Observations ... • Chiefs running back Thomas Jones, dumped by the Jets after a career-high 1,402 yards rushing last season, has looked good enough at age 32 to run with the first team ahead of Jamal Charles, a 23-year-old who ran for 1,120 yards last season.
• The Redskins' offensive line, which will have three new faces, looks significantly better in camp. The right-side starters will be former Viking Artis Hicks at guard and former Saints Pro Bowler Jammal Brown at tackle. Brown, who missed last season because of a hip injury, gave the team a scare last week when he missed a couple of practices because of hip soreness. He was back to work later in the week.
• Hall of Fame defensive end Howie Long had his breakout season in Year 3. He went from 5 1/2 sacks to 13. His son, Rams defensive end Chris Long, enters Year 3 coming off a five-sack season. Chris has moved to left end.
... and predictions • The Chargers will win the AFC West even if left tackle Marcus McNeill and receiver Vincent Jackson miss the entire season.
• Jimmy Clausen will be the Panthers' starting quarterback some time before your children say, "Trick or treat!"
