EAST DIVISION
Buffalo Bills
Defensive tackle John McCargo's progress is hindered by a second surgery on his broken left foot. He had surgery on Oct. 9 and a clean-up procedure in February. The team hopes McCargo will be ready by training camp but faces uncertainty at an crucial position. The team needs McCargo's talent to improve last season's 28th-ranked run defense. If healthy, he will line up at nose tackle, where he could rotate with second-year man Kyle Williams and perhaps Tim Anderson. With McCargo, the nose tackle spot looks decent, but his absence would weaken a vital area. McCargo is working on his upper body. He's noticeably thicker in the shoulders and chest. He needed the extra strength and bulk to be more of a force against the run.
Miami Dolphins
Ronnie Brown is being asked the same questions he faced a year ago: Can he handle the bulk of the carries without a partner like Ricky Williams in the backfield? He handled the doubt last season with his best numbers as a two-year pro, 1,008 yards on 241 carries. But Brown has yet to become the elite back some expect. He must work extra hard to develop durability and explosiveness, since he came to camp more than 10 pounds over his playing weight. Brown already has the measurables to be an effective and bruising back. He is fast and powerful, quick and controlling. But he must show he has the work ethic to fill expectations.
New England Patriots
By re-signing Junior Seau, the team addressed its linebacker depth shortage. Seau, 38, returns for his 18th season after a gruesome broken arm ended last season following 11 productive games. With Adalius Thomas on hand, coaches should be able to limit Seau to first and second downs, cut his reps and keeping him fresh. Seau remains a playmaker. For an early stretch, he was the team's best linebacker, particularly against the running game. He also shook off concerns that he'd be too undisciplined to play in the team's system, making the correct reads off his defensive linemen and filling the proper gaps because of his superb instincts. If coaches can keep his snaps down, Seau should be able to provide bursts of energy in the linebacker rotation.
New York Jets
Tight end Chris Baker hopes to become a bigger part of the passing game. He did well last season in limited opportunities and deserves a chance to have an expanded role. He's the only tight end on the roster with pass-catching ability, so it makes sense to get him involved. If coaches can establish him as an over-the-middle threat, it would loosen the coverage on wide receivers Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery.
NORTH DIVISION
Baltimore Ravens
Despite promoting Rick Neuheisel to offensive coordinator, coach Brian Billick will run the offense and call plays. Billick took over those responsibilities early last season after he fired Jim Fassel. The offense improved to 17th in the league. Billick said his role as play caller got him more involved and kept him closer to the team. Despite the improvements, the offensive struggled late in the season and failed to score a touchdown in the playoffs against Indianapolis despite having two weeks to prepare, and playing at home.
Cincinnati Bengals
Rookie running back Kenny Irons is just what the offense needs to become more dangerous and explosive. He's quick, fast and physical and an ideal complement to bruising starter Rudi Johnson. While Johnson serves as the chain-moving sledgehammer, Irons brings excitement to the lineup with his speed, making him a downfield threat. He is a tough inside runner with good balance and vision, breaking arm tackles and making defenders miss with sharp cuts. Plus, he has the quickness and burst to get outside and break away. Irons is a perfect check-down receiver out of the backfield for quarterback Carson Palmer when receivers are covered, But like most rookies, Irons must prove he can be effective in pass protection. Look for Irons and Johnson to rotate series, which will extend Johnson's career. Johnson has taken a pounding over the years.
Cleveland Browns
Despite major investments in offensive linemen, results are inconclusive. Center LeCharles Bentley could lose another season to injury, and Kevin Shaffer isn't a lock to start. No. 3 overall pick Joe Thomas likely will replace Shaffer at left tackle, which could make Shaffer a candidate for right guard, but he has no experience. Shaffer is good enough to start somewhere, but if he doesn't, he'll contribute to the team's best line depth in many years. If Shaffer doesn't resurface in long-term plans, he's too expensive to keep beyond 2007.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Why hasn't the team come to terms with guard Alan Faneca? Because it also wants to re-sign strong safety Troy Polamalu, who is the key to their defense. Faneca, a six-time Pro Bowler, is the offensive priority, but extending Polamalu's contract is their top priority. Polamalu, who has a year left on his five-year contract, might be the NFL's most disruptive defensive player. The team wants to get Polamalu's deal done because it will try to extend the quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's deal before the 2008 season, even though Roethlisberger will have two more years left on his contract.
