NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 7 New Articles Added 11/6/06

Hache Man · Sep 6, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 3 New Articles Added 9/5/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 3 New Articles Added 9/5/06)

Wednesday, September 6, 2006
<TABLE style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 7px" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top>

</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Jenkins ready to dominate

By Scouts, Inc.





<TABLE class=text11 cellSpacing=4 cellPadding=0 width=552 border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD width="100%">Why To Watch
Winning divisional games is critical in the NFL. This critical NFC South game has all the makings of a classic showdown. Both teams have high expectations and need to get off to a fast start due to their tough schedules.

Falcons' offensive coordinator Greg Knapp will rely on the running game to set up the passing game. The Falcons will rely on a short, quick rhythm passing attack to alter the Panthers fierce pass rush. His ability to make in-game adjustments will be critical in the outcome of this game against an aggressive Carolina defense. Look for the Panthers to have their work cut out for them in containing QB Michael Vick and RB Warrick Dunn.

The Panthers will come out with their power running game and attack the Falcons' front seven with RB DeShaun Foster. The Falcons must improve their deficiencies against the run that haunted this team in 2005. With the return of Pro Bowl receiver Steve Smith. the Panthers should get back on track in Week 1.

When the Falcons have the ball
Rushing: This is a great matchup of strength vs. strength. The Falcons need to start out fast on offense against a Carolina defense that finished third in the NFL. The Falcons have fielded the league's top rushing attack the past two seasons behind running backs Warrick Dunn and TJ Duckett, and quarterback Michael Vick. However, Duckett was traded to the Redskins in a three-team deal in the preseason. Dunn is an underrated player who is shifty, surprisingly strong as a runner, and has shown no signs of slowing down at this point in his career. The Panthers upgraded the depth of their interior defensive line this offseason by signing defensive tackles Maake Kemoeatu and Damione Lewis. With the return of a healthy Kris Jenkins and the addition Kemoeatu, MLB Dan Morgan should be even more productive within the box against the run.
The key matchup will be the Falcons' interior trio of LG Matt Lehr, OC Todd McClure and RG Kynan Forney vs. the Panthers' interior run defense. So, look for the Falcons to attack the outside edges with their front side zone plays, allowing Dunn to make one cut and get downhill. Containing Vick is a nightmare for most defensive coordinators in the NFL. Defensive coordinator Mike Trgovac will design a plan to try and take away the Falcons' running game by using multiple fronts, which could incorporate either SS Shaun Williams or FS Mike Minter. Also, look for the Panthers to really clog up the interior, allowing their linebackers to play fast and downhill. The Panthers can ill afford to give up any explosive running plays to Dunn.

Passing: Look for offensive coordinator Greg Knapp to call a lot of short, high percentage pass plays to get QB Michael Vick comfortable early in the game. The loss of experienced receiver Brian Finneran was a blow to the Falcons' passing attack, but the addition of Ashley Lelie gives Vick another weapon in the vertical passing game. However, a lot of the Falcons' passing game is built around TE Alge Crumpler. Crumpler led the Falcons last season with 65 receptions, and the addition of Lelie in the Falcons' sub spread offense should result in even more opportunities for Crumpler.
Defensively, the Panthers have one of the best duos in the NFL in corners Ken Lucas and Chris Gamble. Gamble has outstanding ball skills and the athleticism to make a lot of plays in coverage. Both Roddy White and Michael Jenkins need to elevate their game against two of the better corners in the league. One of the key elements in stopping Vick will be the pass rush integrity of the Panthers' defense line. The Panthers must do a job of staying in their rush lanes, not allowing Vick to escape from tight spots and attacking the outside edges.
Look for the Panthers to put a spy on Vick and try to contain him in passing situations. Also, look for the Panthers to try and confuse Vick by disguising a lot of coverage schemes on the backend. The Falcons' offensive line has struggled to execute their protection schemes in the past, so look for the Panthers to rely a lot on their four man rush and try to isolate either Julius Peppers or Mike Rucker on the outside. The key to this will be the inside push of the defensive tackles.

