Like his mentor Mike Martz, Bills offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild is preparing J.P. Losman and his youthful receivers to go to the next level. This means that Buffalo has been working on five receiver sets this off-season, believing that the free-agent offensive line acquisitions will allow Losman the time to go deep and throw, throw, throw.

Such a strategy worked in the Jim Kelly era in wild-weather Orchard Park, but no one is convinced these Bills are up to the task. There is no doubt that Fairchild knows some offense and is a strong enough voice to play it safe, too.

The Bills are in one of the AFC’s toughest divisions, considering the Patriots, the newly-improved Jets and the always-reliable Dolphins. To compete for a playoff spot, Buffalo must improve on a red-zone offense that managed only 15 touchdowns on 35 visits last season. Losman showed improvement at the end of last season and must continue those strides this summer. It’s just hard to imagine #### Jauron coaching a pass-first offense.

Bears fixing Rex

Chicago’s coaching staff has been diligent in the off-season of constantly reminding quarterback Rex Grossman to quit throwing off his back foot and to remember to step into every one of his throws. It is Quarterback School 101. The Bears believe that most of Grossman’s 20 interceptions last season were the result of faulty mechanics and bad habits like throwing off his back foot.

Young quarterbacks like Grossman, who does have a strong arm, often believe that their arms can salvage any precarious situation. Well, that rarely happens unless you are a young John Elway.

What is odd about the Bears, though, is that they showed absolutely zilch confidence in highly-paid backup Brian Griese last season. They have a young team coming off a Super Bowl and shouldn’t management be focused on making sure the offense can score if Grossman doesn’t produce?

I mean, shouldn’t the Bears consider signing Daunte Culpepper? He knows the NFC North and he can throw. Wouldn’t Culpepper be a better option should Grossman misfire once again?

Zone blocking

The use of zone blocking along the offensive line has raised its head in Carolina under new coordinator Jeff Davidson. It seems like the futility of Carolina’s running game last season had as much to do with Dan Henning’s firing as offensive coordinator as Jake Delhomme’s subpar passing season. There were rumblings that owner Jerry Richardson had a hand in Henning’s dismissal, but it appears that coach John Fox believed he needed to make a dramatic change even though he had a lot of respect for Henning’s work. It’s just too bad that Fox didn’t take into consideration all the injuries on offense last season, too, before bailing on Henning.

There has been a lot of speculation about Fox’s future in Carolina and most of it hinges on the fact that ex-Pittsburgh coach Bill Cowher is retired and living nearby. But Fox doesn’t appear to be entering a win-or-else season and if Cowher does return to the NFL sidelines his likely landing spot would be Cleveland where owner Randy Lerner has the money ($7-to-$10 million) to pay him. Plus, it would be a coup for Lerner and the Browns to hire Cowher and give him the keys to the franchise.

Moss beneficiary

A lot has been written lately about Randy Moss and his strong workouts with the New England Patriots and Tom Brady. There is no question that Moss should be a splendid weapon in the Patriots offense if he remains healthy. But what Moss and speedy receiver Donte Stallworth mean to Brady and Co. is pretty obvious.

If those two receivers can be effective deep, it will allow ex-Dolphin Wes Welker to operate in single coverage underneath and be in position to catch 100 passes this season.

Welker -- not Moss -- was the pivotal New England acquisition this off-season. Not only does Welker’s departure lessen Miami’s offense, but he gives Brady a sure-handed, feisty target to keep the chains moving. When the Patriots play teams like the Colts, time of possession will be as important as scoring. With Welker, the Patriots will move the chains.

And, finally, if Brady has a successful passing offense, you can bet that running back Laurence Maroney could have 1,400 yards and 15 touchdowns. If defenses are forced to play the pass, Maroney should have plenty of opportunities to run.

You have to wonder what Chris Simms is thinking. You can bet that his father, Phil Simms, isn’t too happy with head coach Jon Gruden after the Bucs gave Jeff Garcia the same contract ($7 million for two seasons) that Simms is playing for while also securing the rights to former Denver starter Jake Plummer.

Tampa Bay should have a healthy quarterback competition this summer.

Yes, Plummer has announced he plans to retire rather than play in Tampa Bay. But the Bucs and Broncos wrote a pretty interesting contract before the NFLPA got wind of what was happening. If Plummer reports this month to the Bucs, Denver receives a fourth-round pick. But if Plummer doesn’t report in March, the compensation is a seventh-rounder.

