AFC

Sporting News, The, Jan 31, 2000

Baltimore

BIG TURNAROUND: If the team re-signs DT Larry Webster, 30, it would be a big boost inside the locker room. Webster, who previously failed two substance abuse tests, had his best season last year. He is one of the unsung heroes on the Ravens' No. 2-ranked defense. His main job was to occupy blockers and keep them off of MLB Ray Lewis, who led the team in tackles with 198. The big-name tackles on the free-agent market are Seattle's Sam Adams, Green Bay's Gilbert Brown and San Diego's Norman Hand. Webster recently got a strong endorsement from Lewis about the club re-signing him-and that means a lot.... At least two starters plan to take a hard look at the free-agent market. RB Errict Rhett can be spared, since he split the starting role with Priest Holmes last season. CB DeRon Jenkins has shown steady improvement during his four seasons with the club. Despite being seventh on the team in tackles with 66, Jenkins didn't have an interception.

COUNT 'EM, THREE QBS: While coach Brian Billick has identified Tony Banks and Stoney Case, both free agents, as the two quarterbacks they would like to re-sign, Scott Mitchell still is in the mix. Mitchell played poorly--in a new offense under a new coach with all new receivers--and showed no mobility in six quarters before he was benched. Mitchell, though, will be looked on as a last resort for the Ravens.... Billick has said he would like to keep his offensive line intact for next season but he may change his mind after reviewing game film. The Ravens allowed 56 sacks, 15 more than a year ago when the organization started pointing fingers at G/C Wally Williams and T Orlando Brown. The Ravens were right in not re-signing both players. It's clear the team needs an upgrade at right tackle and left guard even though Harry Swayne will return at right tackle after missing the second half of the season with a foot injury. --Mike Preston

Buffalo

COACHING HIRE: Coach Wade Phillips began retooling his coaching staff by hiring Ronnie Jones to take over the special teams, replacing the deposed Bruce DeHaven. Jones has 20 years of coaching experience, including nine in the NFL. He has never coached special teams, though, which makes this hiring a bit dubious.... Veteran WR Andre Reed, who almost certainly will be released, can't seem to make up his mind on what he really wants. After the loss to Tennessee, he said he would love to come back to Buffalo, but then on his web site, he said, "There is no way I can be part of that situation. I would hope the G.M. (John Butler) would give me the chance to get a job somewhere else." If Butler is wise, he will do just that. Reed's days are done in Buffalo; he's too much of a negative influence. One place he could wind up is in Indianapolis, reunited with his old boss, Bill Polian.

KICKING COMPETITION: The team signed K Dan Giancola a week after its devastating loss to Tennessee. Maybe if the team had placed G Joe Panos on injured reserve earlier in the season--he had no chance to play after neck fusion surgery--there would have been a roster spot open to bring in Giancola after the Canadian Football League season ended in November Giancola has a strong leg and could have served as a kickoff specialist. How valuable might he have been in that Titans game? Giancola signed a two-year deal for the NFL minimum salary, and if he kicks impressively in training camp, he could unseat Steve Christie, the team's an-time leading scorer Christie did not have a great season--his leg has weakened, and he rarely gets the ban to the goal line on kickoffs. He also will count almost $1 million under the salary cap. If Christie is not released to provide cap space before the February 11 deadline, he will have to work hard in camp to keep his job. Giancola made 48-of-61 field-goal attempts for the Toronto Argonauts last season. --Sal Maiorana

Cincinnati

TRADE DOWN: With glaring needs on both lines, in the secondary and at No. 3 receiver, the Bengals will give strong consideration to trading down from the fourth pick in the draft to accumulate more selections. Dealing the No. 4 pick to the Redskins for the 12th and 24th choices makes the most sense even though a move out of the top 10 puts them dangerously close to missing out on OTs Chris Samuels (Alabama) and Chris McIntosh (Wisconsin).... If QB Jeff Blake is given the freedom to bolt, look for the Bengals to make a strong bid to acquire Bobby Hoying or Eric Zeier as a veteran backup to Akili Smith.... Making sure their quarterback is well-protected is a key offseason priority and that's why the team wants free agent LT Rod Jones back so badly. Mike Goff will get some consideration if Jones leaves. Goff, a natural guard who hadn't played tackle since his freshman year at Iowa, held Jaguars Pro Bowl DE Tony Brackens to one tackle (no sacks) in the regular-season finale in place of Jones, who had a slight cartilage tear in his right knee.

ALMOST GONE: The team wants to keep its core unit together and that goes for the coaching staff as well. That's why G.M. Mike Brown refused linebackers coach Mark Duffner permission to interview with the Packers for the same job. Keeping Duffner is vital for the development of fast-improving young LBs Takeo Spikes and Brian Simmons.... K Doug Pelfrey had the worst season of his career (18 of 27 FGs with misses from 20 and 25 yards) mainly because of the never-ending revolving door of long snappers and holders. Giving him reliable support should restore his confidence.... Veteran SS Myron Bell cleared out his locker, a sign that he likely won't be back. The commitment to move FS Cory Hall to strong safety is real, and Pro Bowl kickoff returner Tremain Mack will be given every opportunity to win the free safety job. --Chick Ludwig