Camp Fires Are Burning

Training camp in the NFL is two-H time--hope and holdouts.

The Lions haven’t heard from Barry Sanders, who’s threatening to retire. Marshall Faulk is still negotiating with the Rams, to whom he was traded in April because the Colts didn’t want the contract hassles.

Antonio Freeman, one of the league’s top receivers, is still negotiating with the Packers. And UCLA product Cade McNown, who’s expected to start for at quarterback the Bears, was a no-show when Chicago opened camp, waiting until contract negotiations are finished.

But veterans, even those with their own squabbles, have some perspective.

“As much as me and all of the other players in the NFL don’t like training camp, I don’t want to miss any time,” says Jamal Anderson, who gained 1,846 yards as Atlanta made its surprise run to the Super Bowl last season and is now trying to renegotiate his contract.

“I have every intention of remaining a Falcon. Where else am I going to go?”

By next weekend, all the NFL’s camps will be open-- with some big holes.

A team-by-team look:

DALLAS (10-6)

OPEN CAMP: Monday, Wichita Falls, Texas.

LAST YEAR: In his first season as head coach, Chan Gailey got Dallas back to playoffs after 6-10 finish in 1997. But Cowboys lost 20-7 to Arizona in Dallas.

ADDITIONS: WR Raghib Ismail, C Mark Stepnoski, and two rookies, DE Ebenezer Ekuban and LB Dat Nguyen.

SUBTRACTIONS: DT Leon Lett (indefinite drug suspension), OL Nate Newton, WR Billy Davis.

PLAYER TO WATCH: CB Deion Sanders. Doctors aren’t sure when he’ll return from an April operation on an injured toe that knocked him out of five games. Dallas was 8-3 with him, 2-3 without him.

OUTLOOK: Another 10-win season will be tough considering they’re playing a first-place schedule. Still, could challenge in weak division.

OPENING EXHIBITION: Oct. 9, vs. Cleveland in Canton, Ohio.

OPENING GAME: Sept. 12 in Washington, D.C.

ARIZONA (9-7)

OPEN CAMP: Friday, Flagstaff, Ariz.

LAST YEAR: Made playoffs for first time since 1982 with many victories last-second, hair-raising affairs. It was first winning season since 1984 and 20-7 win in Dallas was first playoff victory in 51 years.

ADDITIONS: Two rookies who could start -- WR David Boston and OL L.J. Shelton. LB Rob Frederickson.

SUBTRACTIONS: OLB Jamir Miller, FB Larry Centers, OL Lomas Brown, KR Eric Metcalf, TE Chris Gedney.

PLAYER TO WATCH: DT Eric Swann, the best when he’s healthy. But that’s rarely.

OUTLOOK: Jake Plummer is emerging as great quarterback but veteran leaders, Miller, Centers and Brown will be missed. Contender in weak division.

OPENING EXHIBITION: Aug. 14 in Denver.

OPENING GAME: Sept. 12 in Philadelphia.

NEW YORK GIANTS (8-8)

OPEN CAMP: Thursday, Albany, N.Y.

LAST YEAR: Started 3-7 finished 5-1, as Kent Graham replaced Danny Kanell at quarterback. Run included win over Denver that ended Broncos’ hopes for unbeaten season.

ADDITIONS: QB Kerry Collins, TE Pete Mitchell, G Luke Petitgout, No. 1 draft pick and potential starter.

SUBTRACTIONS: DE Chad Bratzke, WR Chris Calloway, G Greg Bishop, QB Danny Kanell, S Tito Wooten.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: CB Jason Sehorn, who missed all last season with knee injury and C Brian Williams, coming back after missing two years with eye injury. If they’re back in form, they provide major help.

OUTLOOK: Should contend in weak division. A lot depends on quarterback--if Graham continues to develop or Collins shows 1995 form, when he started for Carolina team that made NFC title game.

OPENING EXHIBITION: Aug. 13 in Minneapolis.

OPENING GAME: Sept. 12 in Tampa.

WASHINGTON (6-10)

OPENED CAMP: Today, Frostburg, Md.

