Denver – Quite a catch

John Elway's first three trips to the Super Bowl ended with disappointing defeats. Then in 1997, the quarterback found a new favorite target in undrafted third-year wideout Rod Smith, who started every game and caught 12 touchdown passes. The Broncos finally broke through and won a championship, both that season and the next.

 

Hidden Truth: Smith has the most receptions of any undrafted player in league history. His 797 career catches put him 15th on the all-time list. He has caught at least 70 passes for nine straight seasons – after totaling just 22 in his first two years.

 

Outlook for 2006: Still going strong at 36 years old, Smith is coming off an 85-catch season and his third Pro Bowl selection. While recent acquisition Javon Walker may eventually assume the mantle of go-to receiver, Smith will continue to be a big part of the Denver passing game.

 

Kansas City – High fives

Herman Edwards takes over a 10-6 squad that failed to make the playoffs last season. Although the Chiefs have scored more points (2,157) than any other team over the last five years, they have only one playoff berth and no postseason victories to show for it. Becoming more balanced is Kansas City's major challenge.  

 

Hidden Truth: For five consecutive seasons, the Chiefs have finished in the top five in total offense. In fact, they led the league in yardage each of the past two years. One of the key factors is the emergence of running back Larry Johnson, who set a franchise record with 1,750 rushing yards in 2005.

Outlook for 2006: Those five prolific offensive seasons coincided with the tenures of head coach Dick Vermeil and offensive coordinator Al Saunders. With the former retired and the latter now calling plays for the Redskins, the new-look Chiefs are expected to make more of a mark defensively.

 

Oakland – No longer in the hardware business

After a 4-12 campaign, Norv Turner was fired, Art Shell was rehired and the draft transpired. Holding the seventh pick, the Raiders had a chance to select their quarterback of the future when Matt Leinart, the former Heisman winner from USC, was still available. Despite Al Davis's love of the "vertical passing game," Oakland picked Texas safety Michael Huff – and an era officially ended.

 

Hidden Truth: This season, the Raiders' roster will be without a Heisman Trophy recipient for the first time since 1978. With Pro Bowl cornerback Charles Woodson having moved on to the Packers, Oakland now has no direct links to college football's top individual honor. Here is a chronological look at the six different Heisman winners who have worn the silver and black over the last 27 years:

Outlook for 2006: After three straight losing seasons, the Raiders won't accept being in rebuilding mode. Even though the roster shows a lack of award-winning talent, Shell has received a familiar edict: "Just win, baby."

 

San Diego – Keen ability

Like Smith, Keenan McCardell was an NFL afterthought. Back in 1991, when the draft still had 12 rounds, he was one of the last players chosen (No. 326 overall). He didn't end up making the Redskins that season, but he has been catching passes ever since.

 

Hidden Truth: McCardell has the second-most career receptions of any active player. He has moved into 10th place on the all-time list, having racked up 825 catches over 14 seasons. Only Indy's Marvin Harrison (927) has more among current players.