blacksaint

Sporting News correspondents

A quick look at how the AFC teams stack up at the quarterback position:

1. Colts. Peyton Manning has no peers when it comes to reading defenses and making pre-snap adjustments. Backup Jim Sorgi has played sparingly but effectively.

2. Patriots. Tom Brady's ability in the clutch is unparalleled, and he loves to use third and fourth options to pick apart defenses. Backup Matt Cassel is untested.

3. Bengals. The combination of arm strength, accuracy and leadership makes Carson Palmer an elite quarterback. Doug Johnson is a solid backup because he has experience in a pass-oriented system.

4. Chargers. Philip Rivers makes few mistakes, and his growth under coach Norv Turner should be substantial. Charlie Whitehurst will push Billy Volek for the backup spot.

5. Titans. With a year under his belt, Vince Young will be able to read coverages better and resort to improvisation less frequently. Kerry Collins is a capable No. 2.

6. Steelers. Ben Roethlisberger must bounce back from a season beset with injuries, interceptions (23) and sacks (46). Charlie Batch is a solid backup and a good fit.

7. Ravens. Steve McNair, 34, has lost arm strength but is still accurate on short and midrange passes. Backup Kyle Boller has experience with the offense.

8. Broncos. Smart and strong-armed, Jay Cutler could have a breakout season. Patrick Ramsey has a similar skill set that allows the team to retain its game plan in case of injury.

9. Jets. A thinking man's quarterback, Chad Pennington is efficient and accurate. Backups Kellen Clemens, Marques Tuiasosopo and Brad Smith are unproven.

10. Jaguars. The club needs oft-injured Byron Leftwich to avoid punishment. Backup David Garrard tucks the ball and runs too often.

11. Bills. J.P. Losman is a rising talent but must be more consistent with his mechanics to complete the package. Rookie Trent Edwards will push Craig Nall for the No. 2 job.

12. Dolphins. The team hopes offseason acquisition Trent Green will stay healthy for a couple of seasons while it grooms rookie John Beck.

13. Texans. Team officials are confident in Matt Schaub, but he has started only two games in his career. Sage Rosenfels is a solid backup who fits well in the system.

14. Raiders. There isn't a proven starter in the bunch, and none is familiar with Lane Kiffin's new scheme. Look for Josh McCown or Daunte Culpepper to begin as the No. 1, with rookie JaMarcus Russell taking over at some point.

15. Chiefs. Untested Brodie Croyle will make the inevitable mistakes that young passers do. Journeyman Damon Huard likely won't repeat his career-best '06 season.

16. Browns. The team will have its sixth opening day quarterback in as many years if Charlie Frye doesn't keep the job. The reason why Brady Quinn fell in the draft remains to be seen.

TOP 5 INDIVIDUALS

1. Peyton Manning, Colts. Now that he has his Super Bowl ring, he can start building his portfolio as the best quarterback ever.

2. Tom Brady, Patriots. New England's increase in receiving talent comes with a price: Brady must keep Randy Moss happy. If anybody can do it, he can.

3. Carson Palmer, Bengals. He is overaggressive at times, but when you have the big arm and special receivers, you go for it.

4. Philip Rivers, Chargers. His pocket awareness is excellent for a young player, but he needs to ramp up his decision making and accuracy.

5. Vince Young, Titans. As a rookie, he willed a sorry team to eight wins in 13 starts. Though he'll have even less talent to work with in '07, his electric set of skills will keep opponents hopping.


AFC correspondents: Baltimore, Mike Preston; Buffalo, Allen Wilson; Cincinnati, Chick Ludwig; Cleveland, Steve Doerschuk; Denver, Lee Rasizer; Houston, Megan Manfull; Indianapolis, Mike Chappell;Jacksonville, Michael C. Wright; Kansas City, Adam Teicher; Miami, Jeff Darlington; New England, John Tomase; New York, Rich Cimini; Oakland, Steve Corkran; Pittsburgh, Gerry Dulac; San Diego, Kevin Acee; Tennessee, Jim Wyatt.

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