AFC

Sporting News, The, June 5, 2000

Seattle

LONE THREAT: The new-look defense is looking for more from DT Cortez Kennedy. With Sam Adams gone, the burden of providing a disruptive presence in the middle of the defensive line again will fall to Kennedy. He responded last year with his best season since 1996--collecting 73 tackles, 6 1/2 sacks and two interceptions. Kennedy credited Adams, whose push from the left side made it more difficult for opponents to slide their blocking scheme toward Kennedy, and his own good health. A third element was Kennedy's burning desire to advance to the playoffs for the first time. This year, he's hungry to return. Regardless of who lines up next to him--Riddick Parker, Antonio Cochran or a yet-to-be-signed free agent-Kennedy must have another healthy season to fuel a line that has lost DE Phillip Daniels and Adams

TIGHT ENDS ANALYSIS: Mike Holmgren's hybrid of the West Coast offense always has featured a tight end who could stretch the middle of the defense--until last year. But it wasn't Christian Fauria's fault. Reconstructive surgery on his right ankle in '96 and his left one in '99 has robbed Fauria of speed and, at times, his ability to separate from coverage. But the real problem during Holmgren's first season with the Seahawks was that too often Fauria had to stay in and block to help struggling RT Grant Williams. Fauria is a dependable receiver and a tenacious blocker. The biggest difference this season should be the emergence of Rufus French, who spent his rookie season on the practice squad, and the continued development of Itula Mill Both have impressed coordinator Gil Haskell in minicamps with their ability to go deep, get open and catch, especially French, whose speed and size (6-3, 257) could provide QB Jon Kitna with another big target. --Clare Farnsworth

Tennessee

EXTRA EFFORT: WR Kevin Dyson has worked diligently to improve his route running. He always has had the speed to be an impact player; he just needed some refinement. Offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger and receivers coach Steve Waiters think Dyson was tipping his routes at times last season, and they have worked to give him the same body language and stance at the line of scrimmage no matter the play. With Heimerdinger's desire to move the receivers through the middle of field more--last year the wideouts worked their routes from the numbers to the sidelines for the most part--Dyson will benefit from catching the ball on slants as well as some clearouts designed tot him.... LB Terry Killens will get an opportunity to expand his role in the defense if he finds a way to keep from running into traffic. He often gets caught inside or behind the play and can't keep his line to the ballcarrier.

TIGHT ENDS ANALYSIS: An offense that uses a base formation of a two-tight end look is bound to be affected by the departure of Jackie Harris. Though Heimerdinger will add more variety in the passing attack and ask for more from the wideouts, the Titans still need to find someone to play alongside Frank Wycheck, the team's leader in receptions the past four seasons. He excels at the little bump off the linebacker to give himself just enough space to make the catch. Few rave about his speed, yet few linebackers cover him with any regularity. Beyond him, there are questions. Michael Roan is coming off neck surgery and never has played beyond a situational role. Rookie Erron Kinney, a 270-pounder, runs like a smaller player and has shown soft hands. His biggest task will be to win battles at the point of attack. He is picking up the offense quickly and should get significant playing time. --Jeff Legwold