When the Panthers have the ball
Rushing: Head coach John Fox is a big believer in attacking downhill between the tackles with a powerful running game. RB DeShaun Foster is now the primary back in Carolina. Foster has had some durability concerns throughout his short career, but when healthy has the skill to be the total package. The Panthers' offensive line is anchored by Pro Bowl LG Mike Whale and will have two new additions this year in OC Justin Hartwig and RG Evan Mathis. Offensive coordinator Dan Henning will utilize a strong running game to set up the Panthers' play-action attack. Look for the Panthers to attack downhill with a combination of Foster and change-of-pace RB DeAngelo Williams. With the recent addition of space eater Grady Jackson, along with the offseason acquisitions of Lawyer Milloy, John Abraham and Chris Crocker, the Falcons are looking to show a lot of improvement from a year ago against the run. The Falcons are an attacking defense that relies on using its athleticism and quickness to get upfield and be disruptive in gaps. Defensive coordinator Ed Donatell will utilize Milloy as the eigth defender in the box on heavy run down tendencies. Milloy is a smart, aggressive player who understands proper angles and run fits when attacking downhill against the run.

Passing: With a healthy Steve Smith and the addition of Keyshawn Johnson, the Panthers should be able to open up the offense in 2006. Smith is one of the most dangerous receivers in the NFL. One of the most intriguing matchups could be Pro Bowler DeAngelo Hall against Pro Bowler Steve Smith. Hall is on a fast track to becoming one of the league's best corners. QB Jake Delhomme is coming off a Pro Bowl year when he completed a career-high 60.2 percent of his passes and finished with a QB rating of 88.1. Delhomme plays with a gunslinger mentality and has the toughness that players love to rally behind. Look for Henning to utilize a lot of three-wide packages and try to get rookie first-round pick Jimmy Williams isolated in one-on-one situations on the outside. Starting RC Jason Webster moves inside in sub situations and could be isolated on Johnson too. The Panthers will also need to tighten up their protection schemes by keeping a TE on the field to help against fierce pass rush in RDE John Abraham, UT Rod Coleman and LDE Patrick Kerney. Mo< Defensive coordinator Ed Donatell could isolate Hall on Smith and roll the coverage the other way towards Williams in the Falcons' nickel coverage schemes. Also, look for the Panthers to attack vertically down the field and split the safeties off play action. Both Crocker and Milloy have limitations when extended out in deep zones. Delhomme might be one of the most underrated deep passers in the NFL.

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Sep 6, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 3 New Articles Added 9/5/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 3 New Articles Added 9/5/06)

Wednesday, September 6, 2006
<TABLE style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 7px" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top>

</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Jenkins ready to dominate

By Scouts, Inc.





<TABLE class=text11 cellSpacing=4 cellPadding=0 width=552 border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD width="100%">Why To Watch
Winning divisional games is critical in the NFL. This critical NFC South game has all the makings of a classic showdown. Both teams have high expectations and need to get off to a fast start due to their tough schedules.

Falcons' offensive coordinator Greg Knapp will rely on the running game to set up the passing game. The Falcons will rely on a short, quick rhythm passing attack to alter the Panthers fierce pass rush. His ability to make in-game adjustments will be critical in the outcome of this game against an aggressive Carolina defense. Look for the Panthers to have their work cut out for them in containing QB Michael Vick and RB Warrick Dunn.

The Panthers will come out with their power running game and attack the Falcons' front seven with RB DeShaun Foster. The Falcons must improve their deficiencies against the run that haunted this team in 2005. With the return of Pro Bowl receiver Steve Smith. the Panthers should get back on track in Week 1.

When the Falcons have the ball
Rushing: This is a great matchup of strength vs. strength. The Falcons need to start out fast on offense against a Carolina defense that finished third in the NFL. The Falcons have fielded the league's top rushing attack the past two seasons behind running backs Warrick Dunn and TJ Duckett, and quarterback Michael Vick. However, Duckett was traded to the Redskins in a three-team deal in the preseason. Dunn is an underrated player who is shifty, surprisingly strong as a runner, and has shown no signs of slowing down at this point in his career. The Panthers upgraded the depth of their interior defensive line this offseason by signing defensive tackles Maake Kemoeatu and Damione Lewis. With the return of a healthy Kris Jenkins and the addition Kemoeatu, MLB Dan Morgan should be even more productive within the box against the run.
The key matchup will be the Falcons' interior trio of LG Matt Lehr, OC Todd McClure and RG Kynan Forney vs. the Panthers' interior run defense. So, look for the Falcons to attack the outside edges with their front side zone plays, allowing Dunn to make one cut and get downhill. Containing Vick is a nightmare for most defensive coordinators in the NFL. Defensive coordinator Mike Trgovac will design a plan to try and take away the Falcons' running game by using multiple fronts, which could incorporate either SS Shaun Williams or FS Mike Minter. Also, look for the Panthers to really clog up the interior, allowing their linebackers to play fast and downhill. The Panthers can ill afford to give up any explosive running plays to Dunn.

