Arizona Cardinals
Q: What's the latest with Anquan Boldin?
A: As reported in Monday's Arizona Republic, GM Rod Graves is sticking to his guns and saying he's unlikely to negotiate a new deal until at least Week 1 of the NFL season. Boldin's threatened a holdout, but it could very well be a standard Drew Rosenhaus bluff. Despite missing four weeks of voluntary workouts, the former All-Pro did attend the team's mandatory minicamp in early May.
Atlanta Falcons
Q: The Michael Vick Era is officially over, right?
Matt Ryan was the big winner in April's draft, despite not going first overall ? signing for the most money ($72 milion), and getting an absurd $34 million in guaranteed cheddar. The money is a lot ? especially for a team with holes at pretty much all 22 positions on the field. But the bigger question is this: What happens two years from now, when Ryan, one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league, is manning a 5-11 team and Michael Vick is playing for Dallas, at the league minimum, lighting it up for a division leader? Talk about sleepless nights for Falcons fans.
Baltimore Ravens
Q: Forget quarterback. Who the heck is playing offensive line for the Ravens this year?
A: Jonathan Ogden is retired, but the Ravens' line might not be all that bad without him. Youngsters Ben Grubbs, Marshall Yanda and Jared Gaither all got significant playing time in '07, and guard Jason Brown should be healthy in '08. The key will be fourth-year man Adam Terry, who has the pleasure of being "the guy after the guy" for a sure-fire Hall of Fame left tackle. Not exactly a star-studded crew, but not a terrible one, either. As for the quarterback spot ? that's a whole other story.
Buffalo Bills
Q: So, are the Bills moving to Toronto or what?
A: Bills fans are as passionate a crew of diehards as you'll find, and the looming paranoia of losing their Bills to that country up north has dominated blog and message board chatter since the end of the '07 season. As the five-year deal stands now, though, the Bills will be playing one regular-season game a year and one preseason game every other season in Toronto. And that's it. Honestly.
We think.
Carolina Panthers
Dwayne Jarrett made just six catches for 73 yards a year ago. (Jim McIsaac / Getty Images)
Q: Dwayne Jarrett was just busted for a DWI. Is it time to give up on this kid already?
A: The arrest, hopefully, was a wakeup call for Jarrett to get his act together. Remember, this was a guy who battled bouts of homesickness his freshman year at USC. He packed his entire dorm room up and said he was transferring, leading the entire Trojans team to come out and convince him to stick it out. After opting to stay, he became the all-time leading Trojans receiver, breaking the Pac-10 touchdown record in the process. Jarrett's got the skills. He just needs to grow up. Now.
Cincinnati Bengals
Do the Bengals even stand a chance at the playoffs this year?
A: Cincy is going to need a lot of help. But, in truth, the Ravens still have too many question marks on offense to win the division and the Browns and Steelers play arguably the two toughest schedules in the entire league this year. The AFC North door is cracked open a TINY SMUDGE for Cincy.
Chicago Bears
Q: Is the Bears offense the worst unit in the entire league?
A: Well, the quarterback duo of Grossman and Orton has to be in the bottom half of the league. The running attack ? a trio of unproven guys not named Benson or Jones ? has to be in the bottom quarter of the league. The offensive line ? anchored by a rookie tackle out of Vanderbilt ? is a giant question mark. And the receivers? Well, there may be no worse depth chart in the NFL.
So, Bears fans, you tell me.
Cleveland Browns
Can the Browns defense stop a Junior Varsity offense?
A: Upgrades had to be made and they were. In comes Shaun Rogers, Corey Williams and linebacker Beau Bell, a rookie projected to go as early as the first or second round but who slipped all the way to the fourth round. The offense is simmering. The defense is getting there. Cleveland's got a real shot at the franchise's first divisional title in 19 years.
Dallas Cowboys
Q:So many personalities. Is the Cowboys' locker room doomed?
