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AFC west

Sporting News, The, Oct 21, 2005

DENVER BRONCOS

Rookie CB Domonique Foxworth's speed is his greatest asset, but he also has absorbed technique hints from CB Champ Bailey quicker than other young players the team has had. Foxworth plays extremely low, which helps him come out of his break explosively. He also doesn't shy away from contact.... The key to WR Rod Smith's continued success is that he sells every route the same. He smoothly accelerates out of his breaks and falls forward for yardage when he catches the ball, His experience and pregeme study habits allow him to read defenses expertly. He can make the acrobatic catch by timing his jumps well. His biggest weakness is that he lacks elite speed and doesn't possess the sheer strength to knock a defensive back off the ball. PROBLEM SPOT." The team has been able to lean on the rushing attack and use the controlled passing game off play-action successfully. But Denver eventually will have to stretch the field, and QB Jake Plummer will have to prove he can go vertical with accuracy after consistently being off-target with deep throws.--Lee Rasizer

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KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Brian Waters, who emerged last season as one of the league's top guards, has uncommon athletic skills for a player his size (6-3,318). He has the ability to get to the perimeter to lead sweeps and screens, and he can get downfield to block linebackers and safeties. Waters has exceptional strength, and when he uses his technique properly, he is an effective run blocker at the point of attack.... The return of John Welbourn from a four-game league suspension will provide some badly needed depth for the offensive line. Welbourn can play both guard and tackle, though the Chiefs believe he is more valuable at guard. PROBLEM SPOT: Despite four new defensive starters, the pass defense continues to be porous. Linebacker is the position that has shown the most dramatic improvement, and rookie OLB Derrick Johnson has tremendous coverage skills. But RE Jared Allen is the only player getting consistent pressure on quarterbacks. The Chiefs acquired DE Carlos Hall to improve the pass rush, but he hasn't been a factor because of injuries and ineffectiveness.--Adam Teicher

OAKLAND RAIDERS

RB LaMont Jordan rushed for 126 yards against the Cowboys after totaling only 148 his first three games. The Raiders think Jordan's slow start can be attributed to a lack of aggressiveness hitting holes, the offensive line's not being in sync and penalties making it difficult for the team to stick with the running game. Jordan has the size, speed and power to be a Pro Bowl-caliber back. The only thing he lacks is experience.... Second-year C Jake Grove (knee) will be out four weeks, but center probably is the position where the Raiders could most afford an injury. That's because they can insert Adam Treu, the starting center last year. Treu isn't as physical as Grove, but he is far more comfortable and experienced at the position than Grove, who played mostly at guard as a rookie. There won't be a drop-off in production as long as Grove is out. PROBLEM SPOT: The team led the league in penalties last season and was the fourth-most penalized team in terms of yards. That problem hasn't gone away. The Raiders have committed 49 penalties for 412 yards through four games. That puts them on pace to shatter NFL records in both categories.--Steve Corkran

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

Antonio Gates has been almost uncoverable, and some of his catches have been difficult to believe, prompting conjecture he is the league's best tight end. Opponents have been unable to jam him and are trying to cover him with comers and safeties, whom Gates (6-4, 260) often can outmuscle and outjump.... LG Kris Dielman, a former defensive lineman with a nasty streak, has injected an attitude into the line since replacing Toniu Fonoti (broken hand). It seemingly will take a major drop-off by Dielman for Fonoti to return to the lineup when he is healthy.... Although it doesn't command much notice, the blocking of the wide receivers, particularly Keenan McCardell and Kassim Osgood, has been a key factor in the success of the offense. PROBLEM SPOT: CB Quentin Jammer is athletic and physical, but he has a problem zeroing in on the ball downfield. Teams have shied away from throwing toward CB Drayton Florence and often are getting the yards they need by attacking Jammer's side. The team probably will stick with Jammer this season, but if he doesn't improve, he could be moved to safety next year.--Kevin Acee

AFC west

Sporting News, The, Oct 21, 2005

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