AZ Weekly 2012 NFL Preview by AZ Weekly

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NFL GUIDE AZWeeklyMagazine.com August 30th, 2012 - September 5th, 2012 WWW.AZWEEKLYMAGAZINE.COM

2012 NFL PREVIEW

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2011 Record: 13-3, first place, AFC East; 2-1 in postseason, lost to Giants in Super Bowl XLVI Head Coach: Bill Belichick, 13th season Additions: LB Bobby Carpenter, CB Marquice Cole, WR Brandon Lloyd, WR Donte Stallworth, WR Jabar Gaffney, G Robert Gallery Departures: RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, WR Chad Ochocinco, DE Andre Carter, DE Mark Anderson, LB Gary Guyton, CB Antwaun Molden Key Draft Picks: DE Chandler Jones (1), LB Dont’a Hightower (1), S Tavon Wilson (2), DE Jake Bequette (3)

Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: “Defensively, how they fit these young players in will determine their playoff run.” Wk 10 - Buffalo Nov. 11 (CBS) Wk 11 - Indianapolis Nov. 18 (CBS) Wk 12 - at N.Y. Jets Nov. 22 (NBC) (Thurs.) Wk 13 - at Miami Dec. 2 (CBS) Wk 14 - Houston Dec. 10 (ESPN) (Mon.) Wk 15 - San Francisco Dec. 16 (NBC) Wk 16 - at Jacksonville Dec. 23 (CBS) Wk 17 - Miami Dec. 30 (CBS) *Check local listings; subject to change.

Wk 1 - at Tennessee Sept. 9 (CBS) Wk 2 - Arizona Sept. 16 (Fox) Wk 3 - at Baltimore Sept. 23 (NBC) Wk 4 - at Buffalo Sept. 30 (CBS) Wk 5 - Denver Oct. 7 (CBS) Wk 6 - at Seattle Oct. 14 (CBS) Wk 7 - N.Y. Jets Oct. 21 (CBS) Wk 8 - at St. Louis Oct. 28 (CBS) Wk 9 - Bye

2011 Record: 8-8, second place, AFC East Head Coach: Rex Ryan, fourth season Additions: QB Tim Tebow, S Yeremiah Bell, WR Chaz Schilens, S LaRon Landry, K Josh Brown, OT Stephon Heyer Departures: RB LaDainian Tomlinson, WR Plaxico Burress, S Jim Leonhard, DE/LB Jamaal Westerman, CB Marquice Cole, S Brodney Pool Key Draft Picks: DE Quinton Coples (1), WR Stephen Hill (2), LB Demario Davis (3) Season preview: After a season marked by frustration, dissension and a giant Wk 1 - Buffalo Sept. 9 (CBS) Wk 2 - at Pittsburgh Sept. 16 (CBS) Wk 3 - at Miami Sept. 23 (CBS) Wk 4 - San Francisco Sept. 30 (Fox) Wk 5 - Houston Oct. 8 (ESPN) (Mon.) Wk 6 - Indianapolis Oct. 14 (CBS) Wk 7 - at New England Oct. 21 (CBS) Wk 8 - Miami Oct. 28 (CBS) Wk 9 - Bye

August 30th, 2012 - September 5th, 2012 AZWeeklyMagazine.com

Season preview: The team drafted defenders in the first six rounds. Unfortunately with Carter and Anderson gone, draftees Jones and Bequette represent downgrades in the pass rush, which puts additional pressure on the secondary, which wasn’t great to begin with. Hightower joins an already strong linebacker corps. On offense, Tom Brady gets the No. 1 receiver he needed in Lloyd, plus additional targets in Gaffney and Stallworth. New England’s high-octane offense will likely carry them Tom to another division title, but the Brady defense will stop them short once again in January.

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step backward, the Jets went out and created a quarterback controversy with the acquisition of Tebow. In reality, there should be no controversy – Mark Sanchez is the superior passer. But the first time he throws an interception in the red zone, fans and media will be calling for Tebow. And that won’t be a good thing. In the draft, the Jets made major upgrades on defense by taking Coples and S Josh Bush while Davis and S Antonio Allen add speed. Still, this team hinges on Sanchez. If he steps up, the Jets could be playing in February. But if Tebowmania rules, last year’s 8-8 record will look like a Super Bowl season.

Mark Sanchez

Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: “You want Sanchez to throw it 25 times. You want to run it 30. You want to give Tim Tebow 10 plays. That’s your offense. How do you orchestrate all that?”

Wk 10 - at Seattle Nov. 11 (CBS) Wk 11 - at St. Louis Nov. 18 (CBS) Wk 12 - New England Nov. 22 (NBC) (Thurs.) Wk 13 - Arizona Dec. 2 (Fox) Wk 14 - at Jacksonville Dec. 9 (CBS) Wk 15 - at Tennessee Dec. 17 (ESPN) (Mon.) Wk 16 - San Diego Dec. 23 (NBC) Wk 17 - at Buffalo Dec. 30 (CBS) *Check local listings; subject to change.