A: I'm currently ripping through an advanced copy of Jeff Pearlman's latest book Boys Will Be Boys ? a tell-all on the Jimmy Johnson-era Cowboys ? and if those personalities could all mesh and win three Super Bowl titles, this team surely can too. Those guys make this group look like a bunch of choir boys. In truth, winning breeds happiness. And as long as T.O.'s getting the ball, the Cowboys are winning and the fans are happy with the product ? this motley crew will be just fine.
Denver Broncos
Selvin Young averaged 5.2 yards a carry a year ago. (Steve Dykes / Getty Images)
Q: Did the Broncos really release Travis Henry?
A: Yes, the Broncos really did waive a guy they signed for close to $30 million last offseason. In truth, the Henry signing was a bit bizarre, anyway. Denver has never relied too heavily on one guy running the ball. Last season, it was undrafted rookie free agent Selvin Young who stepped it up. He'll likely be the big dog in '08. And if he's not, someone else surely will.
Detroit Lions
Q: Mike Martz is gone. Who is running the Lions offense now?
A: Replacing Martz as "offensive coordinator" is the '07 offensive line coach, Jim Colletto. But, he'll be sharing duties with assistant head coach/passing game assistant/running backs coach Kippy Brown. Basically, mass confusion and uncertainty in Detroit. Or, in other words, nothing new.
Green Bay Packers
Q: Does life go on without Brett Favre?
A: Yes. But please give the national sports media a few years to recover. Remember, Brett Favre was and is the most important American to ever walk the Earth.
Houston Texans
Q: Can the Texans steal a wild-card spot?
A: This one's just a matter of unfortunate timing. With AFC South rivals Jacksonville, Indianapolis and Tennessee still all substantially better than Houston ? and a schedule that features four '07 playoff teams in the first five weeks ? it just seems unlikely the Texans are going to qualify for a wild card spot this year. But hey, there's always 2009!
Indianapolis Colts
Q: Is this the year the Jags surpass the Colts in the AFC South?
A: No. Indy's had Jacksonville's number for years. Until Jacksonville can beat the Colts in Indianapolis, I'm not buying them as AFC South champs just yet.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Q: So, the Colts are still kings? Really?!
A: Yes. Indy's won five straight AFC South titles. Practically their entire defense was injured at some point last season and they still won the division with relative ease. They'll be tested, sure. But with a healthy D and a new home ? they won't be dethroned.
Kansas City Chiefs
Q: Everyone gave the Chiefs' draft an "A" grade. Does that mean K.C. will be good in '08?
A: Nope. Sorry, but the 2008 season will be another Kirk Cameron year (as in "Growing Pains") for Chiefs fans.
Miami Dolphins
Alright, Ted Ginn, Jr. Time to shine. (Rick Stewart / Getty Images)
Q: Marty Booker and Chris Chambers are gone. Who's playing receiver for the 'Fins?
A: Ted Ginn, Derek Hagan, Ernest Wilford, Greg Camarillo and David Kircus aren't exactly the "Fab Five" ? but they'll have to do. Maybe the most intriguing name in camp is undrafted rookie free agent Davone Bess, Colt Brennan's deep threat at Hawaii. I'm actually glass half-full on this rag-tag bunch.
Minnesota Vikings
Q: Just in case, who exactly is backing up Tarvaris Jackson this season?
A: Gus Frerotte and rookie John David Booty. Over/under on weeks until Vikings fans are calling for Booty as the starter: Six.
New England Patriots
Q: Can the Pats go undefeated in 2008?
A: The odds in Vegas are currently 15:1 that they do. Sure, there's been SpyGate, that whole Nick Kaczur Donnie Brasco thing, and more arrests than the Bengals this offseason. But the Pats are playing angry and their schedule is actually more manageable than it was in '08. Now, if they can just find someone to play cornerback.
New Orleans Saints
Q: Is Robert Meachem a lost cause?
A: Nah. Though he reportedly showed up to camp 20 pounds overweight and promptly injured a knee in workouts last year, Meachem's been getting rave reviews from teammates and front-office brass this entire offseason. The former Tennessee star should be the third or fourth receiver come opening weekend in '08.
