Inside the AFC

STEELERS SS Troy Polamalu, who made the Pro Bowl in his first year as a starter, could be even more effective this season. Polamalu runs like a cornerback and hits like a linebacker, allowing coordinator Dick LeBeau to use him all over the field. Polamalu had one sack in 2004, but he will play closer to the line in some sets this season, giving him more freedom to blitz.

... The CHIEFS' offense had a disjointed preseason in part because of the unavailability of the quarterbacks. As a result, it might have trouble keeping pace with its production of the past few seasons. At the least, the offense could struggle out of the gate, which is a problem considering the Chiefs face several teams with high-scoring potential (Raiders, Broncos, Eagles) in the first month. Blockage in an artery kept Trent Green out of the final preseason game, and he could be rusty in the opener. ... Kenny wright was a journeyman backup before signing with the JAGUARS in the offseason, but he played well enough in the preseason to win the right cornerback job. Wright has sound technique, veteran savvy and good closing speed. He rarely got caught out of position during training camp. ... Sage Rosenfels claimed the DOLPHINS' No. 2 quarterback job in the final preseason game, leapfrogging A.J. Feeley on the depth chart. Feeley made two terrible decisions in the game, sealing the coaches' lack of confidence in him. Rosenfels continues to show poise, accuracy and competitiveness. If starter Gus Frerotte is inconsistent, Rosenfels could get a shot. ... TEXANS QB David Carr must step up his play after finishing the preseason with two poor outings. He still isn't completely comfortable in the new offense, which calls for shorter drops and quicker routes. Carr is getting rid of the ball quicker to avoid sacks, but the result has been more interceptions. ... TITANS RB Travis Henry (toe) didn't get a chance to establish himself in the preseason, so he likely will be rusty for the opener at Pittsburgh. Henry and RB Chris Brown should give the team a solid 1-2 punch, with Henry doing most of his work between the tackles. Henry could turn into the team's short-yardage back. ... Because of JETS RE John Abraham's lengthy holdout during camp, Bryan Thomas is expected to start in the opener. Thomas is stout against the run and might be stronger at the point of attack than Abraham, who is far superior as a pass rusher. To save wear on Abraham, the team might use him in a specialized role, letting Thomas play on first and second down. ... Lots of teams erred in not drafting RAIDERS PR/KR Chris Carr. He catches the ball well, is decisive, runs hard and has the potential to shift momentum to his team. He has made the Raiders forget about departed CB/PR Phillip Buchanon and turned a problem area into a strength. ... The release of versatile Ross Tucker left the BILLS without any experienced depth along the offensive line. The backup linemen are two rookies (C/G Duke Preston and G Justin Geisinger), a converted tight end (T Jason Peters) and a player (T Greg Jerman) who has started just one game in three seasons. They all have good strength and technical skills, but experience is a big factor in offensive line play because of the variety of stunts and blitzes linemen face. ... The RAVENS need to tighten their pass defense. During the preseason, receivers were wide open at times-an indication the defensive backs weren't completely familiar with coverage assignments. Blown coverages are particularly dangerous in new coordinator Rex Ryan's defense because it calls for lots of blitzing, leaving cornerbacks and safeties in one-on-one situations. ... Rookie NT Mike Wright, an undrafted player, was the PATRIOTS' Cinderella story of the preseason. At 295 pounds, Wright is a tad undersized, but if he bulks up, he could be the backup nose tackle of the future. He's quick and a playmaker, and he was dominant at times during the preseason. ... Orlando Ruff's coverage skills are weak, but the BROWNS signed him to be a big, physical run defender at inside linebacker. Andra Davis and Ben Taylor will join Ruff in a three-man rotation at the two inside spots in the 3-4. Ruff and Davis form the most formidable run-stopping duo. Taylor is the best in coverage. ... Darius Watts won the BRONCOS' third receiver job behind Ashley Lelie and Rod Smith. When Watts produced two touchdown catches in the final preaseason game, he alleviated concerns about his hands and confidence. Watts must become consistent to hold off Charlie Adams, who's less explosive off the line but has more reliable hands..., in addition to being the kick and punt returner, CHARGERS rookie RB Darren Sproles could have a significant role in the offense as a receiver out of the backfield. In the preseason, he led the team in receptions and receiving yards. He also has improved as a returner, exhibiting the electrifying moves in games that he flashed in practice. Considering his size, Sproles (5-6, 187) was remarkably resilient when running inside. ... The development of BENGALS rookie WRs Chris Henry and Tab Perry, coupled with Kelley Washington's steady progress, led to Peter Warrick's release. TJ. Houshmandzadeh blossomed during Warrick's absence in 2004, and he should only get better this season. Because Pro Bowl WR Chad Johnson requires consistent double coverage, Houshmandzadeh should get a lot of opportunities in the middle of the field. ... The COLTS bolstered their linebackers unit by acquiring Rocky Calmus from Tennessee. Calmus will challenge for the starting middle linebacker spot. Gary Brackett, an athletic player who is comfortable dropping into coverage, held the No. 1 spot during the preseason, with veteran Rob Morris as the backup. Calmus has good speed and should help in both running and passing situations.