Inside the AFC.(NFL)

After having arthroscopic knee surgery, BENGALS Rudi Johnson is showing more burst, along with the usual power generated by his thick legs and low center of gravity. Johnson didn't practice on Wednesdays last season but never missed a game. ... JETS LG Pete Kendall may have to assist with some line calls because he could start next to two rookies, LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson and C Nick Mangold. Kendall (6-5, 280), entering his 11th season, is one of the lightest guards in the league but uses superb technique. ... CHARGERS RE Igor Olshansky was running over offensive linemen at times in minicamp. Known primarily as a run stuffer, Olshansky has improved as a pass rusher. He has dropped weight but still is among the team's strongest players. ... COLTS MLB Gary Brackett (groin) likely will be ready for training camp. That's important because the team already is breaking in a new starter on the strong side, where Gilbert Gardner likely will replace David Thornton. ... The BILLS will use the cover 2 extensively-but not exclusively-in their base defense. CBs Nate Clements' and Terrence McGee's ability to also play man coverage provides flexibility. ... The CHIEFS are determined to get production from Dante Hall as a slot receiver, but that's easier to plan for in the summer than it is to execute in the fall. QB Trent Green often has a hard time finding the 5-8 Hall or has to make a perfect throw to get a completion. ... In the past, the TEXANS had many special teams-only players, but new coach Gary Kubiak wants his best athletes on the field as much as possible. CB Dunta Robinson will return kickoffs at times, and a slew of other starters could be used in other roles. ... In offseason workouts, new BROWNS WR Joe Jurevicius has carded out assignments to perfection and shown strong leadership skills. The 6-5 Jurevicius will provide some red zone juice. ... Unless Willie Reid has trouble fielding punts, look for him to be the STEELERS' punt returner. Coach Bill Cowher also is flirting with occasionally sending Reid and fellow rookie WR Santonio Holmes back together on returns. Then opponents would have to account for both big-play threats. ... The knock on rookie WR Derek Hagan was suspect hands, but he has caught the ball cleanly for the DOLPHINS. The question now is how Hagan will handle getting bumped and pressed by cornerbacks in training camp. ... Look for RAIDERS second-year CB Stanford Routt to get significant action against three-receiver sets. He has been working with Hall of Fame CB Willie Brown on what to expect from receivers and how to avoid costly penalties. ... PATRIOTS WR Troy Brown just turned 35 but still displays speed and quickness. Brown can get open and make plays after the catch, but he drops too many balls. ... Ernest Wilford has been bumped to the second team behind Reggie Williams and Matt Jones, even though Wilford had the best offseason among JAGUARS wideouts. Wilford lacks speed, and the team thinks he is ...