AFC

Sporting News, The, July 22, 2005

Baltimore

RAVENS

TOP PRIORITY: New coordinator Jim Fassel must establish an offensive identity. With RB Jamal Lewis and a big offensive line, the running game still is suited to a downhill style that can dictate the pace of a game, though there are concerns about Lewis' readiness. The key is being explosive enough to keep defenses from stacking the line. New WRs Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton should provide some of the needed big-play ability.

ROOKIE TO WATCH: DE/LB Dan Cody won't start right away, but he will be used as a pass-rushing specialist because the team needs someone else to provide pressure consistently, which will keep opponents from ganging up on DE Terrell Suggs. Cody has outstanding quickness and uses his hands well. He needs to work on his lower-body strength but has a great motor.

CAMP CONFIDENTIAL: MLB Ray Lewis is excited about the 46 defense, which will be similar to the 4-3 the Ravens played in 2000. But there is one big difference-previously, Lewis had big defensive tackles in front of him to keep offensive linemen occupied, a luxury he no longer will have.... The team's offseason additions did not address problems on the offensive line. RG Keydrick Vincent, a former Steeler, doesn't provide a significant upgrade to the unit, which still will have problems protecting QB Kyle Boiler. If the Ravens fall behind, the line will be exposed.... Coach Brian Biilick lost control of the team last year, when there were several locker room problems. He realizes his message may have gotten old and is trying to reinvent himself in his seventh season with the Ravens.--Mike Preston

PURE CAMP

with LG Edwin Mulitalo

Player most likely to fall asleep in a meeting: (OT) Orlando Brown. You can always count on Zeus to nap when the lights are dark.

Most disgusting thing you've seen in camp: Some guys, especially rookies, wear the same clothes. Just because you're locked away from civilization doesn't mean you have to dress like it.

Laziest player at camp: (LT) Jonathan Ogden. He can beat all the defensive ends even when he is lazy. He just has enormous talent.

Hardest worker at camp: (LB) Ray Lewis, followed by (DLs) Kelly Gregg and Jarret Johnson. To get those two guys to tone it down, they would have to be well compensated by the offensive line.

Most hated drill: It's the two-minute offense vs. the two-minute defense. Coach Billick always does it on the days it's the hottest. He uses the drill as a gauge for conditioning.

Site: McDaniel College Westminster, Md.

Reporting date: July 31

Buffalo

BILLS

TOP PRIORITY: QB J.P. Losman impressed the team in the offseason with his dedication and work ethic and looked sharp during spring workouts. The Bills believe he has the athleticism and confidence to be a star--the key to his development will be his ability to read defenses and make smart decisions.

ROOKIE TO WATCH: WR Roscoe Parrish, a second-round pick, displayed excellent speed, hands and playmaking ability in offseason workouts, and the team expects him to make an impact as a slot receiver. To do that, he must run more precise routes and develop a better feel for coverage.

CAMP CONFIDENTIAL: DTs Ron Edwards and Tim Anderson will fight for the starting spot left open by Pat Williams, who signed with the Vikings. Edwards is the early favorite after his strong performance in offseason workouts. He has experience, size (6-3, 320) and quickness. The team likes Anderson's toughness and tenacity. It likely will take a few preseason games before a favorite emerges.... Mark Campbell and Tim Euhus likely will resume their roles as the team's top tight ends, but they will be brought along slowly after coming back from major knee surgeries.... RB Travis Henry, seeking a trade since Willis McGahee became the starter, appears likely to be on the roster for the start of training camp. The team wants to keep Henry as insurance in case of an injury to McGahee, but Henry insists he won't play for the team again. Training camp injuries are common, so don't be surprised if Henry is traded to a suddenly needy team before camp is over.--Allen Wilson

PURE CAMP

with WR Eric Moulds

Strangest thing a player has brought to camp: I've seen guys bring their own refrigerators, which wouldn't be strange if we didn't already have one in our rooms. You'll see rookies do it because they don't know what to expect.

Laziest player at camp: He's going to get me for this, but I'd say (DT) Sam Adams. Sometimes Sam has those days in camp where he can bring it any time he wants to, and he has those days where he feels he does just enough to get by.

Biggest eater at camp: You would be surprised. I think it's J.P. Losman. I haven't seen a quarterback eat as much as he does, and he never gains a pound. The big guys can put it down, too, but J.P. can go. He'll go back for second helpings and thirds and fourths.

Site: St. John Fisher College Pittsford, N.Y.

Reporting date: July 29

Cincinnati

BENGALS

TOP PRIORITY: The defense must develop a run-stuffing mentality after ranking 26th in run defense last season. The key will be DT Bryan Robinson, a free-agent pickup who is known for maintaining his gap and being a good wrap-up tackler. Robinson (6-4, 296) and John Thornton (6-3, 297) lack ideal size, so it will be important for rotation players Langston Moore (6-1, 303) and Matthias Askew (6-5, 308) to show they can contribute against the run and save Robinson and Thornton from wearing down fate in the season.