LAST YEAR: Distracted by quarterback controversies and nasty battle for control of the team, the Redskins started 0-7 and missed the playoffs for sixth straight year. A 6-3 finish saved coach Norv Turner’s job--for now.

ADDITIONS: Owner Daniel Snyder, who paid a record $800 million for the team; QBs Brad Johnson and Rodney Peete; RB Larry Centers, DE Anthony Cook, T Andy Heck, S Sam Shade, DE Marco Coleman; draft picks CB Champ Bailey (first round) and T Jon Jansen (second round).

SUBTRACTIONS: QBs Gus Frerotte and Trent Green; RB Terry Allen; WR Leslie Shepherd; TE Jamie Asher; CB Cris Dishman; S Stanley Richard and Jesse Campbell.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: WR Michael Westbrook, perennial underachiever now attempting to return from neck surgery, and Johnson, often hurt and hobbled by knee injury during the offseason.

OUTLOOK: Turner and GM Charley Casserly are on a one-year leash from impatient Snyder. There could be 13 new starters on opening day and offensive line is patchwork. Johnson and Westbrook need to stay healthy for run at .500.

OPENING EXHIBITION: Aug. 13 in Foxboro, Mass.

OPENING GAME: Sept. 12 vs. Dallas.

PHILADELPHIA (3-13)

OPENED CAMP: Today, Bethlehem, Pa.

LAST YEAR: Awful. Offense came close to scoring fewest points in NFL history. Coach Ray Rhodes was fired, replaced by former Green Bay quarterbacks coach Andy Reid.

ADDITIONS: TE Jamie Asher; WR Charles Johnson; QB Doug Pederson; DT Mark Wheeler; WR Torrance Small. QB Donovan McNabb, the No. 2 overall pick.

SUBTRACTIONS: OT Barrett Brooks; RB Charlie Garner; QB Rodney Peete.

PLAYER TO WATCH: McNabb, whose scrambling style could work with problematical offensive line. Pederson is supposed to start the season, but fans will clamor early for the rookie.

OUTLOOK: It’s a long road back. McNabb seems to be a quality prospect but getting thrown in early on a weak team isn’t good for a quarterback’s confidence. Wait till next year.

OPENING EXHIBITION: Aug. 12 vs. Baltimore.

OPENING GAME: Sept. 12 vs. Arizona.

MINNESOTA (15-1)

OPEN CAMP: Aug. 1, Mankato, Minn.

LAST YEAR: The Vikings put together spectacular season only to come up short in the conference championship when Gary Anderson, who had the first perfect season for a kicker, missed a field goal that would have sent them to Super Bowl.

ADDITIONS: QB Jeff George; DE John Burrough, LB Corey Miller

SUBTRACTIONS: QB Brad Johnson, DE Derrick Alexander, NT Jerry Ball, CB Corey Fuller, FB Charles Evans.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: CB Ramos McDonald, who must fill Fuller’s hole at left corner. Second-year LB Kailee Wong.

OUTLOOK: Vikings are probably NFC favorite to get to Super Bowl, largely because of Randall Cunningham-Randy Moss-Cris Carter offense that can be unstoppable at times. Biggest obstacle may be getting over shocking home loss to Atlanta in NFC title game.

OPENING EXHIBITION: Aug. 13 vs. New York Giants at Metrodome.

OPENING GAME: Sept. 12 in Atlanta.

GREEN BAY (11-5)

OPENED CAMP: Today 25, Green Bay.

LAST SEASON: Passed by Minnesota after three straight division titles and a Super Bowl victory in 1997; lost to 49ers on final play of first playoff game. Coach Mike Holmgren left to take job as general manager-coach in Seattle; replaced by ex-Eagles coach Ray Rhodes.

ADDITIONS: KR Desmond Howard, back for a second run; DB Antuan Edwards, No. 1 draft pick and potential starter. G Raleigh McKenzie.

SUBTRACTIONS: LB Lamont Hollinquest; RB Darick Holmes; RB Travis Jervey; G Adam Timmerman; QB Doug Pederson. DE Reggie White (retired)

PLAYER TO WATCH: WR Antonio Freeman, one of the best in the game, but probable holdout in contract squabble.