Passing: Look for offensive coordinator Greg Knapp to call a lot of short, high percentage pass plays to get QB Michael Vick comfortable early in the game. The loss of experienced receiver Brian Finneran was a blow to the Falcons' passing attack, but the addition of Ashley Lelie gives Vick another weapon in the vertical passing game. However, a lot of the Falcons' passing game is built around TE Alge Crumpler. Crumpler led the Falcons last season with 65 receptions, and the addition of Lelie in the Falcons' sub spread offense should result in even more opportunities for Crumpler.
Defensively, the Panthers have one of the best duos in the NFL in corners Ken Lucas and Chris Gamble. Gamble has outstanding ball skills and the athleticism to make a lot of plays in coverage. Both Roddy White and Michael Jenkins need to elevate their game against two of the better corners in the league. One of the key elements in stopping Vick will be the pass rush integrity of the Panthers' defense line. The Panthers must do a job of staying in their rush lanes, not allowing Vick to escape from tight spots and attacking the outside edges.
Look for the Panthers to put a spy on Vick and try to contain him in passing situations. Also, look for the Panthers to try and confuse Vick by disguising a lot of coverage schemes on the backend. The Falcons' offensive line has struggled to execute their protection schemes in the past, so look for the Panthers to rely a lot on their four man rush and try to isolate either Julius Peppers or Mike Rucker on the outside. The key to this will be the inside push of the defensive tackles.

When the Panthers have the ball
Rushing: Head coach John Fox is a big believer in attacking downhill between the tackles with a powerful running game. RB DeShaun Foster is now the primary back in Carolina. Foster has had some durability concerns throughout his short career, but when healthy has the skill to be the total package. The Panthers' offensive line is anchored by Pro Bowl LG Mike Whale and will have two new additions this year in OC Justin Hartwig and RG Evan Mathis. Offensive coordinator Dan Henning will utilize a strong running game to set up the Panthers' play-action attack. Look for the Panthers to attack downhill with a combination of Foster and change-of-pace RB DeAngelo Williams. With the recent addition of space eater Grady Jackson, along with the offseason acquisitions of Lawyer Milloy, John Abraham and Chris Crocker, the Falcons are looking to show a lot of improvement from a year ago against the run. The Falcons are an attacking defense that relies on using its athleticism and quickness to get upfield and be disruptive in gaps. Defensive coordinator Ed Donatell will utilize Milloy as the eigth defender in the box on heavy run down tendencies. Milloy is a smart, aggressive player who understands proper angles and run fits when attacking downhill against the run.

Passing: With a healthy Steve Smith and the addition of Keyshawn Johnson, the Panthers should be able to open up the offense in 2006. Smith is one of the most dangerous receivers in the NFL. One of the most intriguing matchups could be Pro Bowler DeAngelo Hall against Pro Bowler Steve Smith. Hall is on a fast track to becoming one of the league's best corners. QB Jake Delhomme is coming off a Pro Bowl year when he completed a career-high 60.2 percent of his passes and finished with a QB rating of 88.1. Delhomme plays with a gunslinger mentality and has the toughness that players love to rally behind. Look for Henning to utilize a lot of three-wide packages and try to get rookie first-round pick Jimmy Williams isolated in one-on-one situations on the outside. Starting RC Jason Webster moves inside in sub situations and could be isolated on Johnson too. The Panthers will also need to tighten up their protection schemes by keeping a TE on the field to help against fierce pass rush in RDE John Abraham, UT Rod Coleman and LDE Patrick Kerney. Mo< Defensive coordinator Ed Donatell could isolate Hall on Smith and roll the coverage the other way towards Williams in the Falcons' nickel coverage schemes. Also, look for the Panthers to attack vertically down the field and split the safeties off play action. Both Crocker and Milloy have limitations when extended out in deep zones. Delhomme might be one of the most underrated deep passers in the NFL.

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Sep 6, 2006

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 3 New Articles Added 9/5/06)

Re: 2NFL - ESPN Insider Writeups, etc. 3 New Articles Added 9/5/06)

Wednesday, September 6, 2006
<TABLE style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 7px" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top>

</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Scouting Matchups: Week 1

By Scouts, Inc.




