Week 1 NFL Preview-The Early Games

With the lackluster Thursday nighter, Sunday will hopefully provide a bit more excitement. There are at least three games that could be playoff matchups on down the line. All of the following games start at 1:00 PM.

Cleveland Browns v. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
CBS/Spero Dedes and Rich Gannon

Cleveland: The real beginning of the Mike Holmgren era will spark a lot of conversation throughout the season. Despite what some may think, the roster turnover was not a massive. The biggest change is at quarterback. Gone are Derek Anderson (Arizona) and Brady Quinn (Denver). Neither could provide any form of an offense from the passing standpoint, so the Browns brought in former Carolina Panther Jake Delhomme and traded with Seattle for back-up Seneca Wallace. They don;t come much more professional in either capacity.

But the Browns are predicated on the run as we saw during that 4-0 binge Cleveland went on to end the '09 season. For Browns fans, that will hopefully translate over to 2010. It better because the Browns lack the hands. Sure, they signed Benjamin Watson at tight end, but there is much else.

The Browns defense took a beating both on and off field in 2009. The linebackers are overlooked, underrated, quick and explosive. Signing Scott Fujita from New Orleans will provide more depth and experience.

Tampa Bay: If you've read my primers, you'll see that I'm not sold on Josh Freeman. Not because he's not athletic, because I felt he needed more time. Tampa isn't going to give him that time he needs to mature and evolve. The saving grace for Freeman is the presence of former Brown Kellen Winslow and rookie receiver Mike Williams (no, the one from Syracuse).

The Bucs have a decent offensive line, too, and utilizing the ground attack will be a necessity if Freeman is to succeed.

The defense isn't what it was when Monte Kiffin was there. It's a shell of that. The corners are good with Ronde Barber and Aqib Talib. The linebackers are decent, but it's the defensive line that upgraded through the draft in snagging Gerald McCoy and Brian Price. McCoy has already been compared to Warren Sapp. That's high praise indeed.

You look at this matchup and think "boring". Those kind of games are often too exciting to turn away. This could be no exception.

Miami Dolphins v Buffalo Bills
CBS/Gus Johnson and Steve Tasker

Miami: Is Chad Henne ready? Is he really going to be better than Dan Marino? I doubt that but Henne does possess a strong arm and he has a receiver in Brandon Marshall that can do everything...even block. That's a part of Marshall's game that's often overlooked. With Ronnie Brown back from injury and an always in-shape Ricky Williams, the Dolphins will look to set up the pass with the run.

The defense did well in the offseason luring Karlos Dansby from Arizona and drafting Jared Odrick. The question for the Dolphins isn't the front seven as much as it is in the secondary. If Miami can successfully stop the run, QB pressure will be paramount for Miami. And stopping the run will be #1 in going against the Bills and rookie C.J. Spiller.

Buffalo: Chan Gailey inherits a pretty bad team. Trent Edwards will get yet another opportunity to prove he can play the position. But we all know that the Bills will look to mount a rushing attack as the pieces aren't really there for a passing game. Despite the "quiet" season T.O. had last season, he was productive and he is now in Cincinnati. C.J. Spiller will start at running back and the Dolphins better be prepared for the dynamic back. Who knows where Gailey will have him in a formation.

But the Bills defense has gaps especially with Aaron Schobel bowing out. One way to limit Miami on offense is to shutdown Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams and be alert for the Wildcat. The secondary is good, but the questions are the front seven.

The Bills have no chance, right? Not so sure. If Buffalo puts the clamps on the Dolphins running game, it could be a long day if pressure is exerted on Henne.

Cincinnati Bengals v New England Patriots
CBS/Jim Nantz and Phil Simms

Cincinnati: I'll tell all Bengals fans this right now. Watch the game on TV but listen to the Bengals radio. Phil Simms will claim the Pats are the best team in the world. He always does.

This is the year for the Bengals to prove this "every other year" thing wrong. And there are no excuses for not doing just that. A lot has been made of the addition of Terrell Owens, but do not sell short the other receivers like Chad Ochocinco, Andre Caldwell, Jordan Shipley and Jermaine Gresham. Throw in the bruising running style of Cedric Benson and the Bengals offense is as legit as any in the NFL. It's up to Carson Palmer now.

And don't forget the DC Mike Zimmer coached this squad into a top-5 defense in 2009. That unit may be quiet in the media, but rest assured that Zimmer and the guys will not rest on their 2009 laurels. They will go after the once again severely wealthy Tom Brady especially with no Logan Mankins to stop them.

New England: Is Wes Welker ready? Most likely. Is Randy Moss ready? Not sure there. Moss fells unappreciated because he hasn't received his contract. There's two ways Moss can go in 2010. The route we're used to seeing is the route of non-performance. Is Moss chooses that way, he will not receive a big payday. If he opts for a "play every play" mentality, he could command a big deal after this season.

Still, the Patriots questions are not on the offense. It's a young, inexperienced and undisciplined defense. And they're battered before the season has even started. And the corners are in for a stern test. Second-year CB Darius Butler and rookie Devin McCourty face the most dynamic (and bombastic) receiving duo in the NFL in T.O. and Ochocinco.

And remember this. the Baltimore Ravens beat the Pats in a playoff game last season and Raven QB Joe Flacco had the ugliest of stat lines for a winning QB (4-10, 34 yds, 1 INT, 0 TD). The Ravens rushed for 234 yards that day.

On paper, this looks like a Bengals win, but the aura that is the New England Patriots cold make this the best game of the opening weekend.

Indianapolis Colts v Houston Texans
CBS/Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf

Indianapolis: Two words...Peyton Manning. And if you think that's all the Colts offer on offense, you're dreaming. I look for the combo of Joesph Addai and Donald Brown to punish defenses that think all the Colts do is pass. Addai is a year removed from knee surgery and Brown now has a year under his belt as Addai's understudy.

And the receiving corps is stronger with the return of Anthony Gonzalez. Add him to the mix with Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie and this is the deepest at the receiver position in the NFL. And when you think you have a grasp on them, there's Dallas Clark. It just brings shivers to opponents.

Often the Colts defense gets little praise except for Dwight Freeney and, to some extent, Robert Mathis. No matter who the Colts plug into the linebacker positions, they excel. This season, it's Philip Wheeler's turn as he's the third LB along with Clint Sessions and Gary Brackett. And the secondary is only stronger with the return of Bob Sanders.

Houston: Is there already too much pressure on the Texans? And what a way to open your season than to face the defending AFC Champs. And you're playing a team you can't seem to beat. But there is optimism in Houston.

QB Matt Schaub led the league in passing yardage in '09 and Andre Johnson emerged as the best receiver in the NFL. The question on offense has been at the running back position. Two years ago, it was assumed that Steve Slaton was the man. After an oft-injured and disappointing '09, Slaton has been relegated to 3rd down back (an excellent role for him) and Arian Foster has claimed the #1 RB position.

Foster is a tough runner and hard to bring down (6-1, 227). The success of the Texans this season will depend greatly on Foster's ability.

But the question about the Texans have to reside on the defensive side of the ball. Dunta Robinson (Atlanta) is gone, but I like the personnel. It's only the matter of having all this young talent gel as a unit.

Some Texans fan look a the change in kickers from Kris Brown to Neil Rackers as the best move Houston made in the offseason.

Indy should win, but if the Texans defensive front plays well, the Texans could break the spell Indy hold on them.


Denver Broncos v Jacksonville Jaguars
CBS/Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots

Denver: Yes, the preseason buzz has been all about Tim Tebow. And now he and the Broncos travel to Jacksonville for his first game as a pro. Jacksonville was rumored as possibly taking Tebow in the first round of the last draft.

But Tebow isn't starting. That job is firmly in the hands of the often criticized Kyle Orton. Orton wins games despite what his numbers say and that's all Broncos head man Josh McDaniels wants. But without a dominating receiver, Denver may be for a long one against the Jags.

The defense seems sound at the linebacker and secondary positions. It's the line and no Elvis. We could once again see a Bronco defender climb the ranks of unknown to known in this game. Robert Ayers?

And don't forget that Denver has a guy by the name of Jamal Williams in the middle of the D-line.

Jacksonville: Much of the talk has centered around Pro-Bowl running back Maurice Jones-Drew an a bum knee. He's the draw for the Jags. I'm just not sold on the rest of the offense. Mike Sims-Walker had a breakout year in '09, but once defenses had him on tape, his numbers fell off.

And what team had the fewest sacks in the NFL last year? Jacksonville. They had 15. Yes, 15. So to compensate for that they selected Tyson Alualu. Can you say Derrick Harvey? Look, Alualu was the stud d-lineman for Cal last year and he did produce. I saw a few Cal games last year and PAC 10 offensive lines could not control him.

love the additions of LB Kirk Morrison and DE Aaron Kampmann, but little else on the defense.

Remember last year when Jacksonville was 7-5 and looking like a potential playoff team? Hold on to that feeling because I don't think that will happen this year.

Unless the Broncos self-implode, this should be a win for Denver.

Atlanta Falcons v Pittsburgh Steelers
FOX/Dick Stockton, Jim Mora and Charles Davis

Atlanta: If you thought Matt Ryan had a down year in '09, you'd be surprised to learn that with the exception of completion percentage, he didn't. The difference in the Falcons in '08 and '09 was the absence, of sorts, of Michael Turner.

Turner provides that security blanket that Ryan didn't have last season. The one plus out of Turner's absence was the emergence of Roddy White. Throw in the future Hall of Famer in tight end Tony Gonzalez, and you have the makings of a good offense.

The defense will be the difference maker in 2010. Signing free agent corner Dunta Robinson was big, but I'm not sure that's enough. The Falcons were 12th in scoring defense but 21st in total defense. Kind of a "bend, but don't break" mentality can only hold up for so long. I'm not sure how long they can hold up.

Pittsburgh: Four games until Ben Roethlisberger is able to rejoin the team. Four games with Dennis Dixon as the starter. Four games in which the Steelers can change the public's view of the team.

It's been said that if Pittsburgh can go 3-1 in their first four games, things will be fine. I'm really not so sure they can't go 4-0 with the only real hiccup being that 4th game against the Baltimore Ravens, but that games is at Heinz Field.

Rashard Mendenhall must be the wild card in this affair. If he's successful, Pittsburgh wins.

But the biggest change will be on defense. And not because of the return of Troy Polamalu. It's because of the return of Aaron Smith. Like most d-linemen in a 3-4 scheme, Smith is underrated and unappreciated to those outside of Pittsburgh. He takes blockers out off the play so the vaunted Steeler linebacker get the praise and it doesn't bother him one bit. A true team player.

I can see either team wining this game, but I do like the Steelers in a close one.

Oakland Raiders v Tennessee Titans
CBS/Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts

Oakland: Finally, a decent QB in Oakland. What scares me is that Raider Nation may be a little too hyped over the deal to acquire Jason Campbell. He still needs receivers outside of tight end Zach Miller. A running game and a decent o-line would help, too.

The Raiders will play defense and play hard. That is a given. I'm not a fan in the deal sending Kirk Morrison to Jacksonville. Yes, they did draft Rolando McClain, but there may be too much pressure placed on the rookie.

Still, Oakland has never lacked effort on the defensive side. I still have major concerns about the offense even with a professional like Campbell at the helm.

Tennessee: Most of the preseason hype has been aimed at RB Chris Johnson. The hype is legit as Johnson is one of the most dynamic talents in the league. That being said, he put a target on his own back on this 2,500 yards deal.

That may serve QB Vince Young more the CJ. Young is clearly the guy under center in Tennessee and he does have talent (besides Johnson) around him. Kenny Britt could be the breakout receiver of 2010. For that to happen, VY will need to have his best season as a Titan.

The defense is where concerns lie. Iver the last two years, Albert Haynesworth (don't get me started), Keith Bulluck and Kyle Vanden Bosch have all bid farewell. The Titans have not really shored up those positions either. The issues aren't so much with the secondary as they are on the front seven. The secondary will be tested this season, just not as much in this game.

Some are taking the upset with Oakland. I go with CJ and VY.

Carolina Panthers v New York Giants
FOX/Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa

Carolina: No Jake Delhomme. That leadership is gone but QB Matt Moore has a stronger arm and he showed at the end of last season that he can play QB in the NFL. He was never really tested by rookie Jimmy Clausen either.

Here's my only issue with the offense. Besides Steve Smith, who will step up and be Moore's #2? Dwayne Jarrett is listed as the #2 WR with Brandon Lafell and Armanti Edwards as the other receivers. Lafell and Edwards are rookie and Edwards was the QB at Appalachian State (remember him Michigan fans?) The TEs are Dante Rosario, who has had a catch or two, Jeff King and Gary Barnidge. Not a lot there either. The Panthers will run. And run and run.

This is also not your typical Panthers defense. It hasn't been for a couple of years now. The corners are decent. The linebackers are decent. The d-line is all that bad either. It's not what we're used to seeing from a John Fox team. Still, that makes this unit dangerous.

New York: If the Giants are to go anywhere in 2010, the offensive line must return to somewhere close to the form they showed in the Super Bowl winning season. Last season, that wasn't the case and the second half of the season was Tom Coughlin's worst nightmare.

Then there's the unhappiness of Brandon Jacobs. He feels he should still be #1 on the depth chart. I'm not so sure he's wrong. The year New York beat New England in the Super Bowl, Jacobs would wear down defenses and the combo of Ahmad Bradshaw and Derrick Ward would simply run away from opponents. Won't be the case now.

One saving grace from last season is that QB Eli Manning found a #1 receiver after the Plaxico Burress fiasco in Steve Smith. As I said, one saving grace.

I do like the defense a bit better this year with the additions of Antrel Rolle, Deon Grant and Keith Bulluck. Throw in draft picks Jason Pierre-Paul and Linval Joseph on the front line rotation and the Giants appear to be set defensively.

Yes, I like the G-men here...in a game that will be a lot closer then some may think.

Detroit Lions v Chicago Bears
FOX/Thom Brennaman and Brian Billick

Detroit: The Lions may not be the "also-rans" they were in '09, but there is still improvement to be had. Adding Nate Burleson, Tony Sheffler, Rob Sims and Jahvid Best will help the offense, but better protection for QB Matthew Stafford is a must. The offense will be better in '09 and the Bears defense may be just what the Lions need to see in week 1.

The defense is another matter. Sure, drafting Ndamukong Suh was a no-brainer. Signing free agent Kyle Vanden Bosch was excellent in Suh's development. Signing Chris Houston was a decent move, too. Louis Delmas was a mild surprise to the Detroit fans last year. Pieces are there, it that the unit as a whole isn't.

The main concern is the depth of this team. The isn't that much behind the starters.

Chicago: Mike Martz and Jay Cutler. Hmm. I wasn't sure what to make of this at first. Martz is an offensive genius and Cutler has every physical tool in his arsenal. It's the mental approach that Martz must impose on Cutler. If Cutler receives that knowledge, the NFL better be careful regardless on the receivers, or lack thereof, the Bears have. The Rams receivers when Martz was the OC under Dick Vermeil weren't exactly household names.

What could hold the offense back is the o-line. They couldn't protect Cutler last season and that forced Cutler into boneheaded plays.

The defense should scare Bears fans more than the offense. Julius Peppers will hopefully live up to his contract. Brian Urlacher is back. Tommie Harris is healthy. The front seven is actually all right. The secondary isn't bad either. It's the cohesiveness. If this unit can live up to individual ability, it's a top-10 unit. If not, uh-oh.

The Bears can win easily if Cutler has time and Matt Forte and Chester Taylor are free to roam. If Cutler is forced into mistakes, the Lions win a close one.

The late afternoon and Sunday night games will be out tomorrow. Enjoy!