AFC

Sporting News, The, July 28, 2003

BALTIMORE RAVENS

TOUGH CALL: Look for the team to cut veteran DE Michael McCrary. Several months ago, there was speculation McCrary would retire and become an assistant coach. But McCrary, who has had eight knee surgeries in the last five years, believes he can help the Ravens once his knees improve. The team would love to have him back in the second half if it is in playoff contention but doesn't want to pay a part-time player $3 million. The Ravens would try to re-sign him if he can play.... G.M. Ozzie Newsome is excited about second-year WR Marc Lester, who has speed and size (6-4, 200) and is coming off a successful season in NFL Europe. Lester could be an inviting target in the red zone.... The agent for CB Chris McAlister says he won't hold out of training camp. McAlister, designated the team's franchise player, is seeking a long-term deal. Because of McAlister's ability to match up against big wideouts, he is crucial to the defense.

QUARTERBACKS ANALYSIS: The Ravens are talented but inexperienced. Chris Redman, who performed well in minicamps, should start the season opener but is essentially keeping the spot warm until first-round pick Kyle Boller is ready to play. Coach Brian Billick never has fully endorsed Redman, who has a decent arm but doesn't move well. Billick has been gushing over Boller, who has a strong arm and above-average mobility. Billick won't sit Boller for long after trading next year's first-round pick for him. No. 3 Anthony Wright has the best arm of the three, but he won't move up in the rotation unless there is an injury. For the first time since Billick became coach, he has three quarterbacks with live arms.--Mike Preston

BUFFALO BILLS

THE MOULDS PLAN: Pro Bowl WR Eric Moulds should be able to approach last year's numbers despite the loss of Peerless Price. Moulds is sure to encounter more double coverage, but the team plans to move him around in the scheme and send him in motion more, things he has been wanting to do for several years. More presnap movement will make it harder for defenses to key on him. The team wants to get the ball in Moulds' bands quickly so he can use his exceptional running skills after the catch.... RB Travis Henry has improved greatly as a receiver, and look for the Bills to make even greater use of him in the passing game. His low center of gravity (5-9, 215) and great balance make him tough to bring down.... Based on Brian Moorman's steady improvement, the Bills are confident he will a top punter for many years. So, the the team awarded him a seven-year, $6 million contract. The next step for him is to develop more consistent hang time and a better touch on directional kicks.

QUARTERBACKS ANALYSIS: The Bills feel good about the position, although the backup situation is unsettled. With his great size and powerful arm, Drew Bledsoe returned to the elite in 2002. Bledsoe gets sacked often because he lacks mobility, and he sometimes forces balls into coverage when under pressure, but his leadership makes him invaluable. Alex Van Pelt doesn't have a great arm and isn't the most athletic player, but he's an accurate passer, and the Bills have faith in him. Travis Brown, who is pushing Van Pelt for the No. 2 job, has good size and arm strength and can make plays on the move. He must develop consistency and a presence in the huddle.--Allen Wilson

CINCINNATI BENGALS

INTERIOR UPGRADE: With his strength and quickness, DT John Thornton could be a force. A key free-agent pickup, Thornton has displayed good power and discipline at the point of attack, which should help boost the run defense. His ability to occupy two blockers will create more one-on-one situations for DT Tony Williams and RE Justin Smith, allowing them more freedom to pass rush.... RB Corey Dillon didn't drop a pass in two minicamps, a sign he's working harder to become more of a threat in the passing game.... Never shy about making predictions, speedy WR Chad Johnson says he expects to have 1,800 receiving yards this season. He's focused and comfortable in the wide-open scheme, running precise routes and doing a good job of adjusting to the ball in the air. Johnson does a nice job of turning quickly and accelerating, but the most improved part of his game is his blocking.

QUARTERBACKS ANALYSIS: Quarterback controversies long have been a problem for the Bengals, so they settled the issue early by naming Jon Kitna the starter. That means the offense has a better chance for a quick start and that Carson Palmer may not surface in the lineup until 2004. Kitna is a streaky passer with a tendency to commit untimely fumbles and interceptions, but his leadership and knowledge of the offense won him the spot. He won't be asked to carry the team but to simply spread the ball to a variety of weapons. Offseason pickup Shane Matthews enters training camp as the backup. He'll push Kitna and help develop Palmer. With two experienced veterans on hand, the Bengals won't have to rush Palmer's development.--Chick Ludwig

CLEVELAND BROWNS