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August 30th, 2012 - September 5th, 2012

have few weapons at his disposal. That’s 2011 Record: 6-10, third place, AFC East why the quarterback position will come Head Coach: Joe Philbin, first season down to either Garrard or incumbent Additions: QB David Garrard, WR Chad Matt Moore. The Fish dealt away their Ochocinco, CB Richard Marshall, G Artis best wideout, Brandon Marshall, leaving Hicks, LB Jamaal Westerman, LB Gary their receiver corps with Ochocinco and Guyton, S Tyrell Johnson, WR Legedu a group of no-names. And Reggie Bush Naanee is a decent running back, but he’s injuryprone and unlikely to approach his 1,086 Departures: WR Brandon Marshall, yards from 2011. On defense, the team DT Kendall Langford, S Yeremiah lost two key members – Langford and Bell Bell – and gained little in the way of significant Key Draft Picks: QB Ryan contributors. Look for it to be a long Tannehill (1), OT Jonathan season in South Beach, where the Martin (2), DE Olivier Vernon home team will struggle to match (3), TE Michael Egnew (3), its 6-10 record of 2011. RB Lamar Miller (4) Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: Season preview: The “You’re 6-10. You’re in a division Dolphins are a project, where you’re basically the laststarting with top pick place team. And now you’re Tannehill. He’s raw, talking about a quarterback Matt Moore competition. In my opinion, you has poor pocket start the young guy.” awareness and will Wk 1 - at Houston Sept. 9 (CBS) Wk 2 - Oakland Sept. 16 (CBS) Wk 3 - N.Y. Jets Sept. 23 (CBS) Wk 4 - at Arizona Sept. 30 (CBS) Wk 5 - at Cincinnati Oct. 7 (CBS) Wk 6 - St. Louis Oct. 14 (Fox) Wk 7 - Bye Wk 8 - at N.Y. Jets Oct. 28 (CBS) Wk 9 - at Indianapolis Nov. 4 (CBS)

Wk 10 - Tennessee Nov. 11 (CBS) Wk 11 - at Buffalo Nov. 15 (NFLN) (Thurs.) Wk 12 - Seattle Nov. 25 (Fox) Wk 13 - New England Dec. 2 (CBS) Wk 14 - at San Francisco Dec. 9 (CBS) Wk 15 - Jacksonville Dec. 16 (CBS) Wk 16 - Buffalo Dec. 23 (CBS) Wk 17 - at New England Dec. 30 (CBS) *Check local listings; subject to change.

2011 Record: 6-10, last place, AFC East Head Coach: Chan Gailey, third season Additions: DE Mario Williams, DE Mark Anderson, QB Vince Young Departures: CB Drayton Florence, WR Roscoe Parrish, OT Demetress Bell Key Draft Picks: CB Stephon Gilmore (1), OT Cordy Glenn (2), WR T.J. Graham (3), LB Nigel Bradham (4), CB Ron Brooks (4) Season preview: After finishing 6-10 last year, the Bills went out and turned their most glaring weakness into a strength, adding All-Pro Williams and Anderson to shore up a nearly nonexistent pass rush. Drafting

Ryan Fitzpatrick

Wk 1 - at N.Y. Jets Sept. 9 (CBS) Wk 2 - Kansas City Sept. 16 (CBS) Wk 3 - at Cleveland Sept. 23 (CBS) Wk 4 - New England Sept. 30 (CBS) Wk 5 - at San Francisco Oct. 7 (CBS) Wk 6 - at Arizona Oct. 14 (CBS) Wk 7 - Tennessee Oct. 21 (CBS) Wk 8 - Bye Wk 9 - at Houston Nov. 4 (CBS)

Gilmore will certainly help at cornerback, but the secondary and linebacker corps remain the team’s biggest question marks. Graham is raw, but talented and could be the deep threat this team sorely needs. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick has many weapons, including RB Fred Jackson and WR Stevie Johnson, at his disposal, and with an easy schedule, could see the playoffs. But if the defense, which gave up 434 points in 2011, doesn’t improve substantially, another losing season could be in its future. Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: “If they get better defensively … they’ve got a chance to become a wild-card team. Look at their schedule.” Wk 10 - at New England Nov. 11 (CBS) Wk 11 - Miami Nov. 15 (NFLN) (Thurs.) Wk 12 - at Indianapolis Nov. 25 (CBS) Wk 13 - Jacksonville Dec. 2 (CBS) Wk 14 - St. Louis Dec. 9 (Fox) Wk 15 - Seattle Dec. 16 (Fox) Wk 16 - at Miami Dec. 23 (CBS) Wk 17 - N.Y. Jets Dec. 30 (CBS) *Check local listings; subject to change.

