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[Hache Man]

South teams active at deadline


posted: Monday, September 4, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons

As teams set their 53-man rosters over the weekend, here are some quick thoughts about the effects of the cuts on the NFC South:

Falcons: Michael Koenen will handle kickoffs, field goals and punting duties in Week 1 vs. the Panthers. Koenen has a strong leg and handled all punts, kickoffs and long field goals (50 yards or more) last season, but veteran kicker Todd Peterson handled most field goals and all PATs. I can't remember the last time in the NFL that one player handled all three kicking phases in a game as the only active kicker. According to the people I spoke to in Atlanta, Koenen simply was the best for both jobs.
What does it do for Falcons? It creates an extra spot on the 45-man roster on game day, and that can upgrade their special teams from a coverage standpoint. The downside for the Falcons would be if Koenen were to suffer an injury or be unable to perform at a high level doing both jobs. Stay tuned.
Panthers: Carolina will enter the season with only two quarterbacks on the roster. Backups Stefan LeFors and Brett Basanez were terminated at the 53-man cut down. LeFors was a fourth-round pick in 2005 who spent last season as the Panthers inactive No. 3 quarterback on game day. Basanez was re-signed to the Panthers' practice squad Sunday, giving them three quarterbacks to practice with during the week.
Saints: By far, the Saints were the most active team in the division over the weekend, putting in claims on a number of players waived by other teams. They were awarded five players off waivers. Wide receiver Terrance Cooper and offensive tackle Rob Petitti (Cowboys), cornerbacks Curtis Deloach (Giants) and Dejuan Groce (Rams) and defensive endMichael Haynes (Bears). It obvious that the Saints have personnel problems on both sides of the ball, and head coach Sean Payton is willing to stay aggressive and try to fix these problems, which is good sign for Saints fans.
Buccaneers: Tampa Bay made a good move under the radar last week, acquiring the rights to tight end Doug Jolley from the New York Jets. Head coach Jon Gruden puts a lot of emphasis on the tight end position in his offense. Jolley is a better receiver than blocker, and he brings another unique dimension to the Buccaneers offense along with Alex Smith, Joey Galloway, Michael Clayton, David Boston and Ike Hilliard. The Buccaneers will carry four tight ends (Anthony Becht, Smith, Jolley and TE Dave Moore) on their 53-man roster as we head toward the regular season.

[Hache Man]

South teams active at deadline


posted: Monday, September 4, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons

As teams set their 53-man rosters over the weekend, here are some quick thoughts about the effects of the cuts on the NFC South:

Falcons: Michael Koenen will handle kickoffs, field goals and punting duties in Week 1 vs. the Panthers. Koenen has a strong leg and handled all punts, kickoffs and long field goals (50 yards or more) last season, but veteran kicker Todd Peterson handled most field goals and all PATs. I can't remember the last time in the NFL that one player handled all three kicking phases in a game as the only active kicker. According to the people I spoke to in Atlanta, Koenen simply was the best for both jobs.
What does it do for Falcons? It creates an extra spot on the 45-man roster on game day, and that can upgrade their special teams from a coverage standpoint. The downside for the Falcons would be if Koenen were to suffer an injury or be unable to perform at a high level doing both jobs. Stay tuned.
Panthers: Carolina will enter the season with only two quarterbacks on the roster. Backups Stefan LeFors and Brett Basanez were terminated at the 53-man cut down. LeFors was a fourth-round pick in 2005 who spent last season as the Panthers inactive No. 3 quarterback on game day. Basanez was re-signed to the Panthers' practice squad Sunday, giving them three quarterbacks to practice with during the week.
Saints: By far, the Saints were the most active team in the division over the weekend, putting in claims on a number of players waived by other teams. They were awarded five players off waivers. Wide receiver Terrance Cooper and offensive tackle Rob Petitti (Cowboys), cornerbacks Curtis Deloach (Giants) and Dejuan Groce (Rams) and defensive endMichael Haynes (Bears). It obvious that the Saints have personnel problems on both sides of the ball, and head coach Sean Payton is willing to stay aggressive and try to fix these problems, which is good sign for Saints fans.
Buccaneers: Tampa Bay made a good move under the radar last week, acquiring the rights to tight end Doug Jolley from the New York Jets. Head coach Jon Gruden puts a lot of emphasis on the tight end position in his offense. Jolley is a better receiver than blocker, and he brings another unique dimension to the Buccaneers offense along with Alex Smith, Joey Galloway, Michael Clayton, David Boston and Ike Hilliard. The Buccaneers will carry four tight ends (Anthony Becht, Smith, Jolley and TE Dave Moore) on their 53-man roster as we head toward the regular season.