New York Giants
Q: When will the Giants retire Tiki Barber's No. 21?
A: They won't be. Rookie Kenny Phillips will be wearing No. 21 this season for New York. Maybe "The Today Show" will retire the oven mits Tiki used in his latest enthralling cooking segment, though.
New York Jets
Q: Why does New York's new offensive line coach look so damn familiar?
A: That's because the Jets' new offensive line coach is Bill Callahan. Here's to hoping he doesn't fail miserably and leave the unit in ruins. You know, like he did at Nebraska. And Oakland.
Oakland Raiders
Q: Did the Raiders pay too much for Javon Walker?
A: Yes. Al Davis handed money out like Halloween candy this offseason, and Walker was the greatest beneficiary of the old man's generosity. Between Walker's and Barry Zito's contracts, the Bay Area seems to be the world's home for terribly inked deals.
Philadelphia Eagles
Sounds like Runyan still has Strahan nightmares. (Al Bello / Getty Images)
Q: Was Jon Runyan the happiest guy in the world when news of Michael Strahan's retirement became official?
A: Runyan told the Philadelphia Daily News last week, "Retirement doesn't mean anything. All you've got to do is sign back up and you can play again ... As of now, he's done. Anything can change; people get hurt. Money persuades people. We'll see." In other words ? he'll believe it when he sees it.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Q: Is Pittsburgh's schedule really as brutal as everyone says it is?
A: In a seven-week span starting in late October, Pittsburgh takes on the Super Bowl champion Giants, the NFC wild-card qualifying Redskins, the AFC South champion Colts, the AFC West champion Chargers, the rival Bengals, the AFC champion Patriots and the NFC East champion Cowboys. All in a row. So yeah, it won't exactly be an easy title defense in '08.
San Diego Chargers
Q: Forget Michael Turner. Who's replacing Lorenzo Neal?
A: The Chargers released the 37-year-old Neal to make room for emerging 5th-year man Andrew Pinnock. The 'Bolts also traded up in the draft to get 4th-and-short first-down machine, Jacob Hester. Both players are more h-backs than traditional fullbacks.
San Francisco 49ers
Q: Is this Alex Smith/Mike Martz marriage going to work?
A: Eh, I'd say it's got the potential to be more Charlie Sheen-Denise Richards than Romeo and Juliet. Then again, Sheen-Richards is a significant upgrade from the McCartney-Mills relationship Smith had with head coach Mike Nolan last year.
St. Louis Rams
Q: How are Rams fans supposed to root for Josh Brown?
A: Ask the Colts fans how they handled cheering on Adam Vinatieri during the Colts' Super Bowl parade.
Seattle Seahawks
Q: Seriously, how could Josh Brown leave for the #$@% Rams?!
A:I can give you 14.2 million reasons.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
: Did Chris Simms really compare his situation with the Bucs to being held "hostage"?
A: He did. Jon Gruden's response, as told to the Herald Tribune: "I'm not surprised by much. I'm disappointed in some ways (by Simms' comments)," Gruden said. "But I'm not going to ... I like the guy, OK. I want him to have a chance to compete and that's all I'm going to say. I wish him well. I hope this works out for him." Forget McCartney-Mills. The Gruden-Simms romance is some other beast altogether.
Tennessee Titans
Q: Does Shaun Alexander or Travis Henry make sense for the Tennessee backfield?
A: Tennessee has selected a running back in either the first or second round of the draft each of the past three years. Please don't try to wrap your head around their running back situation. It will only cause motion sickness and migraine headaches.
Washington Redskins
Q: Aside from Joe Gibbs, what other big pieces did Washington lose in the off-season?
A: Umm ... nothing. In fact, all 22 starters from last year's NFC Wildcard team are back for '08. Washington also added two intriguing names on defense ? oft-injured DE Erasmus James and workhorse safety Stuart Schweigert. Add in all those wideouts from the draft and you have a pretty exciting squad. Everyone's talking Dallas and New York in the NFC East this year. Don't sleep on the 'Skins.
Then again, if you're a fan of the NFL ? you're likely not sleeping anyway.