az weekly MAGAZINE & mr. joe walker presentS: the great

The Great Khali is an imposing in-ring competitor, one often towering over his opposition by more than several inches. Unlucky opponents caught between his massive hands quickly tap out to The Punjabi Playboy’s punishing Vice Grip submission hold. Many have literally succumbed to pressure when attempting to defeat this intimidating India-native WWE Superstar in singles competition. Yet Khali, having won the World Heavyweight Championship in a traditional Battle Royal match, has been eliminated from the Royal Rumble match in less than 2 minutes

khali

HEIGHT: 7’1” WEIGHT: 347 LBS FROM: punjab, india SIGNATURE MOVEs: punjabi plunge, khali vice grip Championships Reigns: World Champion Royal Rumble Match Experience: 6 appearances Time in Match 2012 - 7:29

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on four different occasions. Noted, the numbers have not entirely been in Khali’s favor; if he enters the match in 2013, the WWE Universe (the company’s worldwide fans) knows only a single digit will matter: “1” - as in the last one standing once the match concludes.

Did YOU Know?

The Great Khali has co-starred in two hit movies opposite 3 different multitime champions – Steve Austin and Bill Goldberg in The Longest Yard, The Rock in Get Smart.

contined on the following page...

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2011 Record: 12-4, first place, AFC North; 1-1 in postseason, lost to Patriots in AFC Championship Head Coach: John Harbaugh, fifth season Additions: DT Ryan McBean, QB Curtis Painter, WR Jacoby Jones, G Bobbie Williams, G/C Tony Wragge, CB Corey Graham, RB Bernard Pierce Departures: G Ben Grubbs, DT Brandon McKinney, DT Cory Redding, S Tom Zbikowski, S Haruki Nakamura, LB Jarret Johnson, CB Domonique Foxworth, CB Chris Carr, RB Ricky Williams, WR Lee Evans Key Draft Picks: DE Courtney Upshaw (2), G Kelechi Osemele (2), RB Bernard Pierce (3), G Gino Gradkowski (4), S Christian Thompson (4)

Joe Flacco

Wk 1 - Cincinnati Sept. 10 (ESPN) (Mon.) Wk 2 - at Philadelphia Sept. 16 (CBS) Wk 3 - New England Sept. 23 (NBC) Wk 4 - Cleveland Sept. 27 (NFLN) (Thurs.) Wk 5 - at Kansas City Oct. 7 (CBS) Wk 6 - Dallas Oct. 14 (Fox) Wk 7 - at Houston Oct. 21 (CBS) Wk 8 - Bye Wk 9 - at Cleveland Nov. 4 (CBS)

Season preview: The Ravens return most of their starters, save for a few key players. While the passing game led by Joe Flacco and the running game led by Ray Rice are solid, the offensive line has holes, starting with the one left by the departed Grubbs. His replacement likely will come from an unproven field including Jah Reid, Williams and Osmele. Left tackle could also be an issue with Bryant McKinnie struggling with his weight and penalties. On defense, the biggest problem is age. LBs Reggie Lewis and Ed Reed are 37 and 34, so a decline in performance could come swiftly. And LB Terrell Suggs will likely miss the season with a torn Achilles. Considering this team’s advancing age and tough schedule, 10 wins may be a stretch. Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: “Can that defense hold up and make another run?” Wk 10 - Oakland Nov. 11 (CBS) Wk 11 - at Pittsburgh Nov. 18 (NBC) Wk 12 - at San Diego Nov. 25 (CBS) Wk 13 - Pittsburgh Dec. 2 (CBS) Wk 14 - at Washington Dec. 9 (CBS) Wk 15 - Denver Dec. 16 (CBS) Wk 16 - N.Y. Giants Dec. 23 (Fox) Wk 17 - at Cincinnati Dec. 30 (CBS) *Check local listings; subject to change.

2 x FULL ad “2012 NFL Sponsor” 2011 Record: 12-4, second place, AFC North; 0-1 in postseason, lost to Broncos in wildcard game Head Coach: Mike Tomlin, sixth season Additions: TE Leonard Pope, LB Brandon Johnson Departures: WR Hines Ward, LB James Farrior, DE Aaron Smith, WR Arnaz Battle, G Chris Kemoeatu, CB Bryant McFadden, CB William Gay, OT Jamon Meredith, DT Chris Hoke, QB Dennis Dixon, RB Mewelde Moore, OT Max Starks Key Draft Picks: G David DeCastro (1), OT Mike Adams (2), LB Sean Spence (3), DT Alameda Ta’amu (4)

Ben Roethlisberger

Wk 1 - at Denver Sept. 9 (NBC) Wk 2 - N.Y. Jets Sept. 16 (CBS) Wk 3 - at Oakland Sept. 23 (CBS) Wk 4 - Bye Wk 5 - Philadelphia Oct. 7 (Fox) Wk 6 - at Tennessee Oct. 11 (NFLN) (Thurs.) Wk 7 - at Cincinnati Oct. 21 (NBC) Wk 8 - Washington Oct. 28 (Fox) Wk 9 - at N.Y. Giants Nov. 4 (CBS)

