AFC

Sporting News, The, Feb 18, 2002

OAKLAND RAIDERS: Backup QB Bobby Hoying's surgically repaired right (throwing) elbow is healing fine and not expected to prevent him from missing much offseason practice time. If Hoying returns to full strength, then veteran QB Rodney Peete, an unrestricted free agent, probably won't be re-signed. Hoying still isn't guaranteed a roster spot because QB Marques Tuiasosopo, a second-round pick in 2001, has matured quickly. The backup quarterback spot is particularly important because veteran Rich Gannon is 36 and can't be counted on to play at a Pro Bowl level forever.... The team faces the prospect of starting outside linebackers with little experience unless it finds a way to keep veteran OLB Elijah Alexander or sign a free agent. Alexander is available in the expansion draft, and OLB William Thomas retired after the season. That leaves OLBs Eric Barton and Travian Smith penciled in as starters. Both are talented enough to start--they are fast, sure tacklers and reliable in pass coverage--but sometimes they don't play within the context of the scheme. Count on the team bringing in at least one veteran as an insurance policy. --Steve Corkran

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS: It's a sure bet that new coordinator Dale Lindsey wants his defense to include DT John Parrella. A nine-year veteran who has started 89 straight games, Parrella is strong and active and one of the best run-stopping linemen in the league. Parrella works well with DT Jamal Williams. The line needs run stoppers in the middle because DEs Marcellus Wiley and Raylee Johnson are pass-rushing specialists who can leave the middle vulnerable to the run or quarterback scrambles.... The club has opened talks with PR/WR Tim Dwight, who is an unrestricted free agent. He wants a chance to be a starter, and the Chargers say he will get that chance if he re-signs. Dwight, who is extremely fast and tough, was the No. 3 receiver last year. Losing him would be a setback for the team.... The team is believed to be around $9 million under the salary cap, although the figure doesn't include all incentives and bonuses. The biggest offseason priority is the offensive line. G.M. John Butler also could be looking for a go-to receiver to complement Curtis Conway. And another cover cornerback wouldn't hurt. The players whose contracts could be restructured include SS Rodney Harrison and QB Doug Flutie--if he stays on. --Nick Canepa