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Q: What's the latest with Anquan Boldin?
A: As reported in Monday's Arizona Republic, GM Rod Graves is sticking to his guns and saying he's unlikely to negotiate a new deal until at least Week 1 of the NFL season. Boldin's threatened a holdout, but it could very well be a standard Drew Rosenhaus bluff. Despite missing four weeks of voluntary workouts, the former All-Pro did attend the team's mandatory minicamp in early May.
Atlanta Falcons
Q: The Michael Vick Era is officially over, right?
Matt Ryan was the big winner in April's draft, despite not going first overall ? signing for the most money ($72 milion), and getting an absurd $34 million in guaranteed cheddar. The money is a lot ? especially for a team with holes at pretty much all 22 positions on the field. But the bigger question is this: What happens two years from now, when Ryan, one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league, is manning a 5-11 team and Michael Vick is playing for Dallas, at the league minimum, lighting it up for a division leader? Talk about sleepless nights for Falcons fans.
Baltimore Ravens
Q: Forget quarterback. Who the heck is playing offensive line for the Ravens this year?
A: Jonathan Ogden is retired, but the Ravens' line might not be all that bad without him. Youngsters Ben Grubbs, Marshall Yanda and Jared Gaither all got significant playing time in '07, and guard Jason Brown should be healthy in '08. The key will be fourth-year man Adam Terry, who has the pleasure of being "the guy after the guy" for a sure-fire Hall of Fame left tackle. Not exactly a star-studded crew, but not a terrible one, either. As for the quarterback spot ? that's a whole other story.
Buffalo Bills
Q: So, are the Bills moving to Toronto or what?
A: Bills fans are as passionate a crew of diehards as you'll find, and the looming paranoia of losing their Bills to that country up north has dominated blog and message board chatter since the end of the '07 season. As the five-year deal stands now, though, the Bills will be playing one regular-season game a year and one preseason game every other season in Toronto. And that's it. Honestly.
We think.
Carolina Panthers
Dwayne Jarrett made just six catches for 73 yards a year ago. (Jim McIsaac / Getty Images)
Q: Dwayne Jarrett was just busted for a DWI. Is it time to give up on this kid already?
A: The arrest, hopefully, was a wakeup call for Jarrett to get his act together. Remember, this was a guy who battled bouts of homesickness his freshman year at USC. He packed his entire dorm room up and said he was transferring, leading the entire Trojans team to come out and convince him to stick it out. After opting to stay, he became the all-time leading Trojans receiver, breaking the Pac-10 touchdown record in the process. Jarrett's got the skills. He just needs to grow up. Now.
Cincinnati Bengals
Do the Bengals even stand a chance at the playoffs this year?
A: Cincy is going to need a lot of help. But, in truth, the Ravens still have too many question marks on offense to win the division and the Browns and Steelers play arguably the two toughest schedules in the entire league this year. The AFC North door is cracked open a TINY SMUDGE for Cincy.
Chicago Bears
Q: Is the Bears offense the worst unit in the entire league?
A: Well, the quarterback duo of Grossman and Orton has to be in the bottom half of the league. The running attack ? a trio of unproven guys not named Benson or Jones ? has to be in the bottom quarter of the league. The offensive line ? anchored by a rookie tackle out of Vanderbilt ? is a giant question mark. And the receivers? Well, there may be no worse depth chart in the NFL.
So, Bears fans, you tell me.
Cleveland Browns
Can the Browns defense stop a Junior Varsity offense?
A: Upgrades had to be made and they were. In comes Shaun Rogers, Corey Williams and linebacker Beau Bell, a rookie projected to go as early as the first or second round but who slipped all the way to the fourth round. The offense is simmering. The defense is getting there. Cleveland's got a real shot at the franchise's first divisional title in 19 years.
Dallas Cowboys
Q:So many personalities. Is the Cowboys' locker room doomed?