SOUTH DIVISION
Houston Texans
Questions are growing around the health of Jerome Mathis, who missed recent workouts. Hamstring problems plagued him his first two seasons, and Mathis is at risk of losing his job if he cannot stay on the field. Mathis appears more maturity, letting his actions speak for him. He's motivated and knows his job is on the line. If healthy he's a viable No. 3 or 4 receiving option. His speed makes him dangerous with the ball and a great decoy without it. He also can change the course of a game with his kick returns.
Indianapolis Colts
Wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez participated in the third of 14 voluntary summer school sessions, which was a pleasant surprise. It was the first time he worked with quarterback Peyton Manning. Gonzalez couldn't participate in mandatory minicamp because of a personal scheduling conflict. He also was expected to miss more time because of academic obligations at Ohio State. He reported after moving up the dates for his finals. No one questions his skills or ability to grasp the playbook, but new players must be exposed to numerous checks and adjustments during practice to better execute during games. With three weeks of summer school under his belt, Gonzalez should be able to settle in as slot receiver when training camp opens.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Chris Naeole isn't happy with his contract, but it's unclear whether his discontent will spill over into training camp. Naeole skipped the team's voluntary offseason program, but attended mandatory minicamps to avoid paying a fine. He will be paid $1.8 million in base salary next season, but guard salaries have increased since he signed his contract. Naeole is perhaps the team's most steady lineman, but management probably wont give him a new deal because it likes sixth-year player Dennis Norman. Norman can play every offensive line position and has superior intelligence. Management overpaid for right tackle Tony Pashos during free agency and signed left guard Vince Manuwai to a $20 million extension.
Tennessee Titans
Coaches hope less weight and fewer snaps will benefit defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch. Vanden Bosch played last season at 275 pounds, but would like to be closer to 265 pounds. He believes he will be faster and more explosive. Coaches also hope to cut back on Vanden Bosch's playing time. Vanden Bosch rarely came off the field last season, which might be why he had half the sacks he did in 2005. Fewer snaps means he should be fresher at game's end.
Buffalo Bills
Defensive tackle John McCargo's progress is hindered by a second surgery on his broken left foot. He had surgery on Oct. 9 and a clean-up procedure in February. The team hopes McCargo will be ready by training camp but faces uncertainty at an crucial position. The team needs McCargo's talent to improve last season's 28th-ranked run defense. If healthy, he will line up at nose tackle, where he could rotate with second-year man Kyle Williams and perhaps Tim Anderson. With McCargo, the nose tackle spot looks decent, but his absence would weaken a vital area. McCargo is working on his upper body. He's noticeably thicker in the shoulders and chest. He needed the extra strength and bulk to be more of a force against the run.
Miami Dolphins
Ronnie Brown is being asked the same questions he faced a year ago: Can he handle the bulk of the carries without a partner like Ricky Williams in the backfield? He handled the doubt last season with his best numbers as a two-year pro, 1,008 yards on 241 carries. But Brown has yet to become the elite back some expect. He must work extra hard to develop durability and explosiveness, since he came to camp more than 10 pounds over his playing weight. Brown already has the measurables to be an effective and bruising back. He is fast and powerful, quick and controlling. But he must show he has the work ethic to fill expectations.
New England Patriots
By re-signing Junior Seau, the team addressed its linebacker depth shortage. Seau, 38, returns for his 18th season after a gruesome broken arm ended last season following 11 productive games. With Adalius Thomas on hand, coaches should be able to limit Seau to first and second downs, cut his reps and keeping him fresh. Seau remains a playmaker. For an early stretch, he was the team's best linebacker, particularly against the running game. He also shook off concerns that he'd be too undisciplined to play in the team's system, making the correct reads off his defensive linemen and filling the proper gaps because of his superb instincts. If coaches can keep his snaps down, Seau should be able to provide bursts of energy in the linebacker rotation.
New York Jets
Tight end Chris Baker hopes to become a bigger part of the passing game. He did well last season in limited opportunities and deserves a chance to have an expanded role. He's the only tight end on the roster with pass-catching ability, so it makes sense to get him involved. If coaches can establish him as an over-the-middle threat, it would loosen the coverage on wide receivers Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery.