OUTLOOK: As long as Brett Favre’s around, the Packers will contend for the playoffs. But Freeman may stay out awhile and White’s retirement takes away a major force, on the field and off.

OPENING EXHIBITION: Aug. 14 vs. New York Jets.

OPENING GAME: Sept. 12 vs. Oakland.

TAMPA BAY (8-8)

OPEN CAMP: Aug. 1, Tampa.

LAST YEAR: After making playoffs for first time in 15 years in ‘97, Bucs were hurt by heightened expectations. Finished second in the NFL in total defense, the offense bogged down because of Trent Dilfer’s inconsistency.

ADDITIONS: First-round draft pick Anthony McFarland adds depth on defensive line; Eric Zeier and second-round pick Shaun King improve quarterback situation.

SUBTRACTIONS: K Michael Husted, CB Anthony Parker, S Charles Mincy, QB Steve Walsh, FB Lorenzo Neal, P Tommy Barnhardt.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: CB Brian Kelly. Second-year pro should compete for starting job after productive year as rookie backup. Dilfer, who must produce this year or is likely gone.

OUTLOOK: Despite step back, Bucs have talent to challenge for NFC Central title and make noise in playoffs.

OPENING EXHIBITION: Aug. 14 vs. Cleveland

OPENING GAME: Sept. 12 vs. New York Giants.

DETROIT (5-11)

OPEN CAMP: Friday, at Saginaw Valley, Mich.

LAST YEAR: Coach Bobby Ross lost confidence early in QB Scott Mitchell and started rookie Charlie Batch the rest of the season. Barry Sanders had subpar season and Lions, as they so often have, slid back after playoff year.

ADDITIONS: QB Gus Frerotte; OT Barrett Brooks; DTs James Jones and Kelvin Pritchett.

SUBTRACTIONS: QB Scott Mitchell; LB Rob Frederickson; DT Darius Holland; RB Tommy Vardell.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Batch, who showed considerable promise as rookie, certainly more than the more highly touted Ryan Leaf.

OUTLOOK: Not much more than .500, particularly if Barry Sanders, who needs 1,458 yards to become NFL’s career rushing leader, continues to say he won’t play for Lions.

OPENING EXHIBITION: Aug. 13 in Atlanta.

OPENING GAME: Sept. 12 in Seattle.

CHICAGO (4-12)

OPENED CAMP: July 22, Platteville, Wis.

LAST YEAR: Lost their first four games, and won just once in the second half to finish 4-12 for a second straight season and get Dave Wannstedt fired.

ADDITIONS: Coach Dick Jauron; QB Cade McNown, their No. 1 draft pick; OT Blake Brockermeyer; DE Clyde Simmons.

SUBTRACTIONS: S Marty Carter; DE John Thierry.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: McNown, almost sure to be the starting QB now that Erik Kramer has been released. RB Curtis Enis, last year’s top pick, who injured a knee just as he was coming around.

OUTLOOK: Though the Bears will probably be improved, they still play in the NFC Central, possibly the league’s toughest division. If they finish at .500, it will be a vast improvement.

OPENING EXHIBITION: Aug. 7 vs. Indianapolis.

OPENING GAME: Sept. 12 vs. Kansas City.

ATLANTA (14-2)

OPEN CAMP: Wednesday, Greenville, S.C.

LAST SEASON: Two years after going 3-13 and a year after finishing 7-9 in Dan Reeves’ first season as coach, they reached their first Super Bowl, by upsetting the Vikings in overtime in Minnesota. Lost 35-19 to Broncos in title game.

ADDITIONS: WR Chris Calloway; QB Danny Kanell; G Greg Bishop; S Marty Carter.

SUBTRACTIONS: WR Tony Martin; S Devin Bush; DE Antonio Edwards.

PLAYER TO WATCH: QB Chris Chandler, who emerged at 33 after a career beset by injuries.

OUTLOOK: Post-title troubles have already started -- RB Jamal Anderson wants to redo his contract. Falcons are unlikely to go 14-2 again, but they’re solid enough to make playoffs.

OPENING EXHIBITION: Aug. 13 vs. Detroit.

OPENING GAME: Sept. 12 vs. Minnesota.

SAN FRANCISCO (12-4)

OPEN CAMP: Monday, Stockton, Calif.

LAST YEAR: Behind the league’s most prolific offense, reached double-digit wins for the 16th straight season. Beat Green Bay 30-27 on last second TD, then lost to Atlanta, which had beaten them in NFC West.

ADDITIONS: RBs Charlie Garner and Travis Jervey, DEs Charles Haley and Marvin Washington, QBs Steve Stenstrom and Jeff Garcia, FB Tommy Vardell, CB Mark McMillian.

SUBTRACTIONS: QB Ty Detmer, OTs Kirk Scrafford and Jamie Brown, G Kevin Gogan, RBs Garrison Hearst (injury), Terry Kirby and Chuck Levy, CBs Marquez Pope and Antonio Langham, FB Marc Edwards, DEs Chris Doleman and Roy Barker.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Steve Young: The 37-year-old quarterback is coming off one of his best seasons, finishing with a team-record 4,170 yards passing. But the salary-cap caused Detmer trade and Garcia, Stenstrom and Jim Druckenmiller are all unproven. Young has had injury problems in the past and could be vulnerable behind San Francisco’s revamped offensive line.

OUTLOOK: The 49ers figure to make their annual playoff run because offense, particularly in air, is still feared. Defense won’t have DT Bryant Young until midseason because of broken leg.

OPENING EXHIBITION: Aug. 12 vs. San Diego

OPENING GAME: Sept. 12 in Jacksonville, Fla.

NEW ORLEANS (6-10)

OPEN CAMP: Wednesday, La Crosse, Wis.

LAST YEAR: Made no progress in W-L column in Mike Ditka’s second season as coach. Ditka blamed that on loss of QB Billy Joe Hobert in the season opener. Saints were 28th overall in offense, last in the league in rushing and defense.

ADDITIONS: RB Ricky Williams, for whom Saints gave up rest of picks. WR Eddie Kennison, G Wally Williams, CB Ashley Ambrose.

SUBTRACTIONS: QBs Kerry Collins and Heath Shuler. S Chad Cota, WR Sean Dawkins.

PLAYER TO WATCH: RB Ricky Williams. He has incentive-laden contract and Ditka basically bet the franchise on him by giving up all his picks and additional first-rounders.

OUTLOOK: Unless Williams can provide a strong running game, which the Saints have lacked in last decade, they could have their seventh straight losing season. The defense also needs to return its 1997 form when it was ranked No. 4 in league.

OPENING EXHIBITION: Aug. 13 in Miami.

OPEN SEASON: Sept. 12 vs. Carolina.

ST. LOUIS (4-12)

OPENED CAMP: July 22, Macomb, Ill.

LAST YEAR: Never got going in Dick Vermeil’s second year and stumbled on offense behind now-departed QB Tony Banks and inept running game.

ADDITIONS: QB Trent Green; G Adam Timmerman; RB Marshall Faulk; WR Torry Holt, their No. 1 draft pick.

SUBTRACTIONS: QB Tony Banks, WR Eddie Kennison, LBs Roman Phipher and Eric Hill.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Green and Faulk. Green was a career third-stringer until he blossomed in Washington last season. The question is whether he can do it again. Faulk, who is holding out, had best year in Indianapolis last season but has been injury prone.

OUTLOOK: Maybe .500 if they beat up on other weak teams in division. But probably not.

OPENING EXHIBITION: Aug. 7 vs. Oakland.

OPEN SEASON: Sept. 12 vs. Baltimore.

CAROLINA (4-12)

OPEN CAMP: Monday, Spartanburg, S.C.

LAST YEAR: The fourth-year team had its worst season as injuries and low morale dominated. Season’s most memorable image may have been linebacker Kevin Greene attacking an assistant coach on the sideline during a home loss to the Redskins.

ADDITIONS: George Seifert, who has the highest winning percentage of any coach in NFL history, replaces fired Dom Capers.

SUBTRACTIONS: LB Jeff Brady, T Blake Brockermeyer.

PLAYER TO WATCH: DE Sean Gilbert, the team’s highest-paid player, was inconsistent in Capers’ 3-4 defensive alignment but may be better in Seifert’s 4-3.

OUTLOOK: The odds favor Carolina avoiding the extensive injury troubles of last season, but the Panthers still don’t appear to have the depth needed to challenge Atlanta, San Francisco and the rest of the improving NFC West.

OPENING EXHIBITION: Aug. 13 in Jacksonville, Fla.

OPENING GAME: Sept. 12 in New Orleans.

DENVER (14-2)

OPENED CAMP: July 23, Greeley, Col.

LAST YEAR: Threatened 1972 Dolphins’ unbeaten mark before losing in 14th week to Giants. Lost again to Dolphins but recovered to win second straight Super Bowl, 34-19 over Atlanta. Terrell Davis (2,008 yards) became fourth 2,000-yard rusher in NFL history and was league MVP. QB John Elway retired after 16 years.

ADDITIONS: CB Dale Carter, signed as free agent from Kansas City; LB Al Wilson, first-round pick; and DE Montae Reagor, (2nd round) to beef up defense.

SUBTRACTIONS: Elway, a sure first-ballot Hall of Famer; S Steve Atwater.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Bubby Brister, who was 4-0 at quarterback last season in games Elway missed, will now be full-time starter at 36. Reagor may have to start if Alfred Williams isn’t healthy at DE.

OUTLOOK: A third straight Super Bowl is possible despite Elway’s retirement, but only if Brister stays healthy and plays as he did last season. Still a playoff team, but no longer AFC favorite.

OPENING EXHIBITION: Aug. 7 vs. San Diego in Sydney, Australia.

OPENING GAME: Sept. 13 vs. Miami (Monday night).

SEATTLE (8-8)

OPEN CAMP: Thursday, Cheney, Wash.

LAST YEAR: Won first three games but finished at .500, costing Dennis Erickson his job. Mike Holmgren, who led Green Bay to Super Bowl win in 1997 is new coach and general manager. Jon Kitna took over at quarterback in midseason and showed promise.

ADDITIONS: Holmgren and his staff are most important. Free agent WR Sean Dawkins could prevent double and triple coverage on Joey Galloway.

SUBTRACTIONS: Warren Moon, the 42-year-old quarterback who was demoted midway through last season.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Kitna, who tore up the World League two years ago, and has come along nicely. Dawkins, who’s never really fulfilled his promise despite OK seasons in Indianapolis and New Orleans.

OUTLOOK: A disappointment the past few years, Seattle should make playoffs for first time since 1988, longest drought in NFL. Hurt by serious illness of defensive coordinator Fritz Shurmur, who came with Holmgren.

OPENING EXHIBITION: Aug. 14 vs. Buffalo

OPENING GAME: Sept. 12 vs. Detroit.

OAKLAND (8-8)

OPENED CAMP: July 24, Napa, Calif.

LAST YEAR: Started 6-2, finished 2-6 in Jon Gruden’s first year as head coach, missing playoffs for fifth straight season. Ended the Jeff George quarterback experience after the season.

ADDITIONS: QB Rich Gannon. OT Matt Stinchcomb, No. 1 draft pick, could start immediately.

SUBTRACTIONS: QB Jeff George, RB Harvey Williams, PR Desmond Howard.

PLAYER TO WATCH: CB Charles Woodson, NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, could get shot on offense.

OUTLOOK: With tough schedule in tough division, breaking playoff drought could be difficult.

OPENING EXHIBITION: Aug. 7 in St. Louis.

OPENING GAME: Sept. 12 in Green Bay.

KANSAS CITY (7-9)

OPEN CAMP: Saturday, River Falls, Wis.

LAST YEAR: Dogged by injuries and quarterback controversy, Chiefs had first losing season in 10 years under Marty Schottenheimer, who resigned after season. New coach is former defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham.

ADDITIONS: OT John Tait, first-round pick. Free agent pickups include QB Warren Moon, LB Marvcus Patton and CB Cris Dishman.

SUBTRACTIONS: Schottenheimer, QB Rich Gannon and CB Dale Carter.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: The 42-year-old Moon and QB Elvis Grbac, who has been injury-plagued disappointment.

OUTLOOK: Probably a transition year for a team that under Schottenheimer made playoffs most years, then disappointed.

OPENING EXHIBITION: Aug. 15 vs. Tennessee.

OPENING GAME: Sept. 12 in Chicago.

SAN DIEGO (5-11)

OPENED CAMP: July 23, San Diego

LAST YEAR: A disaster on and off the field, with rookie QB Ryan Leaf responsible for most of damage during 5-11 season in which coach Kevin Gilbride got fired after six games and interim coach June Jones bolted for Hawaii after the season.

ADDITIONS: Coach Mike Riley, QB Jim Harbaugh, WR Jeff Graham, S Darren Perry, LB Eric Hill.

SUBTRACTIONS: LB Kurt Gouveia, OL Raleigh McKenzie.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Harbaugh, who enters camp as the starter. The 35-year-old QB, slowed by injuries last year, is expected to buy time for Leaf to grow up.

OUTLOOK: Not much better than last year.

OPENING EXHIBITION: Aug. 7 vs. Denver in Sydney, Australia.

OPENING GAME: Sept. 19 in Cincinnati. Chargers drew first-week bye.

JACKSONVILLE (11-5)

OPEN CAMP: Thursday, Jacksonville.

LAST YEAR: Won AFC Central. Beat New England 25-10 in first-round, lost to Jets, 34-24 in divisional playoffs.

ADDITIONS: TE Kyle Brady, S Carnell Lake, DL Gary Walker. CB Fernando Bryant and DL Larry Smith, first two draft picks. Defensive coordinator Dom Capers, former head coach in Carolina.

SUBTRACTIONS: TE Pete Mitchell, DL John Jurkovic, OL Brian DeMarco.

PLAYER TO WATCH: RB Fred Taylor, second-year player who could be headed toward the 2,000-yard mark.

OUTLOOK: One of the favorites to represent AFC in Super Bowl, but needs improvement on defense.

OPENING EXHIBITION: Aug. 13 vs. Carolina.

OPENING GAME: Sept. 12 vs. San Francisco.

TENNESSEE (8-8)

OPEN CAMP: Tuesday, Nashville.

LAST SEASON: Third straight .500 season in third city in three straight years--Houston to Memphis to Nashville. Four losses in final six games ended playoff chances.

ADDITIONS: DE-LB Jevon Kearse, first-round draft pick; FB Lorenzo Neal.

SUBTRACTIONS: DT Gary Walker, DE Anthony Cook.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Kearse, who may energize a pass rush that ranked next to last in sacks last season.

OUTLOOK: Finally get a home with opening of new stadium and are now Titans instead of Oilers. Would be disappointment if they don’t make playoffs.

OPENING EXHIBITION: Aug. 15 in Kansas City.

OPENING GAME: Sept. 12 vs. Cincinnati.

PITTSBURGH (7-9)

OPEN CAMP: Thursday, Latrobe, Pa.

LAST YEAR: Missed playoffs for first time in coach Bill Cowher’s seven seasons as offense self-destructed amid quarterback Kordell Stewart’s season-long struggles. Defense badly missed departed veteran leaders such as Greg Lloyd and Rod Woodson.

ADDITIONS: OT Wayne Gandy, OT Anthony Brown, S Travis Davis, WR Alex Van Dyke. WR Troy Edwards, No. 1 pick and instant starter.

SUBTRACTIONS: DB Carnell Lake, FS Darren Perry, FB Tim Lester, G Will Wolford, K Norm Johnson.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Kordell Stewart. His improvisational skills were underutilized by former offensive coordinator Ray Sherman, who preferred a paint-by-the-numbers QB who rarely left the pocket. The change left Stewart in tears and the offense in tatters.