[Hache Man]

Bolts beef up seconday


posted: Monday, September 4, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: San Diego Chargers, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints

Every week I want to take a little time to answer questions from you, the fans. Here are two that came in last week.:

Jonathan, San Diego: JG, please tell me that the Chargers' secondary will be improved. Was Marlon McCree a good signing? I am most nervous about the secondary.
Hey Jonathan,
I agree the secondary has been a serious cause for concern. While San Diego had the top-ranked run defense last season, the Chargers were 28th vs. the pass.
I think they will be much better in the secondary this season. One of the players you mentioned, McCree, will help. His career got off to a fast start in Jacksonville before he really struggled to get playing time. McCree reinvented himself again last year and had a solid season with the Carolina Panthers.
He is a little undersized for a free safety, which can get him in some trouble in run support. What he does do well, though, is cover, and that will really help the Chargers get better matchups in their base defense. He can handle the tight end in man coverage, and he is a smart player who rarely gets out of position. His presence should help cut down on mental mistakes in the secondary, because he can help get everyone lined up.
The other reason I think the Chargers will be much better in the secondary is the addition of first-round pick Antonio Cromartie. Of all the corners in this year's draft, he had the best pure cover skills. The only thing that prevented him from going in the top 10 were injuries that limited his playing time at Florida State.
It looks like he will begin the season as a backup, but when they go to their nickel package; he is a player he can make a lot of plays in coverage. His presence will also take pressure off former first-round pick Quentin Jammer. I think with more of the spotlight shining on the two new additions, Jammer can settle in, plays his game, and not feel like he has to be the leader of this secondary.
Aaron, Chicago: Why is it when guys like DeAngelo Williams and Reggie Bush come into the league, both weighing around 215 pounds, they are doubted due to durability concerns? Like these guys are soft? I just want to see if you can shed some light on this. Just because a guy is five pounds lighter than the ideal weight, it shouldn't be seen as a glaring weakness. Some guys are football players and can simply play. I bet Williams and Bush battle for ROY honors this year. Thoughts?
Hey Aaron,

I have to agree with you on this one. However, I do have to point out that Bush is closer to 200 pounds, not 215. Nonetheless, I don't think that makes him any less durable.

There is really no correlation between size and durability as it pertains to NFL players. I do know this, though: Guys that were not durable in college are rarely durable when they get to the NFL.
Bush and Williams were both relatively healthy throughout their college careers. Had they been nicked up a lot in college, I would be much quicker to label them as players who could have durability concerns.
A case in point is DeShaun Foster of the Panthers, who is roughly 6-foot, 225 pounds. Domanick Davis is short at 5-foot-9, but he weights in the 220 pound range. Chris Brown (Tennessee) is 6-foot-3, 225 pounds. Yet all three have been consistently nicked up since coming in to the NFL.

These players are not consistently injured because of their lack of size. They are consistently injured because they take a lot of punishment. They tend to run a little erect and don't have that shifty type make-you-miss ability.

I am not saying you have to have that to stay healthy as an NFL back. Take Jerome Bettis, for example. He didn't make too many people miss, but he stayed relatively healthy throughout his career.
What I am saying, though, is guys like Bush and Williams can make you miss, which means they'll take fewer direct hits. As a result, I think both will be a lot more durable than other, bigger backs.

