Content provided in partnership with

Inside the AFC

Sporting News, The, August 19, 2005

The longer Will Shields is sidelined with back ailments, the more uncertainty the CHIEFS face at fight guard. Shields missed all of the offseason practices, and none of the replacements are on par with Shields. Chris Bober is the most athletic, but John Welbourn is more physical.... STEELERS NT Casey Hampton, who missed most of last season with a torn ACL, has lost weight trying to ease the stress on his right knee. Hampton is the key to Pittsburgh's 3-4 defense because he usually occupies two blockers in the middle, creating space for the inside linebackers.... BRONCOS DE Courtney Brown dislocated his left elbow, which will keep him out for up to six weeks. Marco Coleman will get the first chance to replace Brown, who was starting to round into shape after a foot injury ended his 2004 season. Coleman, 35, is a strong run defender but struggles as a pass rusher. He usually is replaced in passing situations.... Under pressure to be the BROWNS' No. 1 wideout until Braylon Edwards is ready, Antonio Bryant was sensational in early practices. He used his size (6-1, 188) to position himself for catches in traffic and also got open on a variety of routes. Bryant has forged a bond with QB Trent Dilfer.... After backup C Wade Smith's potentially season-ending arm injury, the DOLPHINS signed veteran G Frank Middleton (6-3, 330) to bolster the line's depth. Middleton, who started the first seven games of 2004 for the Raiders before a quadriceps injury, is considered a mauler and an adequate pass blocker.... The BILLS want their tight ends to be a bigger part of the passing game. Mark Campbell and Tim Euhus are good receivers, but they focused more on blocking last year. With quality receivers on the outside, Campbell and Euhus will have chances to make plays underneath against single coverage.... COLTS WR Brandon Stokley's dislocated shoulder puts his availability for the regular-season opener in question. In the meantime, veteran Troy Walters will step in for Stokley as the No. 3 receiver. Waiters lacks size (5-7, 172) but has good hands and outstanding quickness.... The RAIDERS released veteran SLB Travian Smith after it was decided that a knee injury would prevent him from playing this season. Smith's replacement, Tyler Brayton, is younger, bigger and more skilled than Smith, though not as fast or experienced. Brayton should develop into a solid pass rusher.... RAVEN rookie DE/OLB Dan Cody suffered a potentially season-ending knee sprain. Losing him is significant because the team expected Cody to be one of its top pass rushers on third down--so much so that it cut former Pro Bowl OLB Peter Boulware. The team now might re-sign Boulware to replace Cody.... Releasing backup NT Ethan Kelley last week left the PATRIOTS thin behind starter Vince Wilfork. In an emergency, the club probably would move DE Ty Warren, who played some nose tackle as a rookie, over center and bring Rodney Bailey, Jarvis Green or Marquise Hill off the bench to take Warren's end spot.... CHARGERS CB Quentin Jammer, the No. 5 overall pick of the 2002 draft, largely has railed to live up to expectations. He had trouble tracking deep balls and was uncertain in knowing where his help was. Jammer has been noticeably better so far in training camp. He is blanketing receivers, running his assignments with confidence and making interceptions.... The TEXANS are alternating repetitions at left tackle between Seth Wand and Victor Riley. Riley, who joined the Texans as a free agent, must make the transition to the left side after spending his career at right tackle. Wand has made obvious strides from last year, when he struggled with the pass rush, but he still is young.... Look for BENGALS RBs Rudi Johnson and Chris Perry to be on the field often at the same time. Johnson's tough inside running and Perry's receiving skills and quickness to the outside will keep defenses off-balance.

Most Popular Articles in Sports: The first family: Archie, Peyton and Eli are incredibly famous, immensely ...; The growing gap: driving distances are skyrocketing on the PGA Tour. So why ...; Which pistol caliber for self defense? Four different people come to four ...; Drag racing - National Hot Rod Association; The world's most popular .22: the Marlin Model 60 just keeps on ticking; More »

Moving to the left is right for Wiley

New Jaguars DE Marcellus Wiley was a bust with the Cowboys last year, recording three sacks despite playing every game and starting 15. Wiley says much of his problem stemmed from coach Bill Parcells' moving him from left end to the right side. Wiley, who had 23 1/2 total sacks in 2000 and '01, is back at left end and is competing for the Jaguars' starting job. Wiley has size (6-4, 275) and quickness, but he must unseat Paul Spicer, whose work ethic and familiarity with the system make him the favorite.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

A steal who makes steals

The Jets think rookie CB Justin Miller, a second-round pick, has first-round talent. Miller's stock dropped after he was arrested before the draft, but he has been an interception machine in practice, combining excellent ball awareness and good hand-eye coordination. Miller, who played only three seasons at Clemson, still is raw in some facets of the game. He has the talent to start, but coaches must discover whether he's mentally ready.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

On a lighter note ...

Titans QB Steve McNair reported to training camp weighing roughly 25 pounds less than he did last year. As a result of his offseason work, McNair's footwork is better, and his flexibility also has improved, allowing him to move his hips better. The Titans believe this will make McNair better in and out of the pocket.

Inside the AFC

Sporting News, The, August 19, 2005

Find Research Guides for:

Find Featured Titles for: Business

Most Popular Articles in Sports

Most Popular Publications in Sports