Inside the AFC

One of the first tasks for new TITANS offensive coordinator Norm Chow is to make the playbook more player-friendly. That should help the younger players. Chow should make a smooth transition from the University of Southern California to the NFL. He is considered a great teacher, and his resume includes work with QBs Steve Young, Carson Palmer and Philip Rivers.... The JETS intend to put the franchise tag on DE John Abraham, which gives them the option of trading him, perhaps for Vikings WR Randy Moss. If the Jets part with Abraham, his replacement will be 2002 first-round pick Bryan Thomas. With Thomas and Shaun Ellis, the Jets would have two run-stopping ends, but neither is a pure edge rusher .... The COLTS' drives stalled too often last season because of short-yardage failures. Part of the blame falls on a line that relied on finesse more than power. Also, the team didn't have a fullback. A powerful lead blocker might enable RB Edgerrin James to be more effective on short-yardage plays.... CHARGERS SS Terrence Kiel has good quickness and is good in run support, but he must improve in pass coverage. He is so aggressive that he bites on play-action fakes, which can hurt the cornerbacks on deep balls.... The BILLS are encouraged by QB J.P. Losman's early arrival for offseason workouts, and all signs point to Losman getting every chance to win the starting job from Drew Bledsoe. Losman missed most of last season (broken leg) and still must get more comfortable in the offense .... The CHIEFS' No. 1 offseason priority is acquiring a shutdown cornerback. If they do, they should move CB William Bartee to safety. Bartee played safety in college and never has appeared comfortable at corner. Bartee would cover a lot of ground and is a sure tackler.... Eric Mangini, who was promoted by the PATRIOTS from secondary coach to defensive coordinator, did tremendous work in 2004, keeping the defensive backfield together after several injuries. Like coach Bill Belichick, Mangini is more of an X's and O's coach than a rah-rah guy.... This is a make-or-break season for C Seth McKinney, a restricted free agent the DOLPHINS likely will sign to a one-year deal. McKinney is athletic and bright but struggled much of last season. He'll be challenged by Rex Hadnot and needs to prove he can be a reliable starter.... The STEELERS must make a decision on OLB Alonzo Jackson, a second-round pick in 2003. He was drafted to be a third-down pass rusher but hasn't shown a consistent ability to do that. Jackson (6-5, 261) either should put on weight and become an end or lose weight, gain quickness and learn how to play the run and drop into coverage.... The BENGALS need a strong safety with the range to cover in the passing game and the hitting ability to improve the run defense. SS Rogers Beckett's future is in doubt after several concussions. Kim Herring provides leadership but is not the long-term answer. If the team doesn't sign a free agent, it will consider Georgia S Thomas Davis in the draft.... TE Billy Miller, a wide receiver in college, didn't fit in the TEXANS' offensive plans last season. The team wanted its tight ends to block well, and blocking isn't one of Miller's strengths. The Texans should find a way to get the ball to Miller (6-3,225). His speed is a problem for linebackers, and his size is a problem for safeties.... Ken Anderson is the JAGUARS' quarterbacks coach again after serving as receivers coach last season. QB Byron Leftwich performed well under Anderson before taking a step back in 2004 under fired coordinator Bill Musgrave. Anderson is a calm, patient teacher and has a good relationship with Leftwich.... The RAIDERS finished last in the league in rushing offense last season, and if they can't land a top-notch running back such as Travis Henry or Shaun Alexander in the free-agent market or in a trade, they'll look for one in the draft. Raiders RB Tyrone Wheatley is too injury-prone to handle the lead role. Amos Zereoue is more of a change-of-pace back. Justin Fargas remains an enigma.... The RAVENS hope new defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, formerly the team's defensive line coach, can motivate CB Chris McAlister to perform better. McAlister's production fell off after he signed a new contract last fall. Ryan has a reputation for being a players coach. Former defensive coordinator Mike Nolan couldn't reach McAlister.

CORRESPONDENTS: Baltimore, Mike Preston; Buffalo, Allen Wilson; Cincinnati, Chick Ludwig; Cleveland, Steve Doerschuk; Denver, Patrick Saunders; Houston, Carlton Thompson; Indianapolis, Mike Chappell; Jacksonville, Bart Hubbuch; Kansas City, Adam Teicher; Miami, Jason Cole; New England, Michael Felger; New York, Rich Cimini; Oakland, Steve Corkran; Pittsburgh, Gerry Dulac; San Diego, Jim Trotter; Tennessee, Jim Wyatt.

On the verge of stardom

The Broncos' Jeb Putzier could take a place among the league's elite tight ends under new position coach Tim Brewster, who helped TE Antonio Gates blossom with the Chargers. Putzier finished 2004 with 36 receptions for 572 yards. Although he seems to lumber, Putzier is deceptively fast and has terrific hands. His blocking has improved considerably since his 2002 rookie season.