I think another key factor that has to be looked at when talking about durability is how a guy works in the offseason. Does he put the right things into his body? Is he on a solid workout routine? Those are things that also play a role in long term durability. Guys who work hard and take good care of their bodies in the offseason tend to be a little more durable.
Injuries are part of the game. Sometimes it's just as simple as being in the wrong place at the wrong time wen an offensive lineman gets tangled up and falls on a back's lower leg, or it could be a non-contact injury, like cutting and getting caught in a bad chunk of grass.
I do agree that both Williams and Bush will be vying for offensive rookie of the year honors. I think you also could throw Joseph Addai and Laurence Maroney in to that mix, too. I think it is going to be a great race to see who wins. Like you, I don't think size or lack thereof is going to play any role in determining the outcome for these guys. Most will be backups when the season starts, and once they get their shot, they have just as good a chance at staying healthy as the guy that was playing in front of them.

[Hache Man]

Bolts beef up seconday


posted: Monday, September 4, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: San Diego Chargers, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints

Every week I want to take a little time to answer questions from you, the fans. Here are two that came in last week.:

Jonathan, San Diego: JG, please tell me that the Chargers' secondary will be improved. Was Marlon McCree a good signing? I am most nervous about the secondary.
Hey Jonathan,
I agree the secondary has been a serious cause for concern. While San Diego had the top-ranked run defense last season, the Chargers were 28th vs. the pass.
I think they will be much better in the secondary this season. One of the players you mentioned, McCree, will help. His career got off to a fast start in Jacksonville before he really struggled to get playing time. McCree reinvented himself again last year and had a solid season with the Carolina Panthers.
He is a little undersized for a free safety, which can get him in some trouble in run support. What he does do well, though, is cover, and that will really help the Chargers get better matchups in their base defense. He can handle the tight end in man coverage, and he is a smart player who rarely gets out of position. His presence should help cut down on mental mistakes in the secondary, because he can help get everyone lined up.
The other reason I think the Chargers will be much better in the secondary is the addition of first-round pick Antonio Cromartie. Of all the corners in this year's draft, he had the best pure cover skills. The only thing that prevented him from going in the top 10 were injuries that limited his playing time at Florida State.
It looks like he will begin the season as a backup, but when they go to their nickel package; he is a player he can make a lot of plays in coverage. His presence will also take pressure off former first-round pick Quentin Jammer. I think with more of the spotlight shining on the two new additions, Jammer can settle in, plays his game, and not feel like he has to be the leader of this secondary.
Aaron, Chicago: Why is it when guys like DeAngelo Williams and Reggie Bush come into the league, both weighing around 215 pounds, they are doubted due to durability concerns? Like these guys are soft? I just want to see if you can shed some light on this. Just because a guy is five pounds lighter than the ideal weight, it shouldn't be seen as a glaring weakness. Some guys are football players and can simply play. I bet Williams and Bush battle for ROY honors this year. Thoughts?
Hey Aaron,

I have to agree with you on this one. However, I do have to point out that Bush is closer to 200 pounds, not 215. Nonetheless, I don't think that makes him any less durable.

There is really no correlation between size and durability as it pertains to NFL players. I do know this, though: Guys that were not durable in college are rarely durable when they get to the NFL.
Bush and Williams were both relatively healthy throughout their college careers. Had they been nicked up a lot in college, I would be much quicker to label them as players who could have durability concerns.
A case in point is DeShaun Foster of the Panthers, who is roughly 6-foot, 225 pounds. Domanick Davis is short at 5-foot-9, but he weights in the 220 pound range. Chris Brown (Tennessee) is 6-foot-3, 225 pounds. Yet all three have been consistently nicked up since coming in to the NFL.

These players are not consistently injured because of their lack of size. They are consistently injured because they take a lot of punishment. They tend to run a little erect and don't have that shifty type make-you-miss ability.