A: I'm currently ripping through an advanced copy of Jeff Pearlman's latest book Boys Will Be Boys ? a tell-all on the Jimmy Johnson-era Cowboys ? and if those personalities could all mesh and win three Super Bowl titles, this team surely can too. Those guys make this group look like a bunch of choir boys. In truth, winning breeds happiness. And as long as T.O.'s getting the ball, the Cowboys are winning and the fans are happy with the product ? this motley crew will be just fine.
Denver Broncos
Selvin Young averaged 5.2 yards a carry a year ago. (Steve Dykes / Getty Images)
Q: Did the Broncos really release Travis Henry?
A: Yes, the Broncos really did waive a guy they signed for close to $30 million last offseason. In truth, the Henry signing was a bit bizarre, anyway. Denver has never relied too heavily on one guy running the ball. Last season, it was undrafted rookie free agent Selvin Young who stepped it up. He'll likely be the big dog in '08. And if he's not, someone else surely will.
Detroit Lions
Q: Mike Martz is gone. Who is running the Lions offense now?
A: Replacing Martz as "offensive coordinator" is the '07 offensive line coach, Jim Colletto. But, he'll be sharing duties with assistant head coach/passing game assistant/running backs coach Kippy Brown. Basically, mass confusion and uncertainty in Detroit. Or, in other words, nothing new.
Green Bay Packers
Q: Does life go on without Brett Favre?
A: Yes. But please give the national sports media a few years to recover. Remember, Brett Favre was and is the most important American to ever walk the Earth.
Houston Texans
Q: Can the Texans steal a wild-card spot?
A: This one's just a matter of unfortunate timing. With AFC South rivals Jacksonville, Indianapolis and Tennessee still all substantially better than Houston ? and a schedule that features four '07 playoff teams in the first five weeks ? it just seems unlikely the Texans are going to qualify for a wild card spot this year. But hey, there's always 2009!
Indianapolis Colts
Q: Is this the year the Jags surpass the Colts in the AFC South?
A: No. Indy's had Jacksonville's number for years. Until Jacksonville can beat the Colts in Indianapolis, I'm not buying them as AFC South champs just yet.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Q: So, the Colts are still kings? Really?!
A: Yes. Indy's won five straight AFC South titles. Practically their entire defense was injured at some point last season and they still won the division with relative ease. They'll be tested, sure. But with a healthy D and a new home ? they won't be dethroned.
Kansas City Chiefs
Q: Everyone gave the Chiefs' draft an "A" grade. Does that mean K.C. will be good in '08?
A: Nope. Sorry, but the 2008 season will be another Kirk Cameron year (as in "Growing Pains") for Chiefs fans.
Miami Dolphins
Alright, Ted Ginn, Jr. Time to shine. (Rick Stewart / Getty Images)
Q: Marty Booker and Chris Chambers are gone. Who's playing receiver for the 'Fins?
A: Ted Ginn, Derek Hagan, Ernest Wilford, Greg Camarillo and David Kircus aren't exactly the "Fab Five" ? but they'll have to do. Maybe the most intriguing name in camp is undrafted rookie free agent Davone Bess, Colt Brennan's deep threat at Hawaii. I'm actually glass half-full on this rag-tag bunch.
Minnesota Vikings
Q: Just in case, who exactly is backing up Tarvaris Jackson this season?
A: Gus Frerotte and rookie John David Booty. Over/under on weeks until Vikings fans are calling for Booty as the starter: Six.
New England Patriots
Q: Can the Pats go undefeated in 2008?
A: The odds in Vegas are currently 15:1 that they do. Sure, there's been SpyGate, that whole Nick Kaczur Donnie Brasco thing, and more arrests than the Bengals this offseason. But the Pats are playing angry and their schedule is actually more manageable than it was in '08. Now, if they can just find someone to play cornerback.
New Orleans Saints
Q: Is Robert Meachem a lost cause?
A: Nah. Though he reportedly showed up to camp 20 pounds overweight and promptly injured a knee in workouts last year, Meachem's been getting rave reviews from teammates and front-office brass this entire offseason. The former Tennessee star should be the third or fourth receiver come opening weekend in '08.
New York Giants
Q: When will the Giants retire Tiki Barber's No. 21?
