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Inside the AFC
Sporting News, The, August 26, 2005
Ty Law, 31, has the ability to be a premier corner for the JETS if his surgically repaired left foot is healed. He isn't the fastest corner, but he's strong and smart and uses his hands to redirect routes. ... CB Stanford Routt, the RAIDERS' second-round pick, has impressed the coaches with his ability to grasp the scheme and has stepped into the nickel back role.
Routt is fast and physical, and his play has helped him jump ahead of first-round pick Fabian Washington. Routt is bigger and stronger than Washington, making him a better matchup in the slot. ... COLTS CB Marlin Jackson, a first-round pick, has been everything the team envisioned. He has good cover skills and has brought to the secondary a much-needed physical presence, something coach Tony Dungy demands. ... BRONCOS DT Michael Myers was the least heralded of the defensive linemen imported from the Browns, but he has consistently played with the first team. Myers can hold the point of attack and keep blockers off Denver's quick, fast linebackers. ... WR Keenan McCardell's body looks more like it belongs to a 20-something than someone his age, 35, and he appears to expend less energy than other CHARGERS receivers--not because he does but because he is smooth and patient and runs clean routes. He catches everything and is a good leader for the team's younger receivers. ... Roscoe Parrish (wrist) is injured, cutting into the BILLS' depth at wide receiver. Parrish was supposed to be an upgrade as the No. 3 receiver behind Eric Moulds and Lee Evans--only four teams had fewer catches by their reserves than the Bills last season--but his absence opens the door for incumbent Josh Reed. Reed has struggled the past two seasons but has booked good in training camp this year. ... BROWNS FB Terrelle Smith's lead blocking helped RB Deuce McAllister break out with the Saints, but Smith was a disappointment last season, his first with the team. He is lighter and quicker and seems to have meshed with new Gs Joe Andruzzi and Cosey Coleman. Even more important, RB Lee Suggs takes full advantage of Smith's blocks. Still, Smith must become a better outlet receiver. ... The CHIEFS don't have to live in fear of an injury to RB Priest Holmes any longer because of the development of Larry Johnson. He has become more physical and improved his receiving ability and is comfortable with his reserve role. Johnson still doesn't wait for holes to develop as well as Holmes, but he is learning to be more patient. ... The TITANS expect big things from DE Antwan Odom, who is 10 pounds heavier than he was last season. The extra size should help him against stronger offensive tackles. Odom, who has solid inside moves, wore down at the end of last season. ... PATRIOTS LB Larry Izzo is a quick, instinctive player, which makes him a natural for special teams play, but his size (5-10,228) prevents him from being a factor against the run. Izzo is a great open-field player, though, and the team would be wise to use him in sub packages because Tedy Bruschi and Roman Phifer, formerly the Patriots' two best coverage linebackers, are no longer in the lineup. ... De DOLPHINS' David Boston could be a major contributor as a No. 3 receiver. He looks quick and fast, two traits he had not shown since coming to the team. But he has been working primarily as a split end, which is Chris Chambers' position, so don't expect Boston to start any time soon. ... RAVENS CB Samari Rolle hasn't made a lot of spectacular plays, but he has been solid. Despite his size (6-0, 175), Rolle plays tough in press coverage and runs well with receivers. He has good closing speed, always is in position to make a play on the ball and rarely is beaten. ... Coordinator Carl Smith was brought in to add some life to the JAGUARS' offense, but the new philosophy hasn't made much of a difference, Players have been slow to learn Smith's scheme, and dropped passes still are a huge problem. RB Fred Taylor (knee) and QB Byron Leftwich (sore arm) have been limited in practice, further slowing the offense's progress. ... BENGALS first-round pick David Pollack's holdout has shaken things up. SLB Landon Johnson has seized Pollack's staking spat, and MLB Odell Thurman and WLB Brian Simmons have settled into their roles. Johnson is the club's most versatile linebacker; he led the team in tackles as a rookie middle linebacker last season and knows all three positions. He has the quickness, speed and range to shut down outside runs, cover backs and tight ends and rush the quarterback. ... LB Alonzo Jackson was asked to put on weight last season to get stronger at the line of scrimmage, but the STEELERS asked him to lose weight this season to be quicker on the outside. He is down to 252 and starting to look like the type of linebacker the team likes in its 3-4 defense. He will get a chance to prove he can succeed in that role in the preseason because Joey Porter is recovering from knee surgery. TEXANS C.C. Brown, a sixth-round pick, isn't just competing for a spot on the roster, he's fighting for the starting strong safety job. His work ethic, intelligence and instincts have impressed coaches, and he is being taught both safety positions.
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