AFC.(American Football Conference)(Statistical Data Included)

Baltimore Ravens www.sportingnews.com/nfl/teams/ravens

BIG HIT: One of the Ravens' big offseason moves was diminished when RT Leon Searcy was diagnosed with a torn triceps tendon in his left arm, an injury that will sideline him 10-to- 12 weeks. The team will return the right tackle job to Harry Swayne, 36, a solid veteran but not in the class of Searcy, a former Pro Bowl player with Jacksonville. Last year, the Ravens had to limit their passing offense because of the need to support Swayne and the right side with an extra blocker. The top backup at right tackle now will be Sammy Williams, who has shown significant improvement after playing in NFL Europe this spring. ... When comparing TE Shannon Sharpe with heir apparent and No. 1 pick Todd Heap, it's clear Heap has all the athleticism Sharpe used to have. Heap runs decent routes, can go deep and has surprising strength in his hands. The only knock against him is his blocking. Bulk and strength he needs for improvement will come after an offseason in the weight room. Sharpe may be a step slower than he used to be, but he still has a knack for getting open.

KEY MAN: Without FB Sam Gash blocking for RB Jamal Lewis last season, the Ravens would have had a tough time making it to the Super Bowl. Gash is that integral a part of the offense. He is small by fullback standards (about 235) but has no fear. He has the ability to make contact, explode and stay engaged with a lineman or linebacker. But Gash's pass blocking is a little suspect, and the team doesn't use him a lot as a receiver, though he was effective out of the backfield for Buffalo and New England. The team needs to get more out of Gash in those areas. --Mike Preston

Buffalo Bills www.sportingnews.com/nfl/teams/bills

BRIGHT FUTURES? OT Jonas Jennings and DT Ron Edwards, both third-round picks in April, could play major roles this season. Coach Gregg Williams likes linemen who can play more than one position, and Jennings is getting work at guard and tackle and can play center as well. His aggressiveness and strength have been impressive, and he has shown a nasty disposition. Once he develops his blocking techniques and other nuances, he'll be ready to push for a starting job. Edwards played nose tackle at Texas A&M, so he must adjust to playing inside in the 4-3 defense. But he is tough, quick off the ball and strong enough to make penetration. He could play some defensive end.... All the question marks at defensive tackle could open the door for Devonte Peterson. Though undersized at 6-2, 275, he is quick and tenacious. He still is learning how to fight off bigger linemen and must prove he is stout against the run.

BACK ON THE FIELD: LB Corey Moore returned to practice two months after being shot in the leg. Moore is expected to compete as a backup middle linebacker and a pass-rushing specialist at defensive end. Williams says Moore's speed and athleticism are perfectly suited to the team's defensive scheme.... Williams challenged WR Peerless Price to do more from the day he was named coach, and Price responded by having his best offseason. If he can carry that into the regular season, he could become a bona fide star. Price came on strong toward the end of last season. He is blessed with great speed and body control but has struggled to be a more consistent force. --Allen Wilson

Cincinnati Bengals www.sportingnews.com/nfl/teams/bengals