1999 Ad

KEEP AN EYE ON: On offense, Pendry will incorporate the five-receiver package into the passing arsenal, possibly using TE Jay Riemersma and RB Thurman Thomas as wideouts in the formation. However, if WR Andre Reed does not report to camp, the team may have to sack this plan because its receiver depth wouldn't be as strong. The development of rookie Peerless Price and second-year man Kamil Loud will play a key role in whether the Bills empty their backfield. Price is in line to be the third receiver but could start if Reed does not report.... On defense, the team will continue to play the 3-4 after experimenting with the 4-3 last season. The key to switching to the 3-4 was the play of young ILBs John Holecek and Sam Cowart who finished 1-2 in tackles. Also, Ted Washington is more comfortable playing a traditional nose tackle role ... First-round pick Antoine Winfield will compete for the starting left comer job. If he loses out to Ken Irvin, Winfield likely will play in the nickel and dime defenses. Winfield brings a reputation as a playmaker, and that is a much-needed quality for this defense, especially at comer.

--Sal Maiorana

CAMP FACTS

Where: Fredonia State Univ.; Fredonia, N.Y.

Rookies report: July 30

Veterans report: July 30

Cincinnati

CAMP PHILOSOPHY: Tails will be kicked, backs will get patted and, amid all the pushing, prodding, yelling and screaming, a whole lot of teaching will be going on. Camp Coslet won't be a picnic at Georgetown College, nor should it be. The Bengals haven't been to the playoffs since 1990 and everyone associated with the team feels a sense of urgency after a 3-13 year. Because of a cumulative 11-53 record over the first half of the past eight seasons, every ounce of energy will be geared toward a fast start in '99. The franchise's first offseason workout program was a well-attended success, so players can hit the ground running. Those who don't will get trampled by the competition. In his quest to instill a winning attitude, coach Brace Cosler won't have to look far for leaders. QB Jeff Blake and LB Takeo Spikes are eager to take the torch and nm with it.

PRESEASON PRIORITY: The No. 1 issue also is the most delicate. The team's faith and confidence in Blake must be restored for the offense to be effective. At the same time, fast-maturing rookie Akili Smith has to be brought up to speed as soon as possible so he can contribute if needed. Intense pressure is on Blake, who will remain the starter as long as the team wins. If it doesn't, Smith will get his opportunity. The Bengals can't afford another slow start and another quarterback controversy. If Blake, a former Pro Bowl player, gets the support he needs from surrounding talent, he will return to his playmaking days of 1995-96. But he'll struggle if he constantly is having to look over his shoulder.

KEY COMPETITION: There are starting jobs open for a wideout (Willie Jackson vs. Stepfret Williams), nose tackle (Oliver Gibson vs. Kimo von Oelhoffen) and left cornerback (Corey Sawyer vs. Charles Fisher). But nothing compares with the intense situation at fullback. Incumbent Brian Milne will get pushed by rookie Nick Williams and veterans Nicky Sualua and Clif Groce. Milne gets the edge because he has the most knowledge and experience in the system. He's also healthy again after being slowed by a sore lower back in '98. As impressive as Williams is physically, with his strength, power and soft hands, he'll have to wait his turn while the veterans battle it out.