AFC reports

Sporting News, The, August 23, 2004

BALTIMORE RAVENS Incumbent Bennie Anderson and Casey Rabach are having an intense battle at right guard. Rabach (6-4, 30 l) is smaller and faster and can make blocks at the second level, but he will have a hard time winning the job. Anderson (6-5, 345), who has tremendous power at the point of attack, better fits the team's power running style.... The team likes rookie WR Clarence Moore's size (6-5, 211) and speed. Moore, who jumps well and is easy to locate in the red zone, could become a contributor once he learns how to run better routes.... Undrafted rookie WR Kareem Kelly has impressive hands and an outside chance to be the No. 3 receiver. Because of his athleticism, Kelly also could make the roster on special teams.... Rookie Derek Abney will get plenty of chances to replace Lamont Brightful as the punt returner. Abney is less explosive than Brightful, but he is more sure-handed. SCOUTING REPORT: Chester Taylor has been a third-down back the past two seasons, but he will have a bigger role this year because of starter Jamal Lewis' legal problems. Taylor is more of a slasher than Lewis and has more patience. As a receiver, he runs good routes and has good hand. Taylor's biggest weakness is that he seems to get tired late in the season, which has led to some fumbles.--Mike Preston

BUFFALO BILLS The offensive line remains unsettled. RT Mike Williams, still trying to regain his starting job, is out indefinitely after suffering a strained arch in his right foot last week, and RG Chris Villarrial missed time with a sore groin. The team says it isn't concerned the projected starters haven't worked together much in camp, but the unit isn't where it needs to be. ... RB Willis McGahee still runs tentatively at times and hasn't showed the burst he had before suffering a serious knee injury in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl. But he seems to be gaining confidence and strength with every touch.... Rookie DT Tim Anderson plays with tremendous effort. He gets good leverage and has adequate strength at the point of attack. He also is quick enough to gain penetration. Anderson lacks ideal size to be a dominant run stuffer and needs to work on shedding blocks, but the team believes he can be a starter in the future. TRAINING CAMP BATTLE: Izell Reese is holding off Coy Wire at free safety. Reese has good range and gets in position to make plays. He doesn't make a lot of big hits, but he rarely blows an assignment. Wire is moving from strong safety, so he is adjusting to playing farther from the line. But his physical ability intrigues the team, and he's starting to improve in coverage.--Allen Wilson

CINCINNATI BENGALS Recently re-signed DT Glen Steele adds depth and experience. He'll be part of a rotation with starters John Thornton and Tony Williams. Steele isn't flashy but is fundamentally sound. He puts forth great effort and stays in his gap. He's active and disruptive, shows good anticipation and quickness off the ball, reads his keys well and uses his strong hands to get leverage. But he lacks closing speed as a pass rusher and needs to be rested because he wears down if he plays too many snaps in a row.... Rookie RB Chris Perry quickly got up to speed after ending his holdout. He's quick and elusive, catches the ball well and is a willing blocker. Once he sharpens his timing, he'll be the ideal complement to starter Rudi Johnson.... LCB Deltha O'Neal has regained his confidence and is one of the most pleasant surprises in camp. His gambling style got him run out of Denver, but improved technique has made all the difference. ROOKIE REPORT: OT Stacy Andrews, a fourth-round pick, has all the makings of a draft-day steal because of his rapid improvement. At 6-6, 346, he is an intimidating presence. He also is a physical blocker who is adjusting to the various line calls and learning the fundamentals of pass protection. Andrews is being groomed as the top backup to RT Willie Anderson.--Chick Ludwig

CLEVELAND BROWNS The Browns' linebackers say what they have learned about rookie TE Kellen Winslow will quickly become apparent to opponents. He runs routes with the precision of a veteran wide receiver, and although he's no faster than the speedier linebackers, he makes his breaks well. The team foresees Winslow as a go-to guy by the opener against Baltimore. Winslow has rubbed some teammates the wrong way with his ego but has offset that by showing them a zeal for blocking.... Free-agent pickup Warrick Holdman and Kevin Bentley should take a battle for the weakside linebacker job into late August. Bentley says Holdman is a better run defender. But Bentley is as fast as some backs--certainly faster than Holdman--giving him an edge as a cover man. Given the Browns' past problems against the run, the better run defender has the edge. PROBLEM SPOT: The team is comfortable with every starting offensive position except left guard. The coaches think Enoch DeMar, the front-runner, is agile enough to develop at left tackle; he shows a quick outside step against speed rushers. But DeMar thinks he is better at guard, having played there for part of his college career. DeMar's maturity and toughness could help him become the starter. Paul Zukauskas is mature but can't match Demar's athletic ability. Converted DT Chad Beasley, who was the No. 1 guard at the start of camp, seems to be a better fit on defense.--Steve Doerschuk