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that Keller had been injured, with many describing the injury as "gruesome." Meanwhile, Phillips is trying to fill a void for the Super Bowl-contending Broncos. The former San Diego Charger signed a one-year, $1-million deal in the offseason. But then, Phillips might have thought his role would be a supporting one, considering the Broncos also had Von Miller, one of the best pass-rushing linebackers in the league. He had 18.5 sacks last season. But Miller will start the season serving a four-game suspension, reportedly for a violation of the NFL drug policy. He is currently appealing the suspension. Phillips had been brought in during the offseason to back up Miller. "He's the kind of guy that we are looking at," Executive Vice President John Elway said to Yahoo! Sports on the day Phillips signed. "We are looking for a backup Sam (strongside linebacker) to play behind Von and we're also looking for a guy that can also rush the passer. Shaun Phillips can do both of those. When we looked at Shaun, we thought that he would be a guy that's a perfect fit for us." Phillips has 69.5 career sacks during his nine seasons, as he's been one of the league's most consistent pass-rushers. His acquisition was also expected to assist in Denver's loss of end Elvis Dumervil, who left via free agency. And Phillips' start with the Broncos, where he's adjusting to their 4-3 scheme after playing years in the Chargers' 3-4, was great; he scored Denver's first TD of the preseason when he picked up a fumble in a 10-6 victory over 49ers. "It was just the right place right time," Phillips told reporters afterward. "I always joke around saying who is the important one — the guy that caused the fumble or the guy that recovered it? It was a gift. I felt like I caused enough in my day that I deserved some free gifts, and that was my free gift." Pollard is adjusting to his new home with the Titans after winning a Super Bowl in Baltimore last season. But the Ravens decided to rebuild immediately after their win, turning over an aging roster. The moves included the release of Pollard, who had played much of the season with broken ribs. Even though Pollard was almost immediately picked up by the Titans, the release didn't sit well. He keeps his Ravens' contract termination letter in his Tennessee locker, according to the NFL Network, and didn't accompany the Ravens on their visit to the White House this offseason. He explained that he didn't want to be associated with some in the Baltimore organization. "At the end of the day, I know what happened, I know what took place," Pollard said on 105.7 The Fan in Baltimore. "I'm sorry, I just don't want to be in the room with certain people." Pollard, one of the most outspoken players in the NFL, has made his impact felt early with the Titans. Only five minutes into their first preseason game, he hit a Washington Redskins' receiver out of bounds and was penalized. He also was later fined $10,000. "For me as a defender, I am going to make the hit," Pollard said the before the fine. "I am going to hit you. There have been times I have been late and there have been times when I've had solid hits but for me, I can't worry about whether the league is going to fine me or not." New Role For Spencer Anthony Spencer isn't with a new team this season, but he's in a new role. TWIN CITY DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM 650 Sagamore Parkway South Lafayette, IN 47905 See the 2014 Jeep Wrangler! 800-562-4581 TwinCitySuperstore.com 46 IllustrateD volume 24, issue 1 f