AFC Preview | NFC Preview | NFL A to Z | Lou From the Coast's NFL Forecast

By Larry Harris

As the mighty National Football League dreadnought chugs into its 89th season, here is an alphabetical bouillabaisse of observations and opinions, from A to Z. 

A is for the Atlanta Falcons, who have sunk so low their mourning sounds like Johnny Cash singing at the bottom of a well. Can rookie quarterback Matt Ryan make fans, at least for a little while, forget that dogfighter in jail? Can rookie boss Mike Smith instill a little trust after the cowardly coach of last year, Bobby Petrino, jumped ship in the middle of the night without even telling his players he was leaving? Owner Sid Blank can't buy his way out of this. 

B is for Reggie Bush, another Southern Cal wunderkind who has yet to prove himself in the pros. After a fine freshman year in 2006, the former Heisman Trophy winner tried to take on an every-down position last season, and the New Orleans Saints realized he isn't cut out for heavy-duty work. With Deuce McAllister back and a ton of offensive talent aboard, the Saints can utilize Bush's unique open field skills more wisely. 

C is for the luckiest man in football, David Carr, who has failed miserably in every NFL quarterbacking situation in which he has been. Last year, he was so horrible in Carolina he lost his backup job twice, once to 43-year-old Vinnie Testaverde, the next time to undrafted rookie Matt Moore. Yet here he is, a sidearm pitcher backing up Eli Manning, one injury play away from directing the defending champ Giants. 

D is for Giants offensive lineman David Diehl, who broke down in tears recently when he was forced to miss a practice with sore ribs. It was the first practice he has ever missed -- high school, college or in his five-year NFL career. "A lot of it is luck," said the fifth-round draft choice from Illinois who has started all 86 regular and playoff games since becoming a pro. 

E is for Cleveland's barefoot boy, Braylon Edwards, who obviously doesn't think as well as he catches passes. Every NFL player has to run windsprints, but Edwards recently decided to do it without shoes. Of course another player stepped on his foot, and now Edwards is just hoping he'll be ready for the opener.  

F is not for that fabled flamethrower who now toils for the Jets, but for Carolina Panthers coach John Fox, who can feel the firing flames licking at his heels as he gambles his career on Jake Delhomme, the first NFL quarterback to attempt to come back from Tommy John elbow surgery. “F” is also for the large foot of Panthers owner Jerry Richardson, who will plant it forcefully in Fox's backside if the team doesn't improve mightily. 

G is for, who else, commissioner Roger Goodell, whose plate seems to always have a little more on it than it did yesterday. Now Goodell is trying to referee ownership problems while juggling the growing call to increase the schedule and facing the sudden death of NFL Player's Association president Gene Upshaw and what that may do to a strike-lockout situation in a couple more seasons. If all those problems detonate at the same time, the NFL as it has been known for 50 years will blow like a brick of C-4 plastique. 

H is for the Henderson brothers from Aberdeen and the University of Maryland, E.J. and Erin. E.J. is the burly middle linebacker going into his sixth year who will anchor a very impressive Minnesota defense. Erin, also a linebacker, was the Atlantic Coast Conference's top tackler last year who surprisingly went undrafted after forgoing his senior season. He leads the Vikings in tackles after two preseason games and is a good bet to make the active roster. 

I is for Richie Incognito, whose name suggests he doesn't like to be recognized. If that holds true, he couldn't have picked a better place to be than in the middle of the St. Louis Rams' offensive line. Anyone who bums a ride with the 330-pounder won't have to worry about entertainment; he drives a BMW with 23 television sets installed around the car, including one in the gas cap door. 

J is for JaMarcus Russell and Jared Lorenzen, the two biggest, baddest quarterbacks the NFL has ever seen. Russell, last year's No. 1 overall pick, weighs in at 270 and has an arm like a cannon but poor mechanics. He isn't likely to improve them in Oakland, where strife reigns eternal. Lorenzen, tipping in at a mere 285, is battling for a backup spot in Indianapolis. If Peyton Manning is hobbled and Jim Sorgi is no better than he has shown, the "Pillsbury Throwboy" just may have a job. 

K is for all the kickers in the NFL whose contributions largely go unnoticed until it's one of those breath-holding, white-knuckle situations at the end of a game, and the trip from penthouse to outhouse or vice versa hinges on the swing of a foot. One of those kickers who may have found a home is former Raven Rhys Lloyd, whose booming kickoffs may gain him employment along with consistent veteran John Kasay in Carolina.  

L is for Matt Leinart, yet another one of the Southern Cal wonders who waltz merrily out of college on top of the world and suddenly discover how cruel the NFL can be. If the Arizona Cardinals can't get him out of the hot tub with all those young starlets, grizzled veteran Kurt Warner may be the starter again this season. 

M is for the mystifying Randy Moss, whose antics and ability put him on the NFL's all-time lists of weirdo receivers. There's no getting around his catching prowess, though; his record 23 touchdowns last season attest to that. Longtime observers still marvel at his magic cloaking act when he dashes far down the field, leaps into the air -- and all defenders within 10 yards of him wave at the ball and topple to the turf. 

