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The NFL Network really shines this time of year. I don't want to watch all the NFL's preseason games, but I would like to watch the beginning of them all (when the starters play). Now I can, thanks to replays on NFL Network.
Jay Cutler looked outstanding against the Lions. He has a rocket arm that throws a nice tight spiral. He reads defenses well. He looks comfortable in the pocket. Is it too early to start making Elway comparisons?
Jake Plummer's days as starting QB in Denver are numbered.
Mike Bell will not be the starting RB for Denver. The only RB on Denver who looked impressive was Tatum Bell.
Phil Rivers made the Chargers look smart for getting rid of Drew Brees. Rivers also made Vincent Jackson look like the next stud wideout. There was clearly a comfort level there between the two of them, as Jackson caught everything thrown at him. Expect Jackson to move up from third on the depth chart soon.
Vince Young looked like a rookie QB, although he did show some flashes of how good he will be.
Reggie Bush is making the Texans look awfully stupid for not taking him with the first pick.
The Houston Texans look a little better than last year. Clearly, Dom Capers was not a good coach for them. Now if they only had a running back…
Derrick Johnson was awful! The first round linebacker taken by the Chiefs last year looked like a warm body on the field, as the Texans were able to block him at every turn. I didn’t see him shed a single block either. If he plays like this during the season, it will be another long year for the Chiefs defense.
Hank Baskett? Every time I turn around, I see him making a big play for the Eagles. Is he a preseason phenom, or the real deal?
Anthony Wright looked like he could actually be a decent sub for Carson Palmer. Or maybe the Bengals offense is just that good?
Why is Clinton Portis making a tackle on an interception return? There is something to be said for veterans dogging it in preseason. Clinton, enjoy your separated shoulder.
Is there a player in the NFL with a better name than Rock Cartwright? Cue the theme from "Bonanza"...
Behold: the 2006 NFL season is at last here. These are my predictions for the top Superbowl contenders. For information as to why predicted division winners Colts and Bears are not true contenders, see Badcock's other brilliantly-argued columns.
AFC EAST: New England Patriots Strengths: intelligent, flexible coaching staff, poised QB, O-line, D-line & LBs, pass defense. Weaknesses: WR depth, run defense, another brand-new inexperienced D coach. Variables: RBs Dillon vs. Maroney, S Harrison's return from injury
AFC NORTH: Pittsburgh Steelers Strengths: coaching continuity, O-Line, run defense, playmakers at LB & DB extremely talented. Weaknesses: might lack power run game, WR depth. Variables: QB health
AFC CENTRAL: Denver Broncos Strengths: coaching continuity, well-schemed O & D more important than personnel, O-Line, run defense, LBs. Weaknesses: pass rush, red zone D, DBs after Bailey, impatience. Variables: Jake Plummer: charade or facade?, WR health.
NFC EAST: Washington Redskins Strengths: finest head coach & coordinator group in the NFL (Gibbs, Williams, Saunders), running game, man-for-man best skill positions in NFL, aggressive bone-fracturing defense. Weaknesses: new offense, special teams (PK & Punter are atrocious). Variables: QB position, assimilation of new offense
NFC SOUTH: Carolina Panthers Strengths: coaching continuity, vertical & horizontal passing game, D-line talent & depth, CBs. Weaknesses: RB depth, LB stability. Variables: WR Johnson, O-Line
NFC WEST: Seattle Seahawks Strengths: coaching continuity (noticing a theme here?), MVP RB Alexander, 2006 highest-rated QB Hasselbeck, O-Line (including FB Strong), D-Line and LBs gives up yards not points, very easy schedule, best red zone team overrall 2006. Weaknesses: DB depth, difficulty vs. spread offenses Variable: letdown after losing Superbowl?
My final prediction? WASHINGTON REDSKINS beat Pittsburgh Steelers
Denver Broncos Schedule
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