard and uses sound technique, but he has limited athleticism. He is strong but must improve his speed and quickness to win the position vacated by Mike Goff.--Chick Ludwig

CLEVELAND BROWNS QB Jeff Garcia is a proven winner and a fiery leader who will get the most out of his teammates. The team expects him to be much more consistent than Tim Couch, who was up one week and down the next. Garcia also is better at reading defenses than Couch and is faster and has a quicker release. One red flag is that Garcia, 34, missed three games last season with back problems.... The team will try to find a taker for Couch in a trade. The Browns don't want to release him and get nothing in return, especially considering he was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1999 draft.... The Browns finally got the fullback they were looking for when they signed free agent Terrelle Smith from the Saints. He's big, strong and energetic and appears to be a good blocker. The Browns needed someone who can get into the hole and drive defenders out of the way in their power running game. HONING THEIR GAMES: WLB Kevin Bentley has a nice combination of size, strength and speed. So why doesn't he make more plays, especially in coverage? Because he is constantly out of position. He overpursues on some plays and bases his actions on the wrong reads on others. Bentley will spend a lot of time in the film room studying his mistakes. WR Quincy Morgan is getting familiar with the ball machine, working on watching the ball all the way into his hands. Morgan tends to lose focus on routine catches but makes tough ones because he gives them his full attention.--Steve King