Not only is today my birthday, but it's also a day remember 9/11, and celebrate the opening Sunday of pro football season. This year the NFL is auctioning off all the 9/11 tribute gear the players wear today for charity. Today is a great day. The only present I asked of God on this 25th birthday of mine was a win against the Buccaneers. Please God, I need you on this one.
Can I just say, "The lockout did more for the popularity of football than anyone wants to admit." The lockout was good for the fans, and is going to make the season twice as exciting. The sluggish starts, the unpredictable match-ups, it's going to be nuts. The defenses will feel the pains from the lockout more than offenses; teams will be lighting up the scoreboard, and who doesn't love that!
Yesterday's college games were intense, only fueling to the anticipation of Sunday's match-ups. If you missed the Michigan Vs. Notre Dame game last night, than you missed a true sight to see. Everyone came out in 1920-1950s attire and looked the part for sure. Even the refs had on little 1920's conductor-looking white hats on; it was great. Both teams should just switch their uniforms to the ones they wore last night, there were definitely an upgrade.
Anyway, to the thick of things, and back to Sunday football. Sports Junkies have made their picks for week one, so today we predict the Underdogs on the Rise.
Underdogs on the Rise
1. Detroit Lions
This team has been heavily covered all offseason, giving them more hype than any other team predicted to rise up from among the weak. Detroit finished 6-10 last season on a four game win streak, and followed that up with a flawless preseason record. If you want to be technical, they're 8-0 right now. Their will be fireworks in Tampa today, which leads me to number two.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Let's be honest, Josh Freeman is just as good as Matthew Stafford. Total different style of play, but as far as stats go, Freeman at least has some. The guys 6'6, 248 lbs, and threw for 3,451 yards with 25 TD's and a quarterback passer rating of 95.9 last season. Both enter their third year, but I have to give the edge to Freeman on this one. The other thing working for Tampa is running back Legarrette Blount. This guy ran for over 1,000 yards last year as a rookie! This Tampa Bay Vs. Detroit Lions game today could be a potential playoff preview. Tampa still considers their loss to Detroit last year the reason they didn't make the playoffs, and they want revenge.
3. St. Louis Rams
Sam Bradford changed the way the league looks at rookie quarterbacks. This guy came in, and almost single handily turned that franchise around. With Steven Jackson having his way with defenses, and the addition of Lance Kendricks, the tight end out of Wisconsin, Bradford has even more explosive targets on the field.
4. Arizona Cardinals.
Two words, Larry Fitzgerald. This is the best wide receiver in the league when he has even a somewhat competent quarterback slinging the ball. Kevin Kolb is a huge upgrade at the quarterback position for the Cardinals, and after being benched to Michael Vick he's looking to make a statement. Cardinals will be very competitive this year.
5. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have all the pieces, they just have trouble putting them together. Dez Bryant is a true talent at wide out. If you can get him the ball, he's going to score you touchdowns. This season yet again rides on the shoulders of Tony Romo. He is the key, and a fragile one at that. If he can run the locker room as well as he does the huddle, theres no limits to the Cowboys success.
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