OUTLOOK: Partly cloudy. If new offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride can reinvent Stewart, the offense could be dramatically better. If not, lack of game-breaking WRs could again force Jerome Bettis to carry the offense.

OPENING EXHIBITION: Aug. 13 vs. Chicago Bears.

OPENING GAME: Sept. 12 in Cleveland. First Steelers-Browns game in four years.

BALTIMORE (6-10)

OPEN CAMP: Thursday, Westminster, Md.

LAST YEAR: Struggled on offense and never contended. Cost Ted Marchibroda his job after going 16-31-1 in team’s first three seasons in Baltimore.

ADDITIONS: Head coach Brian Billick; QB Scott Mitchell; QB Tony Banks; RB Eric Metcalf; WR Billy Davis; DB Chris McAlister, No. 1 pick; OL Harry Swayne.

SUBTRACTIONS: DL James Jones; QBs Jim Harbaugh and Eric Zeier; TE Eric Green; C Wally Williams; RT Orlando Brown; FB Roosevelt Potts.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Mitchell, who gets another chance as a starter after falling from grace in Detroit. He’s key to an offense that failed to score 17 points in half its games last season.

OUTLOOK: Despite outstanding defenders, like LBS Ray Lewis and Peter Boulware and DE Mike McCrary, still no more than .500 team.

OPENING EXHIBITION: Aug. 12 in Philadelphia.

OPENING GAME: Sept. 12 in St. Louis.

CINCINNATI (3-13)

OPEN CAMP: Friday, Georgetown, Ky.

LAST YEAR: Fourth 3-13 record in the ‘90s, left them 39-89 since Mike Brown started running the team. Bengals haven’t had a winning record since 1990. The offense used four quarterbacks, the defense gave up franchise-record 452 points and record-matching 53 touchdowns.

ADDITIONS: OL Brian DeMarco, OL Matt O’Dwyer, NT Oliver Gibson. QB Akili Smith, No. 1 pick, will learn behind Jeff Blake.

SUBTRACTIONS: QBs Neil O’Donnell and Paul Justin, S Sam Shade, DL Clyde Simmons, CB Ashley Ambrose, C Darrick Brilz, RB Eric Bieniemy, RB Brandon Bennett, OL Anthony Brown.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Carl Pickens, if he’s around. The Bengals’ career leading receiver is threatening to sit out for more money. Bengals held on to his rights by making him their franchise player.

OUTLOOK: Should be better than 3-13 because schedule is easier. But a long way from contention.

OPENING EXHIBITION: Aug. 14 in Indianapolis.

OPENING GAME: Sept. 12 in Nashville, Tenn.

CLEVELAND

OPENED CAMP: July 25, Berea, Ohio.

LAST YEAR: Returning to NFL following three-year hiatus after former owner Art Modell moved franchise to Baltimore.

ADDITIONS: Ninety players will report to coach Chris Palmer’s camp, but as many as 17 starting spots are already locked up. Among notable veterans: LB Chris Spielman; RB Terry Kirby; WR Leslie Shepherd, OT Lomas Brown.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Rookie QB Tim Couch, No. 1 draft pick. He will battle Ty Detmer for starting spot.

OUTLOOK: Defense is solid on paper, but lack of skill players will make it tough for offense. Weak schedule could allow new Browns to win six games or so.

OPENING EXHIBITION: Aug. 9 vs. Dallas Cowboys in Canton, Ohio.

OPENING GAME: Sept. 12 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers.

NEW YORK JETS (12-4)

OPEN CAMP: Friday, Hempstead, N.Y.

LAST YEAR: Won first division title ever, made it to AFC title game, losing to Denver 23-10.

ADDITIONS: S Steve Atwater, LB Roman Phifer, TE Eric Green, QB Scott Zolak and QB-P Tom Tupa. Atwater, Phifer and Green should start.

SUBTRACTIONS: TE Kyle Brady, G Matt O’Dwyer.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Keyshawn Johnson joined elite receivers in the game in 1998; Marvin Jones at inside linebacker after missing ’98 with knee injury.