I am not saying you have to have that to stay healthy as an NFL back. Take Jerome Bettis, for example. He didn't make too many people miss, but he stayed relatively healthy throughout his career.
What I am saying, though, is guys like Bush and Williams can make you miss, which means they'll take fewer direct hits. As a result, I think both will be a lot more durable than other, bigger backs.

I think another key factor that has to be looked at when talking about durability is how a guy works in the offseason. Does he put the right things into his body? Is he on a solid workout routine? Those are things that also play a role in long term durability. Guys who work hard and take good care of their bodies in the offseason tend to be a little more durable.
Injuries are part of the game. Sometimes it's just as simple as being in the wrong place at the wrong time wen an offensive lineman gets tangled up and falls on a back's lower leg, or it could be a non-contact injury, like cutting and getting caught in a bad chunk of grass.
I do agree that both Williams and Bush will be vying for offensive rookie of the year honors. I think you also could throw Joseph Addai and Laurence Maroney in to that mix, too. I think it is going to be a great race to see who wins. Like you, I don't think size or lack thereof is going to play any role in determining the outcome for these guys. Most will be backups when the season starts, and once they get their shot, they have just as good a chance at staying healthy as the guy that was playing in front of them.

[Hache Man]

NFL Rumor Central: Dolphins considering Smith?

Other Rumors: MLB | NBA

You are signed into Insider and have access to this premium feature.

Tuesday, September 5
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Antowain Smith Texans	Dolphins?	Dolphins considering Smith? Smith, who was released by the Texans last week, met with the Dolphins on Monday, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Smith, who has two career 1,000-yard rushing seasons, gained 659 yards for New Orleans in 2005. With Sammy Morris serving a four-game suspension following a failed drug test, the Dolphins are looking to build depth behind starting RB Ronnie Brown. The team has already added Lee Suggs, who was claimed off waivers from Cleveland.

[Hache Man]

NFL Rumor Central: Dolphins considering Smith?

Other Rumors: MLB | NBA

You are signed into Insider and have access to this premium feature.

Tuesday, September 5
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Antowain Smith Texans	Dolphins?	Dolphins considering Smith? Smith, who was released by the Texans last week, met with the Dolphins on Monday, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Smith, who has two career 1,000-yard rushing seasons, gained 659 yards for New Orleans in 2005. With Sammy Morris serving a four-game suspension following a failed drug test, the Dolphins are looking to build depth behind starting RB Ronnie Brown. The team has already added Lee Suggs, who was claimed off waivers from Cleveland.

[Hache Man]

Don't assume NFL is steroid free


posted: Tuesday, September 5, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry

Tuesday's blog is going to be short as I'm on the road and have to hit the reporting trail early. I had a few ideas for blog subjects, but a line at the end of Rick Maese's superb column warning the NFL to step up its steroid testing got me thinking.


Who will be the NFL's Barry Bonds?
We all know it's a matter of time.
"The NFL season is about to begin," Maese writes, "and from coast to coast we'll find players in pads, fans in seats and league executives with their heads buried in sand. This season should be kicking off under a cloud of steroid suspicion, but in what's either a miracle of marketing or one of black magic, the NFL's recent drug scandal -- twice as salacious as anything that's hit baseball in the past decade -- has raised few eyebrows.
"Is it because there are no steroids in the NFL? Because we love football too much to criticize it? Or more likely: because the NFL suits have spent the past few years bragging about their substance-abuse program and we've grown comfortable taking their words as truth?"
The fantastic reporting by the Charlotte Observer recently about the number of Panthers who doped during the '03 season should be warning enough. It would have been much worse if the Panthers had actually won the game, which they could have. Then what would have happened?
It would have been a mess.
The folks of the NFL and NFLPA are puffing their chests out in defense of their steroid testing. But how will we really know until the league tests reliably for Humane Growth Hormone? As I sit in NFL locker rooms doing interviews I look around and wonder who could be doping. The swelling signs are there -­ the sheer number of massive bodies ­- but not a lot of them are completely ripped, not like many of the allegedly guilty in baseball. But if golfers are talking about steroids creeping into their game, how can we believe football is clean?
We can't, of course. New NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA leader Gene Upshaw should learn from MLB and attack this potential problem, as opposed to merely managing it.

