Inside the AFC

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. 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.

AFC FOCUS: Offensive adjustments

New Jets coordinator Mike Heimerdinger wants the tight end to be a viable component in the passing game. Last year, that position accounted for only 31 receptions. Heimerdinger's 2004 Titans offense featured three tight ends with at least 25 receptions. The key for the Jets is newcomer Doug Jolley, who has the skills to catch 40 to 50 bails. A presence in the middle of the field would reduce the pressure on WRs Laveranues Coles and Justin McCareins. ... Not only are the Bills planning to make use of QB J.P. Losman's mobility by calling more pass plays that get him out of the pocket, but they also want to work in some designed runs for him. Losman's athleticism should keep defenses guessing. ... The Broncos want to use TEs Jeb Putzier, Stephen Alexander and Nate Jackson more as downfield receivers than as dump-off targets. All three have the speed to beat linebackers in coverage. Putzier, in particular, can be the type of downfield threat Shannon Sharpe once was. ... Dolphins WR Chris Chambers estimates that about 90 percent of the team's new route adjustments for blitzes or odd coverages are designed to go deep. New coordinator Scott Linehan isn't afraid to be aggressive; former coach Dave Wannstedt leaned toward a more conservative approach. ... The Chargers could use rookie RB Darren Sproles as a slot receiver. He is only 5-6 but is quick and shifty. He will team with TE Antonio Gates (81 receptions in 2004) and RB LaDainian Tomlinson (53) to give the Chargers explosive pass-catching options beyond the wide receivers. ... Colts coordinator Tom Moore believes in using his personnel to the best of their ability rather than being married to a particular system. So even though he has used a lot of two-tight end sets in recent seasons, he might veer away from them now that TE Marcus Pollard is gone. This should get Brandon Stokley on the field more in three-wideout formations. Stokley can break a big play at any time working out of the slot. ... The Chiefs might work in more two-tight end sets so they can get Kris Wilson more involved. He can line up in a variety of spots--in the backfield, on the line, in the slot or even split wide. Opponents could have a difficult time covering both him and Tony Gonzalez.

UNIT ANALYSIS: Wide receivers

A Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne and Brandon Stokley set the NFL standard.

A Randy Moss is the NFL's best deep threat; Jerry Porter is a No. 1-type receiver.

A- Chad Johnson is a star; T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Peter Warrick move the chains.

B Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton are major upgrades, and there are good prospects.

B Eric Moulds and Lee Evans are an explosive duo, and there is solid depth.

B Chris Chambers could be great; Marty Booker is solid. Can David Boston help?

B Deion Branch is a big-game player; David Givens is solid. Watch out for P.K. Sam.

B Laveranues Coles and Justin McCareins are physical and can make catches anywhere.

B Hines Ward does it all; Antwaan Randle El or Cedrick Wilson needs to step up.

B- Andre Johnson is becoming an elite receiver, but he needs a complement.

B- Jimmy Smith gets it done, but Reggie Williams or Matt Jones needs to break out.

B- There's no No. 1 guy, but Keenan McCardell and Reche Caldwell should be a solid duo.

C+ Braylon Edwards has star ability but is unproven; the others are decent.

C+ Rod Smith is aging but productive; Ashley Lelie and Darius Watts are inconsistent.

C Drew Bennett came on strong last season; it's time for Tyrone Calico to flourish.

C- Proven ability is scarce. Samie Parker offers promise but must stay healthy.

Pennington's progress

More than four months removed from rotator cuff surgery, Jets QB Chad Pennington has been throwing on the side--about 80 passes every other day--but didn't participate in any of the team's offseason training activities. Pennington has been trying to soak up the offense of new coordinator Mike Heimerdinger but so far hasn't been able to apply what he has learned in the classroom. As a result, he'll be in catch-up mode at training camp--and he might be limited to one practice a day.

AND THE EARLY LEADER IS ...

Gus Frerotte appears to be increasing his lead on A.J. Feeley in the Dolphins' starting quarterback competition. Coach Nick Saban and the Dolphins players repeatedly have singled out Frerotte for his strong arm and knowledge of the offense. Feeley didn't help himself by having some breakdowns in offseason practices that were open to the public. The coaches must decide whether to go with Feeley and see if he can fulfill his promise or give the job to Frerotte, who might be more polished but turns 34 in July and lacks upside.

The safety plan

Look for the Ravens to have SS Will Demps play in the box more than FS Ed Reed, who often hovered near the line of scrimmage last year. The team plans to bring a lot of pressure out of its 46 defense, so it needs Reed, its best playmaker, to be the center fielder instead of crashing the line. This shouldn't hurt the Ravens' run defense. Demps has a thicker frame and tackles just as well--if not better--than Reed.

Here comes Pacman

Titans CB Pacman Jones still is rough around the edges, but he is starting to show the skills that made him the sixth pick in the draft. He consistently was around the ball during practices in early June and could be ready to start. Jones is working his way back from a groin injury suffered in his first minicamp; coaches have advised him not to lunge for balls or leave his feet. The coaches believe he'll develop into a big-time playmaker after he is allowed to go all-out.

CORRESPONDENTS: Baltimore, Mike Preston; Buffalo, Allen Wilson; Cincinnati, Chick Ludwig; Cleveland, Steve Doerschuk; Denver, Patrick Saunders; Houston, Megan Manfull; Indianapolis, Mike Chappell; Jacksonville, Bart Hubbuch; Kansas City, Adam Teicher; Miami, Jason Cole; New England, Michael Felger; New York, Rich Cimini; Oakland, Steve Corkran; Pittsburgh, Gerry Dulac; San Diego, Kevin Acee; Tennessee, Jim Wyatt.

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