<TABLE class=text11 cellSpacing=4 cellPadding=0 width=552 border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD width="100%"><TABLE id=inlinetable cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=162 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" colSpan=2>

</TH><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD width=3> </TD><TD width=156>Only Insiders get access to all of Scouts Inc.'s, in-depth NFL coverage, as well as insight from ESPN's stable of football analysts.
? Take the Insider tour
? Become an Insider
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>NFL advance scouts watch games in person, studying everything from personnel packages to play-calling signals, and on film, looking at individual players, as well as a team's various schemes and recent trends. The goal? Provide their coaching staff with the best possible means of preparation during the week of practice. Scouts Inc. does the same thing, compiling the best advance scouting reports available and delivering them to you by Tuesday afternoon on ESPN.com Insider. On Friday, after breaking down more game film, Scouts Inc. files an updated report with a deeper look at each game, spotlighting key individual matchups and trends and predicting the final score.

<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD width=100>Matchup</TD><TD>Scouting</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD colSpan=2>THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2006</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>

Miami
at
Pittsburgh
Thu 8:30 PM ET</TD><TD>Dolphins at Steelers
Although they did not qualify for the playoffs, the Dolphins won their last six games last season. The only team to finish 2005 hotter than Miami was Pittsburgh, which won its last eight in a row, including three road playoff games and the Super Bowl. Now the Super Bowl champs open against an up-and-coming Dolphins team that hopes to be where the Steelers are.

Beyond the status of each team is the drama surrounding each team's starting quarterback. Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger had the motorcycle accident and now the emergency appendectomy, forcing the Steelers to go with backup Charlie Batch on short notice. Miami's Daunte Culpepper has impressed everyone with his preseason performance after undergoing major knee surgery, but now he has to do it in the regular season against a very good defense.

This is going to be a very physical, well-coached game. Running room will be very difficult to come by, and the team with the better quarterback play probably will end up with the victory. Expect a tight battle where special teams and field position are paramount.
? Complete advance scouting report
? Take 2: Steelers are safe pick at home

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD colSpan=2>SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 10, 2006</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>

Baltimore
at
Tampa Bay
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Ravens at Buccaneers
This intriguing matchup features two teams with playoff-caliber defenses and outstanding running backs in Jamal Lewis and Cadillac Williams.

For the Ravens, the offseason was about getting a quarterback (Steve McNair) in place who could lead this organization back to the Super Bowl. The Ravens finally have a strong enough supporting cast on offense that the defense doesn't have to carry this team in 2006. Defensive coordinator Rex Ryan was one of the most impressive young coaches in the league last season. Let's see what he can do this year with a healthy Ray Lewis and Ed Reed.

For the Buccaneers, head coach Jon Gruden is one of the best gameday coaches in the NFL when it comes to offensive playcalling. QB Chris Simms enters his first season has the full-time signal caller with a strong supporting cast at the skill positions. Again, the Buccaneers should have one of the top defenses in the NFL, led by Simeon Rice, Anthony McFarland, Derrick Brooks and Ronde Barber.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>

Atlanta
at
Carolina
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Falcons at Panthers
Winning divisional games is critical in the NFL. This critical NFC South game has all the makings of a classic showdown. Both teams have high expectations and need to get off to a fast start due to their tough schedules.

Falcons' offensive coordinator Greg Knapp will rely on the running game to set up the passing game. The Falcons will rely on a short, quick rhythm passing attack to alter the Panthers fierce pass rush. His ability to make in-game adjustments will be critical in the outcome of this game against an aggressive Carolina defense. Look for the Panthers to have their work cut out for them in containing QB Michael Vick and RB Warrick Dunn.

The Panthers will come out with their power running game and attack the Falcons' front seven with RB DeShaun Foster. The Falcons must improve their deficiencies against the run that haunted this team in 2005. With the return of Pro Bowl receiver Steve Smith. the Panthers should get back on track in Week 1.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>

Denver
at
St. Louis
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Broncos at Rams
This is a showcase of two powerful running games. Running back Steven Jackson will carry the load for the Rams, with Marshall Faulk, who is out for the season. It will be interesting to see how the new-look Rams fair this season after almost a decade of Dick Vermeil and Mike Martz.

