The NFL 2006 preseason is almost over, and with the NFL kicking off it's regular season in about a week, it's time to pinch ourselves and look back at some lasting impressions. Now, I was fortunate to catch a handful of games, although I'm feeling very unloved now that the Sunday Night Football games have moved to the NFL Network, but that's another story. What IS important is to take these preseason performances "with a grain of salt". Especially when putting your middle to late round picks on names that were competing against opposing 2nd and 3rd string units. On the other hand, there are some performances in the preseason that can translate as truths:
- Reggie Bush is the real deal. He won't put up RB1 numbers this year, but he has great upside and will produce tremendously for years to come. Texans, start kicking yourselves! Harder!
- Dante Culpepper is back from major knee surgery and has put himself in a really good situation to get back to the playoffs. The same goes for Carson Palmer. Wow, very impressive in his first preseason game showing great confidence in his reconstructed knee and returning to what he's used to -- picking apart defenses.
- Lawrence Moroney (R) may be the steal of the '06 draft. He shows great burst up through the line of scrimmage and breaks tackles. Look for him to steal 6-10 carries a game from starter Corey Dillon.
- Tight Ends are stepping their game up. After Antonio Gates, Jeremy Shockey and T-Gonzo get picked up, 2006 brings great second-tier talent with potential for breakout years from people like Ben Watson, Alge Crumpler, Chris Cooley, Randy McMichael, and rookie standout Vernon Davis come to mind. Anyone of these guys can create separation from defenders and should make substantial contributions to their respective teams.
But there seems to be more questions marks than definite answers around the league. Where do I start?
- Quarterback situations: Bills, Jets, Titans, Raiders, Redskins, Bears all have questionable situations at the QB position. With the exception of the Bears, it's hard for me to see any of these teams in the postseason.
- Cedric Benson or Thomas Jones? The coaches say Benson, but the players want Jones.
- Will the Mike Martz system work for the Lions?
- Brett Farve...How much longer will he hold down the starting job? Jake Plummer is feeling the heat too with rookie Jay Cutler looking veteran-like early in his NFL career.
- How many people have hamstring injuries? I'm not going to count...
- Can the Cardinals live up to expectations?
- Will this be yet another year of rebuilding for the 49ers, Browns, Saints, Jets?
- T.O....well, T.O. will always be T.O.
I'm not going around the entire league, but you get the point. One things for sure, the NFL brings unpredictability like no other league; one of the many reasons why this game is like no other. I'm excited -- Herm Edwards is excited. I would be too if I were coaching a horse like Larry Johnson. Now, count the days down with me...8...7...6...
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