Just this morning as I whipped up some eggs and pondered what the theme of this year might be. I came up with three -- and they rhyme, 'cause that's how I roll.
Per ESPN NFL Countdown, there are 5 Rookie QB's starting this year. Andrew Luck, RG3, Ryan Tannehill, Brandon Weeden and Russell Wilson. I'm not as big on college football so I'd never heard the name Tannehill or Wilson before the preseason started. On the other hand, Weeden, Luck and RG3 likely will have the highest expectations because of their collegiate success. All have been impressive enough to earn starting gigs -- but I'm not sure any will impress as much as Cam Newton did in his rooke campaign. Especially sorry for Mr. Luck who has to face the Monsters of the Midway in his debut.
Returns
Although it pains me to utter the words, the reigning Superbowl Champs are the New York Giants. Although the flag raising ceremony was spoiled by Romo and the boys on opening night (more on that later), they're still a contender and the champs until dethroned.
Then there's Tim Tebow. On the other side of the country in New York this year, demoted to a back up role yet again -- I'm so ready to see how the next chapter in the Tebow Chronicles plays out. Last year, I predicted in Week 1, Tebow would have the starting gig by about Week 7. I was right. This year, due to the Jets challenging early schedule, I would make the same prediction, but I think the Jets will actually win a lot of those games -- because of Mr. Tebow. When he starts I'm not sure, but it'll happen if the Jets contend this year.
And finally there's Ray Lewis and the Ravens. The core group making what may be their final run at a Superbowl. A few have picked the Ravens to win it all this year (I'm not one of them), but they have a lot to prove after last years crushing loss to the Patriots.
Redemption
A tinge of redemption already kicked off on Tuesday when Tony Romo and the Cowboys earned their first win of the season. I predicted they would because Tony Romo is very much underrated. But redemption doesn't end there.
The Steelers are in desperate need of redemption after last years loss to Tebow and the Broncos. This year in Week 1, they'll have a shot at the same team, but a different QB. Peyton Manning. He's returning to football too, but more importantly, he's back to redeem his status as an elite NFL QB.
And lastly, there's no kicking off this NFL Season without mentioning the team that should have the worst Superbowl hangover known to man. After two losses in the big game to the same team, Tom Brady, Bellichick and the Patriots have a lot to prove. They've yet to win a Superbowl since the whole spy gate fiasco -- but there's no better time than right now to redeem to solace of yesterdays.
Thanks for reading.
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