Operation Boller: with upgraded talent around him, Kyle Boller finally is in position to prove he's more than a caretaker quarterback on a defense-first team. The season—and the future of the Ravens—hangs in the balance

"Look," he says while relaxing in the clubhouse grill, "I've been overthinking, trying to be too careful. I play best when I go out and just be myself, be natural, be smart. I don't have to be God. I just have to be efficient. I need to get the ball into the hands of all the guys I have around me and let them make plays. That's how this offense is going to be better; it doesn't need for Kyle Boller to do it all."

He's right. He just has to be good enough.

Three on the move

The Ravens' offense isn't the only one that could bust out in 2005 after spinning out in 2004.

Cardinals. Rookie running back J.J. Arrington's big-play potential should keep defenses honest, but the key is the line, which was upgraded with the signing of former Steeler Oliver Ross to play right tackle. If the line gives stone-footed Kurt Warner time, he and wideouts Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald and Bryant Johnson will do some damage.

Raiders. Adding Randy Moss would be enough to make any offense dangerous. Adding Moss to a wideout unit that already had big, fast receivers in Jerry Porter and Ronald Curry will create a defensive conundrum. The Raiders added much-needed balance by signing running back LaMont Jordan, a chain mover with the ability to get outside.

Lions. There is all kinds of first-round talent at the skill positions. Now, the Lions need first-round production, especially from quarterback Joey Harrington. If Harrington can't carry the load, the Lions have a good Plan B in Jeff Garcia.--Shawn Reid

Coordinator in training

When Rick Neuheisel was head coach at Washington, a former player told him about a high school quarterback in Newhall, Calif., named Kyle Boller. Even though Boller wasn't starting at the time, Neuheisel recruited him. And even though Boller ended up signing with Cal, the two men established a relationship that is being renewed through Neuheisel's new role as the Ravens' quarterbacks coach.

Neuheisel hasn't coached in two years, since being dismissed by Washington for his involvement in an office NCAA basketball tournament betting pool. He had hoped to get another college job but didn't, so when the

Ravens called about their staff vacancy, he eagerly pursued it. Neuheisel also is a coordinator in training; he's being groomed by present coordinator Jim Fassel in case Fassel leaves for a head coaching job. "This is a great situation for me," says Neuheisel. "I am learning from Jim. I haven't lost my ambition to be a head coach, but I am enjoying this moment."

Because of the strong ties between Boller and Fassel, Neuheisel will be more of a resource than an answer man for Boller. But that's OK with Neuheisel. "I will give Jim my ideas," he says, "but it would be wrong for Kyle to have too many voices. It'll be a learning process for all of us."--P.A.

Go for the '0'

Prepare to go deep in this issue. We are loading you up with information about NFL offenses as teams get ready for training camp: