Bironas, Vaughn compete for Titans' kicking job

Updated: July 31, 2007, 10:40 PM ET

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Associated Press

Tennessee Titans: Rob Bironas set a Tennessee record by kicking four game-winning field goals in 2006, including a 60-yarder to beat the Colts in December. All that earned him was competition in training camp from a strong-legged rookie from Auburn to make sure he doesn't get too comfortable.

Bironas, who has only two years in the NFL with the Titans, understands. In fact, he's glad to have John Vaughn around. It's enjoyable to take time off while the second team works in practice. It doesn't hurt that Vaughn went to Auburn, where Bironas spent all but a semester of his college career.

Coach Jeff Fisher called the situation very competitive.

"Very impressed with what John's been able to do with his leg strength and his accuracy," Fisher said. "We haven't had this as long as I can remember. We've had two guys who can consistently put the ball through the uprights from way out. It's going to be interesting to see how it unfolds."

Elsewhere in AFC camps:

New York Jets: David Bowens developed a reputation for bowling people over before coming to the Jets. All the sacks and tackles on the football field were one thing, but it was his 221 career average on the lanes that impressed his new teammates. When the son of former professional bowler Frank Williams showed up for a team charity event at Chelsea Piers in Manhattan in June, he felt, well, framed.

Bowens rolled a 179, which wasn't bad, but his performance was overshadowed by Curtis Martin's 211.

After playing the last six years with the rival Dolphins, Bowens is hoping to throw a few strikes on defense for the Jets. The 30-year-old Bowens was a pass-rushing specialist for the Dolphins, compiling 18 of his 26 career sacks during the past three seasons. The Jets could use some help in that department after tying for 15th in the league with 35 last season.

The Jets are working Bowens at both defensive end and outside linebacker in training camp, a role he's assumed throughout his career. Bowens has worked mainly with the second team during drills.

New England Patriots: Versatility is one of Adalius Thomas' strengths. His new coach can't wait to use those vast skills.

After spending his first seven seasons in Baltimore and making two Pro Bowls, Thomas signed as an unrestricted free agent with the Patriots. He joined a linebacking corps stocked by coach Bill Belichick with veterans Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel, Rosevelt Colvin and Junior Seau. At 29, Thomas is the second-youngest of the group and less than a month older than Colvin.

Thomas excels at rushing the passer. His 28 sacks the past three seasons are the most in the league by a linebacker. He also plays as a defensive lineman and has even lined up in the defensive backfield.

Belichick saw his versatility when he coached the AFC team in the Pro Bowl in 2006 when Thomas started at outside linebacker and returned a fumble 70 yards for a touchdown. Now Belichick is getting an even closer look.