This is a very interesting trade language, and one designed to prevent Plummer from simply asking to be released from Denver and then signing with the Houston Texans, where his former offensive coordinator, Gary Kubiak, is the head coach. That is what Plummer wanted to do and exactly what the Broncos wanted to prevent.

Basically, the Bucs will own Plummer’s rights and if he doesn’t report, they will place him on the reserve list. If Plummer ever wants to play in the NFL again, he will have to deal with the Bucs, who could either activate him or trade him.

Believe it or not, the Bucs have enough salary-cap room to keep all three quarterbacks. They currently plan to do exactly that and see what happens before considering a trade later in the year.

For Simms, he now knows for sure that the Bucs like Garcia based on what he was paid and that maybe he shouldn’t have signed that extension late last season. I mean, Simms is hardly guaranteed anything now except for a lot of competition for the starting quarterback spot.

 

Quality of life influences Dielman

 

The Chargers kept guard Kris Dielman, who settled for a $6.5 million average after rejected a $7 million average from the Seattle Seahawks. Basically, Dielman decided he’d rather live and play in San Diego than in Seattle, and who can argue with that reasoning when the money was so close.

Still, what’s fascinating is that Seattle was going to pay Dielman more money than it was willing to pay All-Pro guard Steve Hutchinson last season. Seattle completely misjudged how much room they would have this season and where the salary numbers for offensive linemen would be in 2007. It was horrible planning and cap management by the Seahawks and magnified by the club’s pursuit of Dielman.

Small market?

 

There are a few NFL teams wondering how can Bills owner Ralph Wilson continue to complain about his small-market stature and his desperate need for revenue sharing after his team pays two offensive linemen, Langston Walker and Derrick Dockery, a total of $70 million. Walker, who would have been paid the minimum by many NFL teams, received a $10 million signing bonus from the Bills.

Dockery is a very good run blocker, but Walker, a right tackle, was a full-time starter on an offensive line that allowed 72 quarterback sacks last season.

The Cleveland Browns gave former Bengals guard Eric Steinbach a better contract than what Hutchinson received last season, including $17 million guaranteed. It’s difficult to believe all these guards are as good or better than Hutch.

 

Serious upgrade

The Patriots have definitely improved their defense with the multi-talented ex-Baltimore linebacker Adalius Thomas. Thomas chose New England over San Francisco, believing the Pats have a better chance of reaching the Super Bowl than the 49ers. That makes sense.

 

The Patriots also signed Jacksonville tight end Kyle Brady, who they believe remains a top five blocker at his position. If they can pry Wes Welker away from the Dolphins, it will be a great acquisition. Welker is an excellent special teams player, but also has a chance to be a full-time receiver. There aren’t many tougher all-around players in the NFL than Welker.

Baltimore GM Ozzie Newsome is being ripped in some NFL circles for surrendering a fourth-round draft choice for Steve McNair, a quarterback the Tennessee Titans would have released later this month. But Newsome is trying to win and head coach Brian Billick insisted on having McNair as quickly as possible in order for him to learn the offense.

Yes, a fourth-round pick can be a lot. But the Ravens are in a difficult division and they are hoping McNair can make them a playoff team once again. It’s asking a lot, especially for such a fragile quarterback, but McNair may enjoy the change, especially if Baltimore can run the football like it has in the past.

For the Titans, they gain $9 million in salary-cap savings, enough to sign their draft class and possibly another free agent. McNair will also cost $14.43 million in dead money this season, the last one he’s on the books for.

In Tennessee, Billy Volek may be the announced starter, but it will be only a matter of time before rookie Vince Young plays. It probably will happen when owner Bud Adams calls down from his owner’s box and suggests it.

The real Mularkey?

Through the years, there is no doubt that defensive players have loved playing for #### Jauron, now Buffalo’s head coach. You can count safety Troy Vincent in that group. Vincent, as we know, is one of those savvy veterans, someone who has a shot at replacing Gene Upshaw as executive director of the NFL Players Association.

Vincent respects Jauron for who he is. While saying that, he took a little swipe at former coach Mike Mularkey, a nice-guy offensive coordinator while with the Steelers, who simply failed in Buffalo.

“(Mularkey) was trying to build a personality that I’m not sure was what we were,” Vincent said this week. “You can’t teach a show dog how to fight. I have great respect for Coach Mularkey, but he tried to project a tough image … That was (Bill) Cowher.”

