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AFC north

Sporting News, The, Sept 23, 2005

BALTIMORE RAVENS

Look for RB Jamal Lewis to carry the ball only about 15 to 18 times a game during the first four games. Lewis' legs aren't in game condition yet, and the Ravens would like to increase his load gradually. No. 2 RB Chester Taylor will handle the remaining carries. ... The team wanted to restore QB Kyle Boiler's confidence, but he was replaced by No. 2 QB Anthony Wright after hurting his toe in the opener. Wright isn't the long-term answer, but he looks a lot more comfortable in the pocket than the unpredictable Boiler. ... The Ravens need more depth on the defensive line but haven't gotten much out of tackle Dwan Edwards, a 2004 second-round draft pick. YOUTH MOVEMENT: The offensive line could be a problem area. The Ravens drafted rookie OT Adam Terry as a possible replacement for Orlando Brown, but Terry has neither the toughness nor the skills to replace Brown. Tony Pashos, in his third season, will split time with Brown, but he has slow feet and can't match up with most speed rushers. He's more of a stopgap solution than a starter.--Mike Preston

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CINCINNATI BENGALS

QB Carson Palmer is throwing the ball accurately and showing good game management skills, especially with his ability to call audibles. But in his zeal to make big plays, Palmer has a tendency to force passes into small openings because he has so much faith in WRs Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Palmer will become more productive when he becomes more patient. ... LT Levi Jones is an excellent athlete and competitor who plays with a good combination of toughness and aggressiveness. He has quick feet, gets good arm extension and can recover when beaten. But he sometimes has mental lapses and misses delayed blitzes and stunts. Jones also needs to use his hands more consistently and finish blocks better. YOUTH MOVEMENT: Nickel CB Keiwan Ratliff (5-11, 185) is the most improved member of the secondary. He has lost 15 pounds since last year and is much faster, quicker and more explosive. Ratliff has a knack for redirecting receivers, pinning them to the sideline or funneling them inside, where he has help. He is pushing Deltha O'Neal for a starting spot.--Chick Ludwig

CLEVELAND BROWNS

OT Nat Dorsey needs to grow up, develop mute of a mean streak and refine his technique, but the 22-year-old--acquired in a trade with the Vikings for C Melvin Fowler earlier this month-has the tools to become a starter, perhaps as soon as 2006 if LT U. Shelton doesn't return. ... Reuben Droughns lacks the size and speed to be a long-term feature back, but he can be a solid change-of-pace runner. Droughns, 27, is strong and tough, but his upright running style exposes him to big hits. ... A strong September might earn third-year pro Ethan Kelley a platoon with NT Jason Fisk. Kelley, 25, worked with coach Romeo Crennel the past two years in New England and has the build (6-2, 310) and first-step quickness Crennel wants at the position. Kelley's technique is improving, and he is better suited than Fisk to handle a two-gap load. YOUTH MOVEMENT: Rookie Charlie Frye seemed in over his head in spring minicamps but now is showing signs he can be the quarterback of the future--or even the present if Trent Dilfer falters. Frye is athletic enough to avoid the rush and make plays on the run.--Steve Doerschuk

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

RB Willie Parker, who was supposed to be an injury fill-in for Duce Staley and Jerome Bettis, might have earned a starting spot by rushing for 161 yards against the Titans. Parker is the fastest back on the team, and he runs with power, showing an ability to bounce off tacklers and use a stiff arm to break free. ... The offensive line could be even better than it was last season because RG Kendall Simmons is healthy again. He has better feet and is a better run blocker than Keydrick Vincent, last year's starter. Simmons plays low, uses his hands well and ha', a good pop at the point of attack. YOUTH MOVEMENT: Second year RT Max Starks made his first NFI start against the titans. At 68,342, he is the biggest lineman ever to play for the Steelers. He was criticized for being soft in college but has been anything but with the Steelers. He is a strong run blocker and picks up assignments well. He added five pounds of muscle in the offseason, lowering his body fat by about 6 percent.--Gerry Dulac

AFC north

Sporting News, The, Sept 23, 2005

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