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Season preview: The Steelers addressed their aging offensive line and drafted DeCastro and Adams in the first two rounds. That should help QB Ben Roethlisberger, who was sacked 40 times in 2011, stay on the field. The team also plugged holes on defense with Spence and Ta’amu, and on special teams with fifth-rounder Chris Rainey. But with Todd Haley’s new offensive scheme, the team will need to find a reliable runner (Isaac Redman?) in the wake of Rashard Mendenhall’s ACL injury. Still, an improved defense and a world-class passing game mean the Steelers should expect a playoff berth in 2012. Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: “Will Ben buy into the fact that he has to stay healthy? … Can Ben, in his own mind, get rid of the football? Because he’s taking way too many hits.” Wk 10 - Kansas City Nov. 12 (ESPN) (Mon.) Wk 11 - Baltimore Nov. 18 (NBC) Wk 12 - at Cleveland Nov. 25 (CBS) Wk 13 - at Baltimore Dec. 2 (CBS) Wk 14 - San Diego Dec. 9 (CBS) Wk 15 - at Dallas Dec. 16 (CBS) Wk 16 - Cincinnati Dec. 23 (CBS) Wk 17 - Cleveland Dec. 30 (CBS) *Check local listings; subject to change.

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August 30th, 2012 - September 5th, 2012

NFL PREVIEW 01

2011 Record: 9-7, third place, AFC North; 0-1 in postseason, lost to Texans in wildcard game Head Coach: Marvin Lewis, 10th season Additions: RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB Aaron Brown, CB Terence Newman, DT Jamaal Anderson, CB Jason Allen, OT Reggie Stephens, G Travelle Wharton, DE Derrick Harvey, DT Vaughn Meatoga, G Matt Murphy, G Chris Riley Departures: RB Cedric Benson, WR Jerome Simpson, WR Andre Caldwell, G Bobbie Williams, G Nate Livings, DE/ DT Jonathan Fanene, DE Frostee Rucker, LB Keith Rivers, LB Brandon Johnson Key Draft Picks: CB Dre Kirkpatrick (1), G Kevin Zeitler (1), DT Devin Still (2), WR Mohamed Sanu (3), DT Brandon Thompson (3), TE Orson Charles (4) Wk 1 - at Baltimore Sept. 10 (ESPN) (Mon.) Wk 2 - Cleveland Sept. 16 (CBS) Wk 3 - at Washington Sept. 23 (CBS) Wk 4 - at Jacksonville Sept. 30 (CBS) Wk 5 - Miami Oct. 7 (CBS) Wk 6 - at Cleveland Oct. 14 (CBS) Wk 7 - Pittsburgh Oct. 21 (NBC) Wk 8 - Bye Wk 9 - Denver Nov. 4 (CBS)

Season preview: QB Andy Dalton will try to provide an encore to his impressive rookie season without two key weapons, No. 1 back Benson and No. 2 receiver Simpson, but second-year man A.J. Green returns as his favorite target. Green-Ellis will struggle to replace Benson, while Simpson will be replaced by committee. Wharton represents an upgrade over Livings on the solid O-line. On defense, the Bengals return a top-flight pass rush and linebacker corps, but CB Leon Hall’s torn Achilles means top pick Kirkpatrick will start. Cincinnati certainly has talent, but Dalton’s lateseason decline and a much tougher schedule in 2012 could make a 9-7 record a tall order. Andy Dalton Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: “How do they deal with success?” Wk 10 - N.Y. Giants Nov. 11 (Fox) Wk 11 - at Kansas City Nov. 18 (CBS) Wk 12 - Oakland Nov. 25 (CBS) Wk 13 - at San Diego Dec. 2 (CBS) Wk 14 - Dallas Dec. 9 (Fox) Wk 15 - at Philadelphia Dec. 13 (NFLN) (Thurs.) Wk 16 - at Pittsburgh Dec. 23 (CBS) Wk 17 - Baltimore Dec. 30 (CBS) *Check local listings; subject to change.

the great khali continued...

2011 Record: 4-12, last place, AFC North Head Coach: Pat Shurmur, second season Additions: DE Frostee Rucker, DE Juqua Thomas-Parker Departures: RB Peyton Hillis, OT Tony Pashos, G Eric Steinbach, DE Jayme Mitchell, S Mike Adams Key Draft Picks: RB Trent Richardson (1), QB Brandon Weeden (1), OT Mitchell Schwartz (2), DT John Hughes (3), WR Travis Benjamin (4), LB James-Michael Johnson (4) Season preview: What do you get for the team that needs everything? If you’re the Cleveland Browns, it starts with the running back.