A: They won't be. Rookie Kenny Phillips will be wearing No. 21 this season for New York. Maybe "The Today Show" will retire the oven mits Tiki used in his latest enthralling cooking segment, though.
New York Jets
Q: Why does New York's new offensive line coach look so damn familiar?
A: That's because the Jets' new offensive line coach is Bill Callahan. Here's to hoping he doesn't fail miserably and leave the unit in ruins. You know, like he did at Nebraska. And Oakland.
Oakland Raiders
Q: Did the Raiders pay too much for Javon Walker?
A: Yes. Al Davis handed money out like Halloween candy this offseason, and Walker was the greatest beneficiary of the old man's generosity. Between Walker's and Barry Zito's contracts, the Bay Area seems to be the world's home for terribly inked deals.
Philadelphia Eagles
Sounds like Runyan still has Strahan nightmares. (Al Bello / Getty Images)
Q: Was Jon Runyan the happiest guy in the world when news of Michael Strahan's retirement became official?
A: Runyan told the Philadelphia Daily News last week, "Retirement doesn't mean anything. All you've got to do is sign back up and you can play again ... As of now, he's done. Anything can change; people get hurt. Money persuades people. We'll see." In other words ? he'll believe it when he sees it.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Q: Is Pittsburgh's schedule really as brutal as everyone says it is?
A: In a seven-week span starting in late October, Pittsburgh takes on the Super Bowl champion Giants, the NFC wild-card qualifying Redskins, the AFC South champion Colts, the AFC West champion Chargers, the rival Bengals, the AFC champion Patriots and the NFC East champion Cowboys. All in a row. So yeah, it won't exactly be an easy title defense in '08.
San Diego Chargers
Q: Forget Michael Turner. Who's replacing Lorenzo Neal?
A: The Chargers released the 37-year-old Neal to make room for emerging 5th-year man Andrew Pinnock. The 'Bolts also traded up in the draft to get 4th-and-short first-down machine, Jacob Hester. Both players are more h-backs than traditional fullbacks.
San Francisco 49ers
Q: Is this Alex Smith/Mike Martz marriage going to work?
A: Eh, I'd say it's got the potential to be more Charlie Sheen-Denise Richards than Romeo and Juliet. Then again, Sheen-Richards is a significant upgrade from the McCartney-Mills relationship Smith had with head coach Mike Nolan last year.
St. Louis Rams
Q: How are Rams fans supposed to root for Josh Brown?
A: Ask the Colts fans how they handled cheering on Adam Vinatieri during the Colts' Super Bowl parade.
Seattle Seahawks
Q: Seriously, how could Josh Brown leave for the #$@% Rams?!
A:I can give you 14.2 million reasons.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
: Did Chris Simms really compare his situation with the Bucs to being held "hostage"?
A: He did. Jon Gruden's response, as told to the Herald Tribune: "I'm not surprised by much. I'm disappointed in some ways (by Simms' comments)," Gruden said. "But I'm not going to ... I like the guy, OK. I want him to have a chance to compete and that's all I'm going to say. I wish him well. I hope this works out for him." Forget McCartney-Mills. The Gruden-Simms romance is some other beast altogether.
Tennessee Titans
Q: Does Shaun Alexander or Travis Henry make sense for the Tennessee backfield?
A: Tennessee has selected a running back in either the first or second round of the draft each of the past three years. Please don't try to wrap your head around their running back situation. It will only cause motion sickness and migraine headaches.
Washington Redskins
Q: Aside from Joe Gibbs, what other big pieces did Washington lose in the off-season?
A: Umm ... nothing. In fact, all 22 starters from last year's NFC Wildcard team are back for '08. Washington also added two intriguing names on defense ? oft-injured DE Erasmus James and workhorse safety Stuart Schweigert. Add in all those wideouts from the draft and you have a pretty exciting squad. Everyone's talking Dallas and New York in the NFC East this year. Don't sleep on the 'Skins.
Then again, if you're a fan of the NFL ? you're likely not sleeping anyway.
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