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COPYRIGHT 2001 Sporting News Publishing Co.
Baltimore
HELP FOR THE LINE: The Ravens added some much-needed depth to the offensive line when they signed G Orlando Bobo to a one-year contract worth the league-minimum $477,000. Bobo doesn't have the talent to start for extended periods, but he does well in a short, stopgap situations. The Ravens still need to upgrade the right guard position, where Kipp Vickers is listed as the starter.... The team signed FS Rod Woedson to a five-year contract, but the deal basically is for two seasons. Woodson has played at a Pro Bowl level in the two seasons since moving from corner to safety, but he also will serve as a tutor for second-round pick Gary Baxter, who might be heir apparent at his position.
QUARTERBACKS ANALYSIS: In San Francisco, Elvis Grbac was asked to replace a legend in Steve Young. In Kansas City, he was asked to act as a buffer between a dynamic defense and a underachieving offense. In Baltimore, Grbac is expected to spice up the passing attack, especially the vertical game. He has spent eight years in the West Coast offense and should have no problems catching on quickly with the Ravens. Second-year player Chris Rodman didn't get much playing time last season, but the team likes his arm and his ability to pick things up quickly. The team would like to bring in veteran Randall Cunningham as the No. 3 man. In that scenario, coach Brian Billick might use Cunningham as the No. 2 man if Grbac were injured and he didn't think Redman was ready to play. --Mike Preston
Buffalo
ANOTHER WEAPON: The success of the West Coast offense will depend on how quickly QB Rob Johnson gets rid of the football. Having an option like 12-year veteran FB Larry Centers should help. He suits the Bills' need for a proven weapon out of the backfield in their new offense. Centers holds the NFL record for career catches by a back with 685. While not known as a great blocker or runner, he is adequate in both areas.... Centers' arrival could mean RBs Jonathan Linton and Antowain Smith are headed out of Buffalo. Linton and Smith were the team's top backs just two seasons ago but were relegated to minor roles last season as the team went mainly with Sammy Morris and Shawn Bryson. The Bills would save close to $1 million by cutting Smith, the subject of trade rumors most of the offseason.
QUARTERBACKS ANALYSIS: Johnson has good size and a strong arm and is more mobile than most think. If he has a downside, it's that poor decision-making often has led to injuries--he has been knocked out of seven of his 18 Bills starts. However, the West Coast offense demands quick, decisive passes and movement by the quarterback, so the team thinks the new scheme will make Johnson more effective and less prone to injury. Alex Van Pelt lacks Johnson's physical tools, but he is a very reliable backup. Veteran Pete Gonzalez and rookie Tim Hasselbeck are battling for the No. 3 slot. Both have good arms, but Hasselbeck might need some time on the developmental squad. --Allen Wilson
Cincinnati
PLENTY OF FIREPOWER: With RB Corey Dillon re-signed for five seasons, the Bengals will unleash their most explosive offense in years. Dillon's ability to hammer the ball off-tackle will set up the play-action for QB Jon Kitna, who will put the ball in the hands of swift, playmaking WRs Darnay Scott and Peter Warrick and rookie Chad Johnson.... Dillon is salivating at the thought of running behind FB Lorenzo Neal. He's a good fit as a braising lead blocker for the power running game.... Rookie DE Justin Smith offered hope for the defense when he showed his strength and explosiveness off the edge at a recent minicamp. Smith quickly endeared himself to coaches and fans with his no-frills, blue-collar work ethic.
QUARTERBACKS ANALYSIS: If the season opened...
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