Mike Bell will be lead the way for the Broncos, who Mike Shanahan has courageously opted to start an undrafted rookie running back ahead of veteran running backs Tatum Bell and Cedric Cobbs.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>

Buffalo
at
New England
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Bills at Patriots
This would seem to be a lopsided opener for the Patriots, but there are always several question marks to be answered in a team's first game. If Tedy Bruschi is suited up how will he perform not participating in any of the preseason games? How will the loss of Willie McGinest affect the defense? Who will be the go-to guy in the passing game without the presence of Deion Branch? How much will each back (Corey Dillon and Laurence Maroney) carry the mail? There are few things to watch if you're a Patriot fan.

Bills fans have to be a bit nervous going into Foxborough with a new coaching staff and a young unproven quarterback. How will J.P. Losman react on the road in front of a hostile crowd? Can the Bills establish any kind of a running game vs. one of the best defensive lines in the league? How will the change in the defensive philosophy (going smaller and quicker up front) affect the Bills' ability to stop the running game? There are a lot of good reasons to watch this game if you're a fan of either team.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>

Philadelphia
at
Houston
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Eagles at Texans
This seems to be a case of two teams heading in different directions. Houston has been a perennial doormat that seems to be getting stronger. Philadelphia, on the other hand, has been a dominant team that is heading in the other direction. Philadelphia's six-win season in 2005 was a major setback for a team that won 12 and 13 games in the previous two seasons.

Both teams need to start out well to get the bad taste of last season out of their mouths. There is a lot of excitement in Houston with new head coach Gary Kubiak, and the home crowd should be noisy. But don't expect the Eagles to roll over and play dead. They have been a good road team over the past few seasons, winning 58 percent of the time over the last three years.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>

New Orleans
at
Cleveland
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Saints at Browns
Both teams are looking to rebound and get off to fast starts in 2006. Year two of the Romeo Crennel era begins with high expectations after a very productive offseason. However, the Browns have suffered some adversity in the preseason due to the injury of prized free-agent C LeCharles Bentley. Second-year QB Charlie Frye has a lot of potential, and with the return of TE Kellen Winslow and WR Braylon Edwards, the Browns have two explosive playmakers who can hopefully get this offense back on track. The new additions of NT Ted Washington and OLB Willie McGinest should help improve a run defense that finished 30th against the run in 05.

The Saints overcame a lot in 2005. New head coach Sean Payton has the uphill battle of bringing respectability back to this organization. The Saints have some explosive playmakers on offense with WR Joe Horn and the combination of RB Deuce McAllister and the most exciting rookie of this year's draft class, Reggie Bush. Defensively, the Saints must find a way to stop RB Reuben Droughns. They finished in the bottom five last season against the run. However, they have two explosive pass rushers in defensive ends Charles Grant and Will Smith who will fun to watch in 2006.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>

Seattle
at
Detroit
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Seahawks at Lions
The defending NFC champions head back to the site of their Super Bowl XL loss to Pittsburgh. The Seahawks should fare much better on this trip to Ford Field as the stadium will be filled with skeptical Lions fans waiting to see the performance of Rod Marinelli's "new attitude" team. Seattle is a very balanced and talented team that will be trying to buck trends and be the first Super Bowl loser to return to the playoffs.

The Lions need to take the field with not only a new attitude but much-improved performance to garner the support of historically apathetic fans. Marinelli's troops have endured a tougher training camp and must rise to the new head coach's challenges. If they do, the Lions can give Seattle a nice opening game test and compete this season with Minnesota and Green Bay, but they are not yet ready for the Bears. Seattle is a superior team across the board, but some of Seattle's weaknesses could be exposed by the Lions on Sunday.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>

NY Jets
at
Tennessee
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Jets at Titans
There are so many reasons to kick your feet up and watch these two struggling football teams. The New York Jets and new head coach Eric Mangini are starting out the 2006 season with several questions that were not answered in the preseason. The Jets have struggled with being consistent on both offense and defense. The Jets have not established a running game or who will be the No. 1 back. It is interesting that they would trade their top tight end (Doug Jolley) and a reliable backup quarterback (Brooks Bollinger) before the season for future draft picks.

