AFC

Sporting News, The, June 5, 2000

Baltimore

HE'LL WAIT: One of the reasons LT Jonathan Ogden didn't mind not signing a contract extension earlier this year was that he wanted to see what the open market would produce. RT Willie Anderson recently signed a six-year contract extension worth $31 million with Cincinnati, and Ogden is worth much more. At 25, he already has established himself as one of the best left tackles in the game. Ogden will become a free agent if the team doesn't resign him before the end of the regular season, but it's highly likely the team will have him signed before training camp ends in late August.... The status of MLB Ray Lewis has yet to be determined, but possible replacement Brad Jackson performed well in recent minicamps. Jackson, 6-0, 230, is considered small for the position, but he runs well and has decent drops into the passing lanes.

TIGHT ENDS ANALYSIS: In the last four seasons, the Ravens haven't gotten much production at this position, but if coach Brian Billick's West Coast offense is to be successful, that will have to change. That's why the team signed seven-time Pro Bowl player Shannon Sharpe during the offseason. Billick wants to improve the team's short-to mid-range passing game with Sharpe, and he thinks Sharpe also could open the horizontal passing game for the outside receivers by drawing double coverage. If Sharpe gets injured, watch out. Second-year player Ryan Collins has potential, but no experience. Ditto for rookie John Jones. Fifth-year player Greg DeLong is listed as a tight end but is considered more of an H-back. --Mike Preston

Buffalo

NEW LEADERSHIP: The release of DE Bruce Smith, RB Thurman Thomas and WR Andre Reed did more than end the greatest era in team history. Their departures also created a canyon-sized void in leadership. The torch has been passed to S Henry Jones, DE Phil Hansen, P Chris Mohr, OT John Fina and K Steve Christie, the last links to the team's Super Bowl years. "Initially, I was disappointed with the changing of the guard," says Hansen, a Bill since 1991. "I hate to see all those guys go, but all right, it's done with. Here we are. What are we going to do now? Let's go forward." Another effect of all the offseason changes is the team is a lot younger Of the 77 players on the roster, only 12 will be 30 or older when training camp starts. There are 33 rookies and 17 first- or second-year players on the roster.

TIGHT ENDS ANALYSIS: If there's one position where the Bills are well-stocked, it's this one. Starter Jay Riemersma flirted with free agency during the offseason before re-signing. He's one of the league's rising stars among pass-catching tight ends and a favorite of QBs Rob Johnson and Doug Flutie. Riemersma runs precise routes, possesses reliable hands and has a feel for finding seams. He's also much-improved as a blocker. Bobby Collins and Sheldon Jackson were late-round draft picks who got valuable playing time as rookies last year. Collins is a talented receiver with run-after-the-catch skills. Jackson's forte is blocking, which is why the Bills also will use him as an H-back/fullback this season. --Allen Wilson

Cincinnati

KEY PIECE: The six-year extension RT Willie Anderson signed is proof the Bengals are serious about winning. Anderson is a dominant run blocker and shut-down pass protector, and his presence in the lineup through 2006 could trigger the re-signing of restricted free-agent TB Corey Dillon to a long-term deal. The team needs Dillon's tough inside and outside running to take the pressure off QB Akili Smith.... Undrafted rookie ILB Armegis Spearman is showing terrific instincts. Spearman (6-1,254) is a big hitter who looks smooth and fluid in pursuit. If Spearman continues to progress, he could emerge as a top backup to Taked Spikes and Brian Simmons.

TIGHT ENDS ANALYSIS: The trio of Tony McGee, Marco Battaglia and Steve Bush, along with NFL Europe star Damian Vaughn, make this the deepest and arguably the strongest area on the team. With the competition so tight, McGee has come back in great shape and with more flexibility. He's known for making difficult catches look simple and for dropping easy ones. Nevertheless, he remains the most complete tight end on the team and should continue to start. Battaglia is an excellent receiver with the kind of hands and running ability to have an impact, but he won't overtake McGee until his blocking improves. Bush, a rugged special-teams player and long snapper, has filled in admirably at fullback and would be a perfect H-back because he's such a versatile blocker and receiver Vaughn can catch the ball with anybody. But just like Battaglia, Vanghn must improve his blocking. --Chick Ludwig

Cleveland

PLANNING PROTECTION: Offensive line coach Tony Sparano may go to a steady diet of moving pockets on pass plays to protect QB Tim Couch, who was sacked a franchise-record 56 times. Unlike a rollout, the moving pocket will allow Couch to plant and get accuracy on his throws while at the same time keeping him from problem rush areas. Another plan may call for a lot of influence, or finesse, blocking on passing and running plays. Without RT Orlando Brown, a big, strong, physical player who likes to charge at people, the line has the quickness to use this tactic as well.... Though still not big enough (240) to be effective against the run, DE Arnold Miller displayed great quickness last year as a rookie and could be a factor on passing downs after an offseason in the weight room to get bigger and stronger.