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Inside the AFC

Sporting News, The, Feb 4, 2005

BROWNS G Kelvin Garmon, who is recovering from a knee injury, says he wants to come back lighter than the 350 pounds he carried in 2004. He also needs to improve his technique and quickness as a pass blocker. Garmon, 28 and in his prime, is worth keeping.... BILLS rookie RB Shaud Williams was impressive stepping in as backup to Willis McGahee when Travis Henry (ankle) went down.

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With Henry seeking a trade, Williams could become the team's No. 2 back. He has excellent quickness and vision. Williams (5-7, 193) doesn't have great size, so durability is an issue.... The CHIEFS face the annual question about whether to invest a draft pick in a developmental quarterback. Trent Green had another solid season and showed no signs of slowing down, but he will turn 35 in July. Backup Todd Collins is heading into the final year of his contract and might choose to depart after next season.... The hiring of coordinator Jim Fassel, the RAVENS' offensive consultant a year ago, gives the team continuity. Fassel's top job is to make the offense more balanced, including a passing attack with more intermediate and long-range plays. Don't expect many changes on defense in the wake of line coach Rex Ryan's promotion to coordinator. But the Ravens will use multiple fronts more often than in 2004, when they stayed primarily in the 3-4 alignment, and blitz more.... DOLPHINS coach Nick Saban snagged his top candidate for offensive coordinator: former Vikings coordinator Scott Linehan. Linehan loves to use two-tight end, one-back sets, which could spell the end for FB Rob Konrad, unless he can adapt to more of an H-back role.... STEELERS RG Kendall Simmons has the potential to be a Pro Bowl pick but has been bothered by health problems, including diabetes and a knee injury that forced him to miss the season. Simmons has better feet than his 2004 replacement, Keydrick Vincent, and has a good punch at the line of scrimmage.... If the COLTS make an adjustment on offense, it probably will be in the running game. They could add a true fullback, such as Tom Lopienski (6-0,246), who spent much of the season on the practice squad. James Mungro (5-9, 214) handled that role in short-yardage situations in '04 and didn't shy away from leading RB Edgerrin James into a hole, but it's asking too much for him to regularly take on linebackers and ends.... RAIDERS RT Langston Walker (6-8,345) lost his job to rookie Robert Gallery this season, but Walker has such great size and strength that coach Norv Turner wants to work him back into the lineup at tackle or guard. LT Barry Sims could be released to allow Gallery to take over at his natural position, free up cap room and allow Walker to reclaim his old job.... The promotion of Chuck Bresnahan to coordinator was a good move by BENGALS coach Marvin Lewis because he and Bresnahan share an attacking philosophy. Changes in the scheme will be subtle, but expect a smart, energetic defense that reflects the intensity of Bresnahan, a former coordinator with the Raiders.... Because of JAGUARS RB Fred Taylor's recent knee surgery, the team could sign a veteran running back or draft one as insurance. Backup RB Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala is an unrestricted free agent and likely won't return. If he leaves and Taylor isn't ready by training camp, the team will be left with young, green RBs LaBrandon Toefield and Greg Jones.... The PATRIOTS were expecting big things from rookie TE Ben Watson, but an early-season knee injury knocked him out for the season. That put more blocking responsibilities on TE Daniel Graham. With Watson back next year, those duties will be spread more evenly, and both Graham and Watson should be factors downfield in the passing game.... The BRONCOS need a quality corner to take the heat off Champ Bailey. They had hoped Lenny Walls would be that player, but injuries wiped out his season. The raw Walls has great potential, but his cover skills need development. As it stands now, Walls will be starting almost from scratch.... ILB Randall Godfrey is expected to return in 2005, but the CHARGERS would like to get a few more reps for second-year player Stephen Cooper, who showed promise in spot duty this season. Cooper (6-1,235) doesn't have great size, but he's smart, physical and usually is around the ball. He could be a solid contributor.... TEXANS rookie CB Dunta Robinson's instincts are rare for a player with so little experience, but what impresses the team more is his ability to handle so much responsibility. In addition to starting, Robinson learned the nickel position, a role in which he flourished because of his physical play.... By the end of the season, TITANS WR Drew Bennett had proved he's capable of being a solid No. 2 receiver. But he'll need to step up even more in 2005 if the team releases pricey veteran Derrick Mason. After Bennett and WR Tyrone Calico (knee), the team lacks receiving talent. The Titans will look for receivers in the draft.... The JETS made a terrific move by hiring former Titans offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger as their coordinator. Heimerdinger likes to use a vertical passing attack but believes in maintaining balance with the running game. He'll make adjustments for QB Chad Pennington, who doesn't have the arm or mobility of Heimerdinger's star pupil, Steve McNair.

Inside the AFC

Sporting News, The, Feb 4, 2005

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