N is for Nick Novak, who has hardly been heard from since he got out of College Park, where he set every kicking record that could be had. His NFL career has had its moments, especially in 2006 when his 45-yarder beat Dallas for the Redskins in what has been dubbed the "Hand of God" game. Novak may have booted himself into a regular job with a good preseason for Kansas City.  

O is for "Ocho Cinco," now the registered proper name of Chad Johnson. His critics say it should be "Ocho Stinko," but no one can knock his ease of getting open and making tough catches for the Bengals. Of course challenging Michael Phelps to a swim race doesn't speak too well for Ocho's sanity. That brings up the other "O" -- Terrell Owens. Perhaps no other receiver in NFL annals has had his sheer physical qualities, and he has the records to back it up. Sometimes, though, T.O. just doesn't seem all that interested, which drives Cowboys fans nuts. 
 
P is for another mystery man -- Julius Peppers, the 6-foot-7, 285-pound dancing lion in Carolina. In his first five seasons, Peppers recorded 56 sacks and made plays with speed and grace that a halfback would be proud to claim. Last year he took the season off, making only 2.5 sacks and getting punked by tackles with half his ability. Was he sick? Bored? Tired of football? Panthers fans can only wonder what will re-fire him in 2008.  
 
Q is for quadrillion, which is a one, followed by 15 zeroes. That's about the amount of money ESPN pours into the NFL each season. “Q” is also for "Quintin," a popular name in the league this year. One of the best is Quintin Demps, a rookie with an excellent chance of making the Eagles' roster as a safety and kick returner. 
 
R is for Aaron Rodgers, the innocent fall guy in the whole Brett Favre fiasco. Now established as the Packers' No. 1, he must feel a pressure that could only be shared by someone who has gone through a similar circumstance -- perhaps Marty Domres, when he subbed for a guy named Unitas in '72. “R” is also for Tony Romo, who may be run out of Texas if he doesn't bring in a gusher for the Cowboys this season. 
 
S is for the greatest name in the NFL this year -- Syndric Steptoe of the Browns. A seventh-round pick in the 2007 draft who spent the season on the practice squad, he looks a cinch to be on the Opening Day roster. His credentials against the Giants the other night included two receiving touchdowns and two kickoff returns of 90 and 40 yards.

T is for Jason Taylor. The veteran pass rusher who tangoed his way out of Miami may not be dancing much for the Redskins after suffering a knee injury in the 47-3 loss to the Panthers. Another “T” is for Jacob Tamme, an impressive 6-foot-5, 240-pound tight end/wideout who is all the things Tony Dungy looks for in a Colts receiver. He had his MBA before graduating from Kentucky, won a national Fellowship of Christian Athletes award and was named one of the top 15 scholar-athletes in the country.

U is for Brian Urlacher, a very good middle linebacker who has been credited by TV announcers with approximately more than 50 percent of the tackles he has actually made. For years, the hero worshipers have tried to put him in the same class of Bears middle greats like Bill George, Dick Butkus and Mike Singletary, but it doesn't work. He just got an extended contract that guarantees him $6 million extra to sign, so the Big U isn't too worried about his reputation. 

V is for Vinnie Testaverde, now 44, who swears he will stay on the couch this fall. Just wait until the quarterbacks start toppling and a team comes along with an offer he can't refuse. The other “V” is for Adam Viniatieri, who always seems to be kicking for a team in the running for a championship. Lucky man. Talented man. 

W is for Brian Westbrook, who has not received the accolades he deserves. Many say his talent is equal to that of LaDainian Tomlinson, and there are others who maintain his desire exceeds that of the Chargers' star. In any case, he had 2,104 yards from scrimmage in 2007 for the Eagles, which led the NFL. Many don't know Westbrook is from this area, a graduate of D.C.'s DeMatha High School. 

X is for the X-ingredient, which this year goes to the Baltimore guys trying to put together a program to honor the 1958 Championship Game that made the NFL the sport it is today. As usual in such cases, conflicts arise, and it is hoped that all parties realize the whole purpose is to honor the surviving Baltimore Colts and New York Giants who played in that great game. 

Y is for Ravens' second-year offensive lineman Marshall Yanda. Anyone who volunteers to get tasered three times for a lousy $600 has to make this list. Besides that, the 310-pound farm boy from Iowa is playing a key role on the Ravens' offensive line this season. His unit must be credited with any success this attack has.  

Z is for Tom Zbikowski, the daredevil Ravens rookie safety, who, in addition to football, has a couple of professional fights under his belt. The Golden Domer is known as a risk-taking hard hitter, qualities that may benefit the team's ailing secondary. Z is also for new Redskins coach Jim Zorn, a decent man who gets the highest grade for merely signing on to work for unpredictable owner Dan Snyder.

Issue 3.35: August 28, 2008