• In sharp contrast to what many expected this offseason, it appears the Chiefs' defense will be well ahead of their offense entering 2009. While the offense struggled mightily in the preseason and underwent a change in coordinators in late August, the "D" made some nice showings in exhibition action, causing head coach Todd Haley to say he was "encouraged" by it. Transitioning to a 3-4 defensive scheme, the team is especially excited about the potential of its starting outside linebackers, Mike Vrabel and Tamba Hali, who are expected to provide a much better pass rush than anything K.C. received last season.

• Not many of the Chargers' Sept. 5 cuts were surprising, but one that was somewhat unexpected was the release of OG Kynan Forney. Signed to a two-year, $4.8 million extension this offseason, Forney looked to have the starting right guard job locked up early in training camp. However, a neck injury that hindered him for the final few weeks of the preseason ultimately proved to be his undoing, as San Diego instead opted to go with rookie Louis Vasquez as its starter at right guard. We also hear that the Chargers' depth along the line made them comfortable parting ways with Forney, who was signed by the Jaguars shortly thereafter.

• We hear Broncos rookie QB Tom Brandstater impressed his coaching staff with two decent preseason outings and has staying power within the organization. The sixth-rounder was drafted as a developmental prospect, and while there's no doubt he still isn't considered a solid NFL backup, he's a lot closer to being ready for that job than some expected.

• Word is the Raiders' staff is being cautious about using RB Justin Fargas as he deals with a hamstring injury because they are very comfortable with Darren McFadden and Michael Bush as the top two backs. Head coach Tom Cable recently said that "we're going to need (Fargas)," but his role is expected to be limited compared to the past few seasons.

• General manager Mike Tannenbaum's confession that he was responsible for Brett Favre's omission on the injury report late last season, despite knowing about his quarterback's throwing-arm problems, has dialed up the heat on his seat. Numerous people around the league believed Tannenbaum should've been ousted alongside head coach Eric Mangini after last season, and he might not be so lucky if the Jets underachieve again. Furthermore, coach Rex Ryan is increasingly becoming the force guiding the personnel makeup of the team — see the signings of Bart Scott, Marques Douglas and Jim Leonhard, all of whom played for Ryan in Baltimore — and Tannenbaum might be hesitant to press for transactions if Ryan is opposed to them. If the relationship between Ryan and Tannenbaum becomes contentious, there's little doubt at this point that owner Woody Johnson would side with his player-popular head coach.

• Even though three years of downtrodden play should be enough to label 2006 first-round DT John McCargo a bust, the word out of Buffalo is that he looks like a rejuvenated player under the tutelage of new DL coach Bob Sanders. He should figure prominently in the Bills' DT rotation, especially in passing situations.

• The Ravens' trade for Packers OT-OG Tony Moll as rosters were pared to 53 players is a clear signal the club wasn't confident in Oniel Cousins being the top tackle off the bench, the way we hear it. Moll, who had fallen out of favor in Green Bay, nonetheless has a significant experience edge on Cousins. Moll started 18 games in his first three NFL seasons, while Cousins is just entering his second NFL campaign.

• The feeling in Baltimore is that Chris Chester will get the call at right guard for the first few weeks of the season as Marshal Yanda works his way back from a knee injury that ended his 2008 season early.

• The way we hear it, Texans rookie TE James Casey could push for a bigger role on offense as the season progresses, particularly in red-zone packages. He has excellent hands, and he has made a positive impression with his work ethic. Casey snagged 111 passes in his final season at Rice.

• Will the Texans lean on Chris Brown or Steve Slaton in the red zone? It could be a matter of who is performing better on short-yardage carries at the time, a source close to the club suggests, an indication that this could be a fluid situation at least early in the season.

• Should the Titans add a veteran receiver in the weeks to come, second-year WR Lavelle Hawkins' roster spot could be in jeopardy, a source close to the club told PFW. Hawkins was inactive for the season opener at Pittsburgh.

• A seemingly minor transaction could actually be quite telling of the Colts' defensive plans. That transaction was the surprising release of second-year DE Marcus Howard, and the plan it could illuminate is Indy's intention of generating a heavier amount of their pass rush from blitzes. The 237-pound Howard was no doubt considered purely a pass-rush specialist, and his incredible burst — some contend his raw speed is greater than that of Dwight Freeney, who's regarded as one of the league's quickest ends — had many believing he'd be a valuable asset on passing downs. Now that Indy lacks another pass-rushing threat at end behind Freeney and Robert Mathis, new defensive coordinator Larry Coyer's plan to blitz more often appears prudent and necessary.

PFW's annual Kickoff Issue is on sale at PFWstore.com and at newsstands and bookstores across the country. Also, be sure to buy copies of the Pro Football Weekly/Yahoo! Sports 2009 NFL preview magazine, as well as the Pro Football Weekly/Yahoo! Sports Fantasy Football Guide 2009, both of which are now available at bookstores, newsstands and retail outlets where magazines are sold. Or order your copies online at PFWStore.com.