Gentlemen, our long off season of despair is finally over. Today’s NFL Hall of Fame Game officially kickoffs the 2006 NFL Football season and not a moment too soon. The World Cup was fun but it’s time for some American Football!

As the season starts, here are the top 5 storylines I’ll be following:

  1. Manning and the Colts. They were the best regular season team last year and then tragedy struck. Will they bounce back or has the championship window closed with the departure of Edge? Will Manning finally win it all?
  2. T.O. in Dallas. Love him, hate him, the man can play, if he wants to. Will T.O. and the Tuna bring a championship to Big D? Will T.O. destroy the team? Who knows?
  3. Coaches in Washington. Dan Snyder has the highest paid coaching staff in the history of the NFL. It was a good move for Gibbs to give up play calling but is it enough? After all, you can’t coach speed and will the loss of Lavar Arrington to the Giants comeback to haunt the skins. We shall see…
  4. Quadrant of Rookies. Bush, Leinart, Young, and Williams. Forget about who was number one, now we will get to see who should have been number one. We’ll get to see Williams and Bush week one. I think we will see Young by week six. It may be 2007 before we see Lienart in meaningful action. It’s unlikely all these guys will be great players. Chances are there is one Hall of Famer, two decent players, and one total bust. Your guess is mine as to who is who.
  5. The Unknown. Why do I love sports and the NFL? It’s because of the unknown. I have no idea what is going to happen. Who will emerge as great? What teams will tank early? Who will be a hero and who will be the goat? I have no idea and that’s why I will be watching.