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Inside the AFC

Sporting News, The, July 1, 2005

The base of the BRONCOS' ground game still will be zone blocking and cutback runs, but look for more power formations that emphasize straight-ahead running in short-yardage situations. The team struggled in that area last season. ... JETS SLB Victor Hobson will enter camp as the favorite to start over Mark Brown.

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Hobson, who lost his job to Brown in 2004 because of an injury, has trouble running with tight ends and backs in coverage. But Hobson has good strength and leverage against the run and also can be an effective blitzer because of his closing burst. ... There is growing concern that TEXANS WR Jabar Gaffney, who is coming off shoulder surgery, won't be ready for the start of training camp. Last season, Gaffney developed into someone who consistently could beat single coverage and get first downs. The team needs a big year from him so opponents can't focus so much on WR Andre Johnson. ... Anthony Mitchell has the edge for the BENGALS' starting strong safety spot because he's more physical and durable than Kim Herring. But keep an eye on Reggie Myles, a converted cornerback. He is a fearless, aggressive player, and now that he has raised his weight 10 pounds to 195, he should hold up better against the run. ... DOLPHINS RT Stockar McDougle has been showing a physical style and has gotten into better shape by losing 20 pounds to get down to 340. McDougle is motivated to have a big season because, as a South Florida native, he wants to stay with the Dolphins. He also wants to prove to the Lions, his former team, that he still can play. ... The STEELERS re-signed veteran CB Willie Williams for insurance, but don't be surprised if he ends up starting on the left side. He started 10 games last season after an injury to Chad Scott, and Williams, 34, made so few mistakes that he earned the trust of the coaches. Second-year CB Ricardo Colclough is faster and more athletic, but the job probably is Williams' until he shows signs of slipping. ... RAVENS DT Maake Kemoeatu has the strength and girth (345 pounds) to tie up blockers and keep offensive linemen off MLB Ray Lewis. Kemoeatu also has surprising quickness for his size, but he isn't much of a pass rusher. If he doesn't improve in that area, look for him to be replaced in passing situations. ... With Phillip Buchanon getting traded and Carlos Francis coming off a knee injury, the RAIDERS are in the market for a kick returner. Chad Morton, who recently was released by the Redskins, could be a perfect fit. He battled injury problems last year but is one of the league's top open-field threats when healthy. ... The CHIEFS' adding CB Patrick Surtain means CB Eric Warfield will get thrown at more frequently. Warfield is a good athlete who runs well and has sharpened his technique. He has the size (6-0,200) to match up with big receivers but has gotten in trouble in the past by losing his concentration. ... With it becoming more apparent that RB/KR Darren Sproles will carve out a role with the CHARGERS, it might be difficult for the team to keep both RB Jesse Chatman and RB Michael Turner. Chatman has been productive when given a chance to play and can return kicks, but the team is high on Turner's long-term potential. ... The COLTS took the necessary step of re-signing MLB Rob Morris, a four-year starter. He hasn't fulfilled the expectations placed on him as a former first-round pick, but he is coming off his best season and is solid against the run. Look for Morris to beat out Gary Brackett in training camp. Brackett largely has been a special teams player and backup. ... BILLS RT Mike Williams looked leaner, stronger and quicker during organized team activities. Thanks to rigorous training and a stricter diet, Williams (6-6, 360) is in the best shape of his four-year career. He is motivated after his solid play in the second half of of last season. Williams was dominant as a run blocker and showed marked improvement with his footwork and technique in pass protection. ... The TITANS will miss FS Lance Schulters, an emotional leader who was released for salary cap reasons. Lamont Thompson, who started 13 games as an injury replacement last year, now will be a full-time starter. He isn't as physical as Schulters, but Thompson runs well and has good instincts in the passing game. ... BROWNS rookie DE/OLB David McMillan could contribute right away as a situational pass rusher. He has excellent speed and so far has shown a desire to improve. The knock on him coming out of Kansas was that he didn't always give maximum effort. At 6-3, 262, McMillan's best fit might be as a an outside linebacker in the team's new 3-4 scheme. He is spotty against the run. ... First-round pick Logan Mankins took snaps with the first team at left guard at the PATRIOTS' recent minicamp. Russ Hochstein provide competition for Mankins in training camp and will have the edge in experience, but Mankins' power and nastiness could win out in the end. ... The JAGUARS want RB Greg Jones to move permanently to fullback, and he isn't happy about it. Jones (6-1, 250) has a chiseled physique and still thinks of himself as a runner. But the Jags don't think he has the speed or cutting ability to be primarily a ballcarrier.

Inside the AFC

Sporting News, The, July 1, 2005

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