NORTH DIVISION
Baltimore Ravens
Despite promoting Rick Neuheisel to offensive coordinator, coach Brian Billick will run the offense and call plays. Billick took over those responsibilities early last season after he fired Jim Fassel. The offense improved to 17th in the league. Billick said his role as play caller got him more involved and kept him closer to the team. Despite the improvements, the offensive struggled late in the season and failed to score a touchdown in the playoffs against Indianapolis despite having two weeks to prepare, and playing at home.
Cincinnati Bengals
Rookie running back Kenny Irons is just what the offense needs to become more dangerous and explosive. He's quick, fast and physical and an ideal complement to bruising starter Rudi Johnson. While Johnson serves as the chain-moving sledgehammer, Irons brings excitement to the lineup with his speed, making him a downfield threat. He is a tough inside runner with good balance and vision, breaking arm tackles and making defenders miss with sharp cuts. Plus, he has the quickness and burst to get outside and break away. Irons is a perfect check-down receiver out of the backfield for quarterback Carson Palmer when receivers are covered, But like most rookies, Irons must prove he can be effective in pass protection. Look for Irons and Johnson to rotate series, which will extend Johnson's career. Johnson has taken a pounding over the years.
Cleveland Browns
Despite major investments in offensive linemen, results are inconclusive. Center LeCharles Bentley could lose another season to injury, and Kevin Shaffer isn't a lock to start. No. 3 overall pick Joe Thomas likely will replace Shaffer at left tackle, which could make Shaffer a candidate for right guard, but he has no experience. Shaffer is good enough to start somewhere, but if he doesn't, he'll contribute to the team's best line depth in many years. If Shaffer doesn't resurface in long-term plans, he's too expensive to keep beyond 2007.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Why hasn't the team come to terms with guard Alan Faneca? Because it also wants to re-sign strong safety Troy Polamalu, who is the key to their defense. Faneca, a six-time Pro Bowler, is the offensive priority, but extending Polamalu's contract is their top priority. Polamalu, who has a year left on his five-year contract, might be the NFL's most disruptive defensive player. The team wants to get Polamalu's deal done because it will try to extend the quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's deal before the 2008 season, even though Roethlisberger will have two more years left on his contract.
SOUTH DIVISION
Houston Texans
Questions are growing around the health of Jerome Mathis, who missed recent workouts. Hamstring problems plagued him his first two seasons, and Mathis is at risk of losing his job if he cannot stay on the field. Mathis appears more maturity, letting his actions speak for him. He's motivated and knows his job is on the line. If healthy he's a viable No. 3 or 4 receiving option. His speed makes him dangerous with the ball and a great decoy without it. He also can change the course of a game with his kick returns.
Indianapolis Colts
Wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez participated in the third of 14 voluntary summer school sessions, which was a pleasant surprise. It was the first time he worked with quarterback Peyton Manning. Gonzalez couldn't participate in mandatory minicamp because of a personal scheduling conflict. He also was expected to miss more time because of academic obligations at Ohio State. He reported after moving up the dates for his finals. No one questions his skills or ability to grasp the playbook, but new players must be exposed to numerous checks and adjustments during practice to better execute during games. With three weeks of summer school under his belt, Gonzalez should be able to settle in as slot receiver when training camp opens.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Chris Naeole isn't happy with his contract, but it's unclear whether his discontent will spill over into training camp. Naeole skipped the team's voluntary offseason program, but attended mandatory minicamps to avoid paying a fine. He will be paid $1.8 million in base salary next season, but guard salaries have increased since he signed his contract. Naeole is perhaps the team's most steady lineman, but management probably wont give him a new deal because it likes sixth-year player Dennis Norman. Norman can play every offensive line position and has superior intelligence. Management overpaid for right tackle Tony Pashos during free agency and signed left guard Vince Manuwai to a $20 million extension.
Tennessee Titans
Coaches hope less weight and fewer snaps will benefit defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch. Vanden Bosch played last season at 275 pounds, but would like to be closer to 265 pounds. He believes he will be faster and more explosive. Coaches also hope to cut back on Vanden Bosch's playing time. Vanden Bosch rarely came off the field last season, which might be why he had half the sacks he did in 2005. Fewer snaps means he should be fresher at game's end.