Believe me, it is a common mistake among rookie head coaches to project a personality that is not their own. Mularkey saw the kind of success Cowher had and tried at times to emulate him. But in the process, it chipped away at his own personality and the players saw through that.

Keep an eye on Addai

For anyone looking for a rookie running back to pick up in fantasy football, keep tabs on the health of the Colts’ Joseph Addai during training camp. Addai will be given every opportunity to win the job in Indianapolis. Plus, in that offense, there will be a chance for Addai to rack up a lot of yards and touchdowns.

Law's list

The teams really interested in cornerback Ty Law are, in order of seriousness, New England, Kansas City and Arizona. He also could be of some help in Tennessee.

Holmes to return?

Although neck specialist Dr. Robert Watkins of Los Angeles hasn’t cleared him to play, Chiefs running back Priest Holmes sounds like he may be willing to play this season. Holmes turns 33 in October. The Chiefs believe it is too risky for Holmes and that he’ll probably retire. But Holmes is making noises, unless you believe he simply likes to hear himself talk about a possible return.

Payton cleans house

Congratulations to new Saints head coach Sean Payton for doing some necessary house cleaning in the locker room. He traded away defensive tackle Johnathan Sullivan, maybe the biggest bust in team history, to New England and also linebacker Courtney Watson. His first moves were dumping underachieving quarterback Aaron Brooks and guard Kendyl Jacox and also trading soft offensive tackle Wayne Gandy.

Drew Brees was seen throwing 10 to 15-yard passes in a recent mini-camp and insists he will have better velocity once training camp starts.

The Jacksonville Jaguars definitely knew that rookie running back Maurice Drew was with Chicago cornerback Ricky Manning, Jr. on April 23 when a young man was allegedly punched by Manning in a Denny’s restaurant in Westwood. The incident occurred near the UCLA campus where both Manning and Drew were students.

Manning was arrested that night while Drew was officially charged with assault on Thursday. Drew, who led UCLA in rushing for three consecutive seasons, was a second-round pick of the Jaguars, who were told that Drew was simply a bystander during the fight. Prior to the draft, most NFL teams were attempting to ascertain the extent of Drew’s involvement. The Jaguars drafted Drew, believing he would never be charged.

Manning, a former starter with the Carolina Panthers, recently signed a five-year, $21 million contract with the Chicago Bears, who have to be worried about the possibility of their new player being convicted. Manning is currently on probation for a similar assault incident in 2002.

Texans not rushing to replace Casserly

The Houston Texans are not in a rush to hire new personnel man to replace Charley Casserly. Rick Smith of the Denver Broncos appears to be the front-runner, but owner Bob McNair will definitely interview a minority candidate before making a final decision. It is apparent that new head coach Gary Kubiak will have a major voice in future personnel decisions. Translation: this job opening has been diluted when it relates to power and control.

Packers happy with Rodgers

The Green Bay Packers have been pleasantly surprised by second-year quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ increased arm strength during recent drills and mini-camps. This is why the Packers passed on the idea of possibly drafting USC quarterback Matt Leinart with the fifth overall pick. Believe it or not, the Packers liked Leinart over Reggie Bush.

More Bush buzz

Speaking of Bush, there is no truth to the conspiracy junkies out there that the league talked Houston into passing on him in order to place Bush with the Saints. The NFL has invested about $40 million in the rebirth of the Saints, helping with the reconstruction of the Superdome. The conspiracy part has Bush helping New Orleans, a franchise many believe will end up on Los Angeles some day where Bush was a star at USC.

There is no question that Bush and new quarterback Drew Brees have created such a buzz in the devastated Gulf Coast that the Saints have sold a franchise-record 54.969 season tickets. That’s never happened in 40 seasons. Hey, we always knew this was a great football area and the people have been rallying around the team despite their dislike for owner Tom Benson.

Staying in Seattle a no-brainer

When Mike Holmgren looked at his future options, it didn’t make sense to leave Seattle where he has a quality team that will be competing for the NFC championship for the next couple seasons.

The best thing about Seattle is that no owner is going to out-spend Paul Allen and fewer are easier to work for. The Ruston Webster hiring is a case in point. Webster might be ready to become a general manager, but no team was going to offer him a job paying $700,000 a season like Seattle. That money is financial security for Webster and his family.

The Bucs, the Rams and several other teams probably were in greater need of Webster’s services and experience, but weren’t thinking in the same salary range.