For the Titans, it will be very interesting to see how much rookie quarterback Vince Young will play. After acquiring Kerry Collins late in the preseason there is definitely a quarterback controversy in Nashville. Coach Jeff Fisher and his staff are on the hot seat to win now, while Eric Mangini might have somewhat of a pass in his first season. This game might be between two of the NFL's bottom teams, but there should still be plenty to watch.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>

Cincinnati
at
Kansas City
Sun 1:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Bengals at Chiefs
This game pits two teams that are thinking playoffs. For the Bengals, they got Carson Palmer back from his offseason knee surgery. We know the Bengals are gong to be explosive on the offensive side of the ball, but where is the defense right now? Will this team finally be able to step up and stop the run? Speaking of running the football, the Chiefs have one of the best in the game in Larry Johnson. Had Johnson been the starter all of last season, he would have made a serious run at the NFL's single season rushing record.

The biggest position unit under the microscope in this one? It has to be the Chiefs' offensive line. Gone are the two bookend OTs, Willie Roaf and John Welbourn, who opted for retirement prior to the start of training camp. The biggest reason to watch this game? How about Bengals WR Chad Johnson. Is he making another list? And if so, will Ty Law become the first victim to earn the dreaded check mark?
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>

Chicago
at
Green Bay
Sun 4:15 PM ET</TD><TD>Bears at Packers
Bears coach Lovie Smith's No. 1 goal every year is beating the rival Green Bay Packers. His defending NFC North Champions head back to the Lambeau Field to attempt to achieve that goal, repeat as division winners and then win in the playoffs aiming at Super Bowl XLI in Miami.

The No. 1 nemesis working to not let that happen will be Brett Favre. The Packers will truly have a home-field advantage with a sold-out crowd of Cheeseheads screaming for an upset. Anything is possible when Favre has the football.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>

San Francisco
at
Arizona
Sun 4:15 PM ET</TD><TD>49ers at Cardinals
Kurt Warner and the Arizona Cardinals are poised to make a run for the playoffs in 2006. With the addition of running back Edgerrin James and explosive weapons such as All-Pro wide receivers Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald, the Cardinals should finally take flight.

The San Francisco 49ers have a new-look offense this year, with second-year quarterback Alex Smith at the helm and the addition of WR Antonio Bryant. This should be an exciting game to watch offensively, with the potential for big points to be scored by both offenses.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>

Dallas
at
Jacksonville
Sun 4:15 PM ET</TD><TD>Cowboys at Jaguars
Both teams have received a lot of hype this year and are expected to challenge for division titles in 2006. There is going to be some good drama going into this game. Will Terrell Owens start vs. Jacksonville? Since both teams field solid defenses, this game could come down to field position and turnovers. Dallas has the better receiving corps, but can its offensive line protect the immobile Bledsoe against a good Jaguars' defensive front.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>

Indianapolis
at
NY Giants
Sun 8:15 PM ET</TD><TD>Colts at Giants
This is a natural. The obvious factor is the matchup of the Manning brothers, Peyton for Indianapolis and Eli for New York. Although this game will do little to determine which one will have a more honored place in football history, it will give the winner bragging rights in family gatherings.

The Colts are an obvious favorite to make it into the postseason and the Giants are on the threshold. Because of this, the Giants really want to start the season (especially at home) on the right foot. Don't expect the Colts to take this game lightly, either. They still feel the sting of their playoff loss to the Steelers and want to prove that last season's run of 13-straight wins before ending up with a 14-2 season was not a fluke.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD colSpan=2>MONDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2006</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>

Minnesota
at
Washington
Mon 7:00 PM ET</TD><TD>Vikings at Redskins
The Redskins and Vikings get things started on Monday Night Football on ESPN. For the Redskins, we get to see the regular season debut of Al Saunders' offense, which wasn't very impressive in the preseason. Hopefully the 95 percent that he didn't show in preseason is more successful than the five percent he did show. The Redskins need to pull out all the stops if they are going to make a run for the playoffs. That starts with a win at home vs. the Vikings.
? Complete advance scouting report

</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD align=middle>

San Diego
at
Oakland
Mon 10:15 PM ET</TD><TD>Chargers at Raiders
This is a huge rivalry game. It will mark the first start for third-year QB Philip Rivers as life after Drew Brees begins. The Oakland Raiders will also have a new QB at the helm, as they signed Aaron Brooks this offseason. Oakland star receiver Randy Moss is coming off an injury plagued season, but he and Brooks really seemed to start connecting towards the end of the preseason. Oakland's defense struggled to force turnovers last season, but defensive coordinator Rob Ryan has a young, hungry and athletic group he is working with this season.
? Complete advance scouting report
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Sep 6, 2006