Preseason Football Is Back!

Added on Aug 11, 2011 by Scott in

NFL

Preseason football is kinda like watching a movie directed by Michael Bay. You can’t help but be intrigued, know it’s going to suck, and once it’s over feel empty for having wasted two hours of your life. Don’t get me wrong, it’s wonderful to have the NFL back after the prolonged lockout threatened the start of the regular season. However, let’s not pretend the games that begin tonight equate to quality entertainment. Nevertheless, there are some key storylines to follow over the next four weeks worthy of our attention.

What’s the deal with Chris Johnson? – Fantasy football owners are in full panic mode, especially the ones who already drafted, over CJ2K’s holdout. Will he sit out the entire exhibition slate? If so, how will it affect how he plays in September? Considering the Titans are poised to be one of the league’s worst in 2011, it wouldn’t shock me if Johnson pulled a Vinnie Jackson and missed a large chunk of the season. Buyer beware.

Will the new look Eagles suffer a communication breakdown? – The Birds just keep adding players to an overhauled roster. The latest came yesterday when they inked ex-Giant slot magician Steve Smith to a one-year deal. Smitty is recovering from knee surgery, so he might not see the field until at least October. Can he and Nnamdi, Cullen, Jason, Anthony, Ronnie, Vince, Dominique and the rest get on the same page in time for the season opener? Seems unlikely for the media anointed “paper champions.” Toss in Mike Patterson and Jeremy Maclin’s uncertain medical status and you’ve got a powder keg waiting to explode.

Are the Chargers ready to rebound? – How the hell does a team ranked number one in offense and defense not make the playoffs? That’s what Bolts fans are wondering after last season’s collapse. Head coach Norv Turner was retained, so a repeat performance could be in order. San Diego has as much talent as any team in the league, but for whatever reason can’t pull it together. I mean they faced the putrid NFC West a year ago and still finished 9-7. Another slow start should result in Turner being canned.

The Kevin Kolb era begins in the desert – The Eagles front office can’t stop high-fiving after landing a second-round pick and a 25-year-old Pro Bowl cornerback for Kolb. The Cards front office is doing the same after acquiring the guy they hope will mold into a legit franchise quarterback. Adding tight end Todd Heap and rookie runner Ryan Williams will help, although a quality receiver opposite Larry Fitzgerald is needed. Maybe Early Doucet will stay healthy long enough to contribute.

At any rate, preseason football is back in a big, big way. Enjoy, if you can.