Mike Shanahan and a couple of other coaches, whose salaries are based on the top three coaches in the league, are curious what Holmgren received for extending for two more years. Did he finally hit $7 to 8 million a year?

Holmgren had been talking in March about wanting to be a general manager again, but when viewing 2007 potential options like San Diego, Dallas and some others, Holmgren knew that he had a hands-off owner and no team would pay him as much. In Seattle, all Holmgren has to do is coach and he makes more money than coaches like Shanahan who is also technically the general manager.

Bills, Lions blunder

The Buffalo Bills made the first mistake when agreeing with cornerback Nate Clements not to place the franchise tag on him again next season, thus allowing him to be an unrestricted free-agent. Now, the Detroit Lions agreed to a one-year franchise price of $6.98 million for offensive tackle Jeff Backus, one of Matt Millen’s most successful first-round picks.

New coach Rod Marinelli wants Backus to be a part of all the team’s off-season training days and consequently Millen gave in to the player. Backus will be unrestricted next season and the Lions can’t collect two first-round picks from the team that signs him away.

This is a horrible way to operate a team. The Seahawks held firm for three seasons on offensive tackle Walter Jones. They kept the franchise tag on Jones until both sides finally agreed on a long-term contract. Jones missed training camp every summer, but he still played well once the season began. Mike Holmgren didn’t like it, but he endured because there was no way that Seattle was going to allow Jones to leave for nothing.

Quality first-round choices like Jones and Backus are solid investments. You can’t seemingly give that talent away without significant compensation. Backus is gambling on not getting hurt this season, but the Lions will be the bigger loser if he plays well and doesn’t re-sign with them.

What would the Green Bay Packers do if USC quarterback Matt Leinart were available with the fifth overall choice? Well, we’ve put Maryland tight end Vernon Davis there, but Leinart would be difficult to ignore even with Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers on the roster.

Why? Well, there was a strong rumor last year at this time that 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy preferred Alex Smith to Rodgers. Well, McCarthy is now the new Green Bay head coach and his backup quarterback is Rodgers. This is why Leinart would be compelling.

Why is Leinart falling?

Well, it seems that Tennessee GM Floyd Reese has the call with the third overall pick and he prefers Texas QB Vince Young to the USC quarterback, who is preferred by the coaching staff. Remember, owner Bud Adams lives in Houston, Young’s hometown. It will be pretty easy for Reese for convince Adams.

Of course, such a pick could force head coach Jeff Fisher to re-think his future in Tennessee. Adams owns options on his contract for 2007 at around $6 million a season. If Fisher doesn’t get Leinart, will he ask Adams for his freedom in 2007?

Leinart as next Namath?

The Jets are actually worried about Hollywood Matt Leinart turning into the off-the-field version of Joe Willie Namath. Old-time New Yorkers would think that’s ridiculous, considering Joe Willie was a lot of fun to watch, on and off the field.

Donald Trump likes Leinart. Then, again, that could be interpreted in Jets’ headquarters as the kiss of death.

Raiders looking at Young

If the Titans pass on Vince Young, everybody in the NFL believes that Raiders owner Al Davis will pick him with the seventh overall choice. The Raiders may need Texas safety Michael Huff, but Davis and head coach Art Shell are thinking long-term.

Lions like Sims

New Lions head coach Rod Marenelli wants a defensive demon and it appears that Florida State linebacker Ernie Sims could be the team's first-round pick. Sims is known for playing at 100 miles per hour and some teams believe he must gauge his speed or he could actually end up hurting himself in the pros.

Bunkley the Bill

The Buffalo Bills are seriously thinking of taking Florida State defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley with the eighth overall pick, meaning that monster nose tackle Haloti Ngata could be available to the Rams at No. 11. And some teams believe the Dolphins will take Tennessee safety Jason Allen with the 16th overall pick. Safety is a big need for Miami.

Walker on the wild side

If they can get a second-round pick, the Packers will trade unhappy receiver Javon Walker. It’s up to the Saints and Broncos to make the call. Green Bay has decided not to re-work Walker’s contract and the club believes its better to get him out of town.

What about Rodgers and Walker to New Orleans for receiver Donte Stallworth, a second-round pick and a third-round pick?

Bush's eye black

Reggie Bush has all these problems with that free house outside San Diego, but one thing is certain: he won’t be wearing his familiar 619 eye black in the NFL. He will be allowed to wear it during training camp and at practice, but the league doesn’t allow “personal messages” on the field on game days.