Colt McCoy

Wk 1 - Philadelphia Sept. 9 (Fox) Wk 2 - at Cincinnati Sept. 16 (CBS) Wk 3 - Buffalo Sept. 23 (CBS) Wk 4 - at Baltimore Sept. 27 (NFLN) (Thurs.) Wk 5 - at N.Y. Giants Oct. 7 (CBS) Wk 6 - Cincinnati Oct. 14 (CBS) Wk 7 - at Indianapolis Oct. 21 (CBS) Wk 8 - San Diego Oct. 28 (CBS) Wk 9 - Baltimore Nov. 4 (CBS)

Richardson will become the workhorse on this offense – in fact, he will probably BE the offense – mainly because it has little else. The team drafted a 28-yearold quarterback (Weeden) to hopefully supplant a weak-armed incumbent (Colt McCoy), who will be throwing to a receiver corps with no true No. 1, and be protected by an offensive line with holes. No issues there. On defense, things are slightly better. The pass defense, in fact, ranked second in the league last year, but the run defense ranked 30th and the pass rush produced only 24 sacks. And it doesn’t figure to improve this year. Look for this mistake on the lake to continue. Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: “They’ve got to be more competitive in their division; they were 0-6 (in 2011).”

Wk 10 - Bye Wk 11 - at Dallas Nov. 18 (CBS) Wk 12 - Pittsburgh Nov. 25 (CBS) Wk 13 - at Oakland Dec. 2 (CBS) Wk 14 - Kansas City Dec. 9 (CBS) Wk 15 - Washington Dec. 16 (Fox) Wk 16 - at Denver Dec. 23 (CBS) Wk 17 - at Pittsburgh Dec. 30 (CBS) *Check local listings; subject to change.

Royal Rumble Winners:

Jim Duggan (1988), Big John Stud (’89), Hulk Hogan (’90, ’91), Rick Flair (’92), Yokozuna (’93), Brett Hart/Lex Lugar (’94), Shawn Michaels (’95, ’96), Steve Austin (’97, ’98), Mr. McMahon (’99), The Rock (2000), Steve Austin (’01), Triple H (’02), Brock Lesnar (’03), Chris Benoit (’04), Batista (’05), Rey Mysterio (’06), The Undertaker (’07), John Cena (’08), Randy Orton (’09), Edge (’10), Alberto Del Rio (’11), Sheamus (’12)

Who do you want to win the 2013 Royal Rumble Match? Tweet us your pick @AZWeeklyMag and @mrjoewalker TheRoyalRumbleCountdown 5” ad

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August 30th, 2012 - September 5th, 2012 AZWeeklyMagazine.com

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WORDS FROM THE WISE!

“I feel like I’m the best, but you’re not going to get me to say that.” Jerry Rice

“Do you know what my favorite part of the game is? The opportunity to play.” Mike Singletary

Pro football is like nuclear warfare. There are no winners, only survivors.” Frank Gifford

“What’s the toughest thing in a professional football game? It’s being the mother of the quarterback -- toughest thing.” John Madden

“We can’t run. We can’t pass. We can’t stop the run. We can’t stop the pass. We can’t kick. Other than that, we’re just not a very good football team right now.” Bruce Coslet

“Football is like life, it requires perseverance, selfdenial, hard work sacrifice, dedication and respect for authority.”

“When you win, nothing hurts.”

Vince Lombardi

Joe Namath

“Football isn’t a contact sport, it’s a collision sport. Dancing is a contact sport.” Duffy Daugherty

sports pick

Thursday College Football

4 p.m. on A ESPN; 12 a.m. on A ESPN College football season kicks off with a Thursday night SEC matchup in Nashville, Tenn., between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Vanderbilt Commodores. South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier lost some key performers from last year’s 11-2 team that trounced Nebraska in the Capital One Bowl, but has even higher expectations for his team in 2012.

Friday College Football

Saturday College Football

5 p.m. on / KNXV A battle of nationally ranked powers goes down tonight in Arlington, Texas, where Alabama opens defense of its 2011 national title against Michigan. The Crimson Tide, ranked No. 2 in preseason, lost significant talent to the NFL in the draft but should have more depth on offense, including junior quarterback A.J. McCarron.

Sunday NASCAR Racing

5 p.m. on A ESPN; 12 a.m. on A ESPN College football’s kickoff weekend continues with the Boise State Broncos visiting East Lansing and the Michigan State Spartans. Big challenges face the Broncos (12-1 last year), who have to replace four-year starting quarterback Kellen Moore as well as everyone on its excellent defensive line

4:30 p.m. on A ESPN Labor Day weekend is usually a time for barbecues, but tonight at Atlanta Motor Speedway, a different sort of heat will be generated in the AdvoCare 500. With the Chase for the Sprint Cup only two weeks away, drivers such as Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Carl Edwards will look to solidify their spots for the 10-race playoff. At last year’s race, Jeff Gordon took possession of third place on the all-time Cup winners list with his 85th career victory.

