AFC

Sporting News, The, May 21, 2001

Baltimore

HELP FOR THE LINE: The Ravens added some much-needed depth to the offensive line when they signed G Orlando Bobo to a one-year contract worth the league-minimum $477,000. Bobo doesn't have the talent to start for extended periods, but he does well in a short, stopgap situations. The Ravens still need to upgrade the right guard position, where Kipp Vickers is listed as the starter.... The team signed FS Rod Woedson to a five-year contract, but the deal basically is for two seasons. Woodson has played at a Pro Bowl level in the two seasons since moving from corner to safety, but he also will serve as a tutor for second-round pick Gary Baxter, who might be heir apparent at his position.

QUARTERBACKS ANALYSIS: In San Francisco, Elvis Grbac was asked to replace a legend in Steve Young. In Kansas City, he was asked to act as a buffer between a dynamic defense and a underachieving offense. In Baltimore, Grbac is expected to spice up the passing attack, especially the vertical game. He has spent eight years in the West Coast offense and should have no problems catching on quickly with the Ravens. Second-year player Chris Rodman didn't get much playing time last season, but the team likes his arm and his ability to pick things up quickly. The team would like to bring in veteran Randall Cunningham as the No. 3 man. In that scenario, coach Brian Billick might use Cunningham as the No. 2 man if Grbac were injured and he didn't think Redman was ready to play. --Mike Preston

Buffalo

ANOTHER WEAPON: The success of the West Coast offense will depend on how quickly QB Rob Johnson gets rid of the football. Having an option like 12-year veteran FB Larry Centers should help. He suits the Bills' need for a proven weapon out of the backfield in their new offense. Centers holds the NFL record for career catches by a back with 685. While not known as a great blocker or runner, he is adequate in both areas.... Centers' arrival could mean RBs Jonathan Linton and Antowain Smith are headed out of Buffalo. Linton and Smith were the team's top backs just two seasons ago but were relegated to minor roles last season as the team went mainly with Sammy Morris and Shawn Bryson. The Bills would save close to $1 million by cutting Smith, the subject of trade rumors most of the offseason.

QUARTERBACKS ANALYSIS: Johnson has good size and a strong arm and is more mobile than most think. If he has a downside, it's that poor decision-making often has led to injuries--he has been knocked out of seven of his 18 Bills starts. However, the West Coast offense demands quick, decisive passes and movement by the quarterback, so the team thinks the new scheme will make Johnson more effective and less prone to injury. Alex Van Pelt lacks Johnson's physical tools, but he is a very reliable backup. Veteran Pete Gonzalez and rookie Tim Hasselbeck are battling for the No. 3 slot. Both have good arms, but Hasselbeck might need some time on the developmental squad. --Allen Wilson

Cincinnati

PLENTY OF FIREPOWER: With RB Corey Dillon re-signed for five seasons, the Bengals will unleash their most explosive offense in years. Dillon's ability to hammer the ball off-tackle will set up the play-action for QB Jon Kitna, who will put the ball in the hands of swift, playmaking WRs Darnay Scott and Peter Warrick and rookie Chad Johnson.... Dillon is salivating at the thought of running behind FB Lorenzo Neal. He's a good fit as a braising lead blocker for the power running game.... Rookie DE Justin Smith offered hope for the defense when he showed his strength and explosiveness off the edge at a recent minicamp. Smith quickly endeared himself to coaches and fans with his no-frills, blue-collar work ethic.

QUARTERBACKS ANALYSIS: If the season opened today, Kitna would start, Scott Mitchell would be the backup and Akili Smith would be at No. 3. Kitna is in a comfort zone, showing savvy, experience and knowledge of coordinator Bob Bratkowski's system from their days together in Seattle. Kitna is a gritty, serious, determined leader who overcame obscurity as an undrafted college free agent with a strong work ethic and prizefighter mentality. Mitchell is throwing the ball crisply and spreading it around. Smith is struggling. He still is learning the new scheme. Smith has great size, a strong arm and good mobility but faces many questions: Can he deliver the ball accurately and on time to his primary receiver? Can he audible, go through his progressions and find his second and third options? Can he show the ball security in the pocket that's needed to cut down on his fumbles? --Chick Ludwig

Cleveland

OH, MY ACHING BACK: The Browns' plans for their offensive line have been disrupted a bit. Newcomer Ross Verba, who was set to play right tackle, will be out for possibly as long as three months after surgery to remove a spur in his lower back. The condition occurred as the result of his lifting weights in the team's offseason strength and conditioning program. In that rehab time frame, Verba would not return until just before the first exhibition game, in early August.... With RB Corey Dillon re-signed by Cincinnati and therefore unavailable, the Browns will use a rotation of Travis Prentice, James Jackson and Jamel White. That's a scary thought.