Random stuff

• Two mysteries we won't have solved until kickoff: Who will quarterback the Titans, and who will get the jumpstart on a 1,300-yard season for the Broncos?


• New Pats receiver Doug Gabriel got some good advice from Tom Brady in trying to learn the Pats playbook in a week: "If you don't know, ask me."

• This headline in the Kansas City Star tells you all you need to know about the Chiefs' receivers, and the news isn't good.
• Brian Westbrook echoes what roughly 38 Eagles fans wrote me over the weekend: This is a darn talented Philly O.

[Hache Man]

Don't assume NFL is steroid free


posted: Tuesday, September 5, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry

Tuesday's blog is going to be short as I'm on the road and have to hit the reporting trail early. I had a few ideas for blog subjects, but a line at the end of Rick Maese's superb column warning the NFL to step up its steroid testing got me thinking.


Who will be the NFL's Barry Bonds?
We all know it's a matter of time.
"The NFL season is about to begin," Maese writes, "and from coast to coast we'll find players in pads, fans in seats and league executives with their heads buried in sand. This season should be kicking off under a cloud of steroid suspicion, but in what's either a miracle of marketing or one of black magic, the NFL's recent drug scandal -- twice as salacious as anything that's hit baseball in the past decade -- has raised few eyebrows.
"Is it because there are no steroids in the NFL? Because we love football too much to criticize it? Or more likely: because the NFL suits have spent the past few years bragging about their substance-abuse program and we've grown comfortable taking their words as truth?"
The fantastic reporting by the Charlotte Observer recently about the number of Panthers who doped during the '03 season should be warning enough. It would have been much worse if the Panthers had actually won the game, which they could have. Then what would have happened?
It would have been a mess.
The folks of the NFL and NFLPA are puffing their chests out in defense of their steroid testing. But how will we really know until the league tests reliably for Humane Growth Hormone? As I sit in NFL locker rooms doing interviews I look around and wonder who could be doping. The swelling signs are there -­ the sheer number of massive bodies ­- but not a lot of them are completely ripped, not like many of the allegedly guilty in baseball. But if golfers are talking about steroids creeping into their game, how can we believe football is clean?
We can't, of course. New NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA leader Gene Upshaw should learn from MLB and attack this potential problem, as opposed to merely managing it.

Random stuff

• Two mysteries we won't have solved until kickoff: Who will quarterback the Titans, and who will get the jumpstart on a 1,300-yard season for the Broncos?


• New Pats receiver Doug Gabriel got some good advice from Tom Brady in trying to learn the Pats playbook in a week: "If you don't know, ask me."

• This headline in the Kansas City Star tells you all you need to know about the Chiefs' receivers, and the news isn't good.
• Brian Westbrook echoes what roughly 38 Eagles fans wrote me over the weekend: This is a darn talented Philly O.

[Hache Man]

Tuesday, September 5, 2006
Scouting Matchups: Week 1



By Scouts, Inc.

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 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. Matchup Scouting THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2006 Miami at Pittsburgh Thu 8:30 PM ET 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 SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 10, 2006 Baltimore at Tampa Bay Sun 1:00 PM ET 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 Atlanta at Carolina Sun 1:00 PM ET 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 Denver at St. Louis Sun 1:00 PM ET 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 Buffalo at New England Sun 1:00 PM ET 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 Philadelphia at Houston Sun 1:00 PM ET 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 New Orleans at Cleveland Sun 1:00 PM ET 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 Seattle at Detroit Sun 1:00 PM ET 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 NY Jets at Tennessee Sun 1:00 PM ET 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 (