AZ WeeklyMagazine.com

August 30th, 2012 - September 5th, 2012

2012 NFL PREVIEW

2011 Record: 10-6, first place, AFC South Head Coach: Gary Kubiak, seventh season Additions: QB John Beck, RB Justin Forsett, LB Bradie James, CB Alan Ball, P Donnie Jones Departures: DE Mario Williams, OT Eric Winston, CB Jason Allen, TE Joel Dreessen, RB Lawrence Vickers, G Mike Brisiel, LB DeMeco Ryans, QB Matt Leinart, WR Jacoby Jones, G Kasey Studdard, K Neil Rackers Key Draft Picks: DE Whitney Mercilus (1), WR Devier Posey (3), G Brandon Brooks (3), C Ben Jones (4), WR Keshawn Martin

Matt Schaub

Wk 1 - Miami Sept. 9 (CBS) Wk 2 - at Jacksonville Sept. 16 (CBS) Wk 3 - at Denver Sept. 23 (CBS) Wk 4 - Tennessee Sept. 30 (CBS) Wk 5 - at N.Y. Jets Oct. 8 (ESPN) (Mon.) Wk 6 - Green Bay Oct. 14 (NBC) Wk 7 - Baltimore Oct. 21 (CBS) Wk 8 - Bye Wk 9 - Buffalo Nov. 4 (CBS)

2011 Record: 9-7, second place, AFC South Head Coach: Mike Munchak, second season Additions: LB Kamerion Wimbley, G Steve Hutchinson, DT Leger Douzable, RB Collin Mooney Departures: CB Cortland Finnegan, DE Jason Jones, SS Chris Hope, TE Daniel Graham, G Jake Scott, DE William Hayes Key Draft Picks: WR Kendall Wright (1), LB Zach Brown (2), DT Mike Martin (3), CB Coty Sensabaugh (4) Season preview: The Titans come into the season with optimism borne

Chris Johnson

Wk 1 - New England Sept. 9 (CBS) Wk 2 - at San Diego Sept. 16 (CBS) Wk 3 - Detroit Sept. 23 (Fox) Wk 4 - at Houston Sept. 30 (CBS) Wk 5 - at Minnesota Oct. 7 (CBS) Wk 6 - Pittsburgh Oct. 11 (NFLN) (Thurs.) Wk 7 - at Buffalo Oct. 21 (CBS) Wk 8 - Indianapolis Oct. 28 (CBS) Wk 9 - Chicago Nov. 4 (Fox)

August 30th, 2012 - September 5th, 2012 AZWeeklyMagazine.com

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Season preview: The Texans managed to win the AFC South despite injuries to key players, including QB Matt Schaub, WR Andre Johnson and DE Williams. Now, with a return to health (but still no Williams, who’s now in Buffalo) and no real competition in the division, the sky’s the limit. Schaub is one of the game’s top signal callers and the tandem of RBs Arian Foster and Ben Tate ranks with the best in the league, though the receiver corps after Johnson and TE Owen Daniels is thin. The offensive line remains solid despite losing Winston and Brisiel. On defense, the front seven is top-flight but the secondary is shaky. Still, this is a team built to win and if health holds up in Houston, there will be no problem making a Super Bowl run. Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: “If their main three guys can stay healthy, it’ll be interesting when they get to the playoffs, can they win some games?” Wk 10 - at Chicago Nov. 11 (NBC) Wk 11 - Jacksonville Nov. 18 (CBS) Wk 12 - at Detroit Nov. 22 (CBS) (Thurs.) Wk 13 - at Tennessee Dec. 2 (CBS) Wk 14 - at New England Dec. 10 (ESPN) (Mon.) Wk 15 - Indianapolis Dec. 16 (CBS) Wk 16 - Minnesota Dec. 23 (Fox) Wk 17 - at Indianapolis Dec. 30 (CBS) *Check local listings; subject to change.

by a well-conditioned RB Chris Johnson and the encouraging play of their two starting quarterbacks from last year, Matt Hasselbeck and Jake Locker. Whoever starts will have talented targets to throw to in Nate Washington, Kenny Britt (whose ongoing knee woes may push back his 2012 debut), top pick Wright and TE Jared Cook. On defense, the Titans signed Wimbley to bolster a pass rush that registered only 28 sacks last year. That may prove to be key, as Tennessee lost one of its top cornerbacks in Finnegan. The Titans have a very solid team, but also a difficult early season schedule. Another nine-win season seems likely. Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: “(Chris Johnson) is the key. … Every time he got the ball (last year), he thought that he had to run for 25 yards. Just hit the hole. Sometimes you’re only going to run for three.” Wk 10 - at Miami Nov. 11 (CBS) Wk 11 - Bye Wk 12 - at Jacksonville Nov. 25 (CBS) Wk 13 - Houston Dec. 2 (CBS) Wk 14 - at Indianapolis Dec. 9 (CBS) Wk 15 - N.Y. Jets Dec. 17 (ESPN) (Mon.) Wk 16 - at Green Bay Dec. 23 (CBS) Wk 17 - Jacksonville Dec. 30 (CBS) *Check local listings; subject to change.

AZWeeklyMagazine.com

August 30th, 2012 - September 5th, 2012

2012 NFL PREVIEW

Kansas City at Buffalo (CBS, 11 a.m.) Cleveland at Cincinnati (CBS, 11 a.m.) Dallas at Seattle (Fox, 2:05 p.m.) Washington at St. Louis (Fox, 2:05 p.m.) N.Y. Jets at Pittsburgh (CBS, 2:25 p.m.) Tennessee at San Diego (CBS, 2:25 p.m.) Detroit at San Francisco (NBC, 6:20 p.m.)

