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COPYRIGHT 2001 Sporting News Publishing Co.
Baltimore
EGO CHECK: Coach Brian Billick wasn't happy that TE Shannon Sharpe, S Rod Woodson and LB Ray Lewis missed the first day of non-mandatory passing camp last week. Woodson and Lewis showed up a day late, then Lewis missed two more days with a foot injury. Sharpe never showed at all. Billick's top priority will be building a passing offense that can take some pressure off the league's best defense, but he'll also have to contend with some egos on the defending Super Bowl champions.... The team blinked and re-signed FB Sam Gash, who was on the verge of signing with the Titans, to a new, three-year deal averaging $900,000 per season. Gash was the primary blocking back for the fifth-best rushing offense in the league last year. His absence would have left the team without a proven fullback on the roster.
OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS ANALYSIS: Peter Boulware, who plays on the strong side, didn't have major shoulder surgery in the offseason for the first time in two years. He basically played with one arm the past two years, but he has had a strong offseason. He added about 15-20 pounds because he now can lift weights. The team re-signed weakside LB Jamie Sharper in the offseason, and he'll continue to make big plays because he runs so well. In the last two seasons, Sharper has progressed just as much in playing against the pass as the run. The team has a capable backup on both sides in Cornell Brown. Brown always has been tough against the run, and he played well last season filling in at times for the injured Boulware. --Mike Preston
Cincinnati
WELCOME HOME: The Bengals wanted a veteran cornerback to provide leadership and competition for second-year CBs Robert Bean and Mark Roman. Their search led to Carlton Gray, a Cincinnati native who has played for the Seahawks, Colts, Giants and Chiefs since 1993. Gray's size (6-0, 202) is a plus, and so is his experience (102 games, 62 starts). But those qualities won't be enough to land him a starting job. He has to prove he has the speed, toughness and ability to play the ball in the air.... The team has high hopes for rookie T.J. Houshmandzadeh. With fine speed and hands, he is showing signs of becoming the fourth or fifth receiver and is solidly in the mix with Tremain Mack and Peter Warrick as a kick-return specialist.
OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS ANALYSIS: Veterans Takeo Spikes and Steve Foley have the knowledge, experience and ability to take the defense to a higher level. Spikes, who deserved a Pro Bowl berth in 2000, has been an impact player since he was drafted with MLB Brian Simmons in the first round in 1998. He will overpursue at times, but he makes up for any mistakes with great quickness and desire. The concentration on Spikes allows Simmons and Foley to make more plays. Look for new coordinator Mark Duffner to unleash Foley as...
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