OUTLOOK: If QB Vinny Testaverde, RB Curtis Martin, LB Bryan Cox, and C Kevin Mawae continue outstanding play, Jets are among the AFC favorites.

OPENING EXHIBITION: Aug. 14 in Green Bay.

OPENING GAME: Sept. 12 vs. New England.

MIAMI (10-6)

OPEN CAMP: Monday, Davie, Fla.

LAST YEAR: Earned a wild-card playoff berth, defeated Buffalo and lost in Denver, 38-3. Coach Jimmy Johnson, shaken by the death of his mother, decided to retire but changed his mind the following day.

ADDITIONS: WR Tony Martin, G Kevin Gogan, LB Dixon Edwards and three backfield rookies -- RB J.J. Johnson, FB Rob Konrad and talented but troubled RB Cecil Collins.

SUBTRACTIONS: None.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Martin, who could provide the deep threat Dan Marino has lacked. He faces a federal trial Aug. 2 on charges of laundering drug money.

OUTLOOK: The young defense that allowed the fewest points in the NFL should be even better, so another playoff berth is probable. But lack of strong offense continues.

OPENING EXHIBITION: Aug. 13 vs. New Orleans.

OPENING GAME: Sept. 13 in Denver.

BUFFALO (10-6)

OPEN CAMP: Saturday, Fredonia, N.Y.

LAST YEAR: Bills lost three of first four games with QB Rob Johnson. When he got hurt, Doug Flutie, back from Canada, led team to playoffs. Lost to Miami 24-17 in first round.

ADDITIONS: Two rookies, DB Antoine Winfield, and WR Peerless Price, could contribute immediately.

SUBTRACTIONS: No free-agent losses. CB Ray Jackson to expansion draft.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Flutie. Defenses may be better prepared for him.

OUTLOOK: With AFC East looking tough, Bills would be happy getting back to playoffs.

OPENING EXHIBITION: Aug. 14 in Seattle.

OPENING GAME: Sept. 12 in Indianapolis.

NEW ENGLAND (9-7)

OPEN CAMP: Friday, Smithfield, R.I.

LAST YEAR: Despite a rash of injuries, including quarterback Drew Bledsoe’s broken finger, the Patriots won a wild-card berth but lost the playoff game in Jacksonville, 25-10, with Scott Zolak in Bledsoe’s place. RB Robert Edwards, who showed huge promise as a rookie, tore up his knee in beach game at Pro Bowl and future is in doubt.

ADDITIONS: C Damien Woody, LB Andy Katzenmoyer and RB Kevin Faulk, all draft picks who have a decent chance to be opening-day starters.

SUBTRACTIONS: Edwards, Zolak, LB Todd Collins, C Dave Wohlabaugh, P Tom Tupa.

PLAYER TO WATCH: DE Willie McGinest. If he can stay healthy after missing seven games last season, he adds major defensive help.

OUTLOOK: With a new running back and an improved AFC East, the playoffs are not as likely. Must avoid injuries, a problem last season when Bledsoe, McGinest, WRs Terry Glenn and Troy Brown, TE Ben Coates, and LB Ted Johnson all missed substantial parts of the season.

OPENING EXHIBITION: Aug. 13 vs. Washington.

OPENING GAME: Sept. 12 at New York Jets.

INDIANAPOLIS (3-13)

OPENED CAMP: July 22, Terre Haute, Ind.

LAST YEAR: Badly hurt by defense, 29th in league overall, but emergence of rookie QB Peyton Manning was all that was expected.

ADDITIONS: DEs Chad Bratzke and Shawn King and S Chad Cota. RB Edgerrin James, first-round pick ahead of Ricky Williams.

SUBTRACTIONS: RB Marshall Faulk, P Chris Gardocki, DE Al Fontenot, DE Dan Footman.

PLAYER TO WATCH: James, who was chosen because he catches well and was said to fit offense better than Williams.

OUTLOOK: There’s still work to do and the division is probably too tough to think playoffs this year.

OPENING EXHIBITION: Aug. 7 in Chicago.

OPENING GAME: Sept. 12 vs. Buffalo.