Monday, SepteMber 17 DeSean Jackson

Denver at Atlanta (ESPN, 6:30 p.m.)

Week 3 tHUrSday, SepteMber 20 N.Y. Giants at Carolina (NFLN, 6:20 p.m.)

SUnday, SepteMber 23

Week 1 WedneSday, SepteMber 5 Dallas at N.Y. Giants (NBC, 6:30 p.m.)

SUnday, SepteMber 9 Philadelphia at Cleveland (Fox, 11 a.m.) Washington at New Orleans (Fox, 11 a.m.) Indianapolis at Chicago (CBS, 11 a.m.) Miami at Houston (CBS, 11 a.m.) New England at Tennessee (CBS, 11 a.m.) Buffalo at N.Y. Jets (CBS, 11 a.m.) St. Louis at Detroit (Fox, 11 a.m.) Atlanta at Kansas City (Fox, 11 a.m.) Jacksonville at Minnesota (CBS, 11 a.m.) Carolina at Tampa Bay (Fox, 2:25 p.m.) Seattle at Arizona (Fox, 2:25 p.m.) San Francisco at Green Bay (Fox, 2:25 p.m.) Pittsburgh at Denver (NBC, 6:20 p.m.)

Kansas City at New Orleans (CBS, 11 a.m.) N.Y. Jets at Miami (CBS, 11 a.m.) Cincinnati at Washington (CBS, 11 a.m.) Buffalo at Cleveland (CBS, 11 a.m.) Detroit at Tennessee (Fox, 11 a.m.) Jacksonville at Indianapolis (CBS, 11 a.m.) Tampa Bay at Dallas (Fox, 11 a.m.) San Francisco at Minnesota (Fox, 11 a.m.) St. Louis at Chicago (Fox, 11 a.m.) Atlanta at San Diego (Fox, 2:05 p.m.) Philadelphia at Arizona (Fox, 2:05 p.m.) Pittsburgh at Oakland (CBS, 2:25 p.m.) Houston at Denver (CBS, 2:25 p.m.) New England at Baltimore (NBC, 6:20 p.m.)

Monday, SepteMber 24 Green Bay at Seattle (ESPN, 6:30 p.m.)

Eli Manning

Monday, oCtober 15

Week 4

Denver at San Diego (ESPN, 6:30 p.m.)

tHUrSday, SepteMber 27

Week 7

Cleveland at Baltimore (NFLN, 6:20 p.m.)

SUnday, SepteMber 30 New England at Buffalo (CBS, 11 a.m.) San Diego at Kansas City (CBS, 11 a.m.) Tennessee at Houston (CBS, 11 a.m.) Minnesota at Detroit (Fox, 11 a.m.) Carolina at Atlanta (Fox, 11 a.m.) Seattle at St. Louis (Fox, 11 a.m.) San Francisco at N.Y. Jets (Fox, 11 a.m.) Cincinnati at Jacksonville (CBS, 2:05 p.m.) Oakland at Denver (CBS, 2:05 p.m.) Miami at Arizona (CBS, 2:05 p.m.) Washington at Tampa Bay (Fox, 2:25 p.m.) New Orleans at Green Bay (Fox, 2:25 p.m.) N.Y. Giants at Philadelphia (NBC, 6:20 p.m.)

Monday, oCtober 1

tHUrSday, oCtober 18 Seattle at San Francisco (NFLN, 6:20 p.m.)

SUnday, oCtober 21 Tennessee at Buffalo (CBS, 11 a.m.) New Orleans at Tampa Bay (Fox, 11 a.m.) Dallas at Carolina (Fox, 11 a.m.) Washington at N.Y. Giants (Fox, 11 a.m.) Cleveland at Indianapolis (CBS, 11 a.m.) Arizona at Minnesota (Fox, 11 a.m.) Green Bay at St. Louis (Fox, 11 a.m.) Baltimore at Houston (CBS, 11 a.m.) N.Y. Jets at New England (CBS, 2:25 p.m.) Jacksonville at Oakland (CBS, 2:25 p.m.) Pittsburgh at Cincinnati (NBC, 6:20 p.m.)

Monday, oCtober 22

Chicago at Dallas (ESPN, 6:30 p.m.)

Detroit at Chicago (ESPN, 6:30 p.m.)

Week 5

Week 8

tHUrSday, oCtober 4 Arizona at St. Louis (NFLN, 6:20 p.m.)

tHUrSday, oCtober 25

SUnday, oCtober 7

Tampa Bay at Minnesota (NFLN, 6:20 p.m.)

Green Bay at Indianapolis (Fox, 11 a.m.) Atlanta at Washington (Fox, 11 a.m.) Tennessee at Minnesota (CBS, 11 a.m.) Philadelphia at Pittsburgh (Fox, 11 a.m.) Baltimore at Kansas City (CBS, 11 a.m.) Miami at Cincinnati (CBS, 11 a.m.) Cleveland at N.Y. Giants (CBS, 11 a.m.) Chicago at Jacksonville (Fox, 2:05 p.m.) Seattle at Carolina (Fox, 2:05 p.m.) Denver at New England (CBS, 2:25 p.m.) Buffalo at San Francisco (CBS, 2:25 p.m.) San Diego at New Orleans (NBC, 6:20 p.m.)

SUnday, oCtober 28

Monday, oCtober 8

Seattle at Detroit (Fox, 11 a.m.) Jacksonville at Green Bay (CBS, 11 a.m.) Indianapolis at Tennessee (CBS, 11 a.m.) Washington at Pittsburgh (Fox, 11 a.m.) San Diego at Cleveland (CBS, 11 a.m.) Atlanta at Philadelphia (Fox, 11 a.m.) Carolina at Chicago (Fox, 11 a.m.) New England at St. Louis (CBS, 11 a.m.) Miami at N.Y. Jets (CBS, 11 a.m.) Oakland at Kansas City (CBS, 2:05 p.m.) N.Y. Giants at Dallas (Fox, 2:25 p.m.) New Orleans at Denver (NBC, 6:20 p.m.)

Houston at N.Y. Jets (ESPN, 6:30 p.m.)

Monday, oCtober 29

Week 6

San Francisco at Arizona (ESPN, 6:30 p.m.)

Monday, SepteMber 10

tHUrSday, oCtober 11

Week 9

Cincinnati at Baltimore (ESPN, 5 p.m.) San Diego at Oakland (ESPN, 8:15 p.m.)

Pittsburgh at Tennessee (NFLN, 6:20 p.m.)

tHUrSday, noVeMber 1

SUnday, oCtober 14

Kansas City at San Diego (NFLN, 6:20 p.m.)

Week 2

Indianapolis at N.Y. Jets (CBS, 11 a.m.) Detroit at Philadelphia (Fox, 11 a.m.) St. Louis at Miami (Fox, 11 a.m.) Oakland at Atlanta (CBS, 11 a.m.) Kansas City at Tampa Bay (CBS, 11 a.m.) Dallas at Baltimore (Fox, 11 a.m.) Cincinnati at Cleveland (CBS, 11 a.m.) New England at Seattle (CBS, 2:05 p.m.) Buffalo at Arizona (CBS, 2:05 p.m.) N.Y. Giants at San Francisco (Fox, 2:25 p.m.) Minnesota at Washington (Fox, 2:25 p.m.) Green Bay at Houston (NBC, 6:20 p.m.)

SUnday, noVeMber 4

tHUrSday, SepteMber 13 Chicago at Green Bay (NFLN, 6:20 p.m.)

SUnday, SepteMber 16 Houston at Jacksonville (CBS, 11 a.m.) New Orleans at Carolina (Fox, 11 a.m.) Minnesota at Indianapolis (Fox, 11 a.m.) Tampa Bay at N.Y. Giants (Fox, 11 a.m.) Arizona at New England (Fox, 11 a.m.) Baltimore at Philadelphia (CBS, 11 a.m.) Oakland at Miami (CBS, 11 a.m.)

Denver at Cincinnati (CBS, 11 a.m.) Chicago at Tennessee (Fox, 11 a.m.) Arizona at Green Bay (Fox, 11 a.m.) Buffalo at Houston (CBS, 11 a.m.) Miami at Indianapolis (CBS, 11 a.m.) Baltimore at Cleveland (CBS, 11 a.m.) Detroit at Jacksonville (Fox, 11 a.m.) Carolina at Washington (Fox, 11 a.m.) Minnesota at Seattle (Fox, 2:05 p.m.) Tampa Bay at Oakland (Fox, 2:05 p.m.) Pittsburgh at N.Y. Giants (CBS, 2:25 p.m.)

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August 30th, 2012 - September 5th, 2012 AZWeeklyMagazine.com

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Monday, noVeMber 5 Philadelphia at New Orleans (ESPN, 6:30 p.m.)

Week 10 tHUrSday, noVeMber 8

Tennessee at Jacksonville (CBS, 11 a.m.) Baltimore at San Diego (CBS, 2:05 p.m.) St. Louis at Arizona (Fox, 2:25 p.m.) San Francisco at New Orleans (Fox, 2:25 p.m.) Green Bay at N.Y. Giants (NBC, 6:20 p.m.)

Detroit at Green Bay (NBC, 6:20 p.m.)

Monday, noVeMber 26

tHUrSday, deCeMber 13

Indianapolis at Jacksonville (NFLN, 6:20 p.m.)

Carolina at Philadelphia (ESPN, 6:30 p.m.)

SUnday, noVeMber 11

Week 13

Tennessee at Miami (CBS, 11 a.m.) Denver at Carolina (CBS, 11 a.m.) Oakland at Baltimore (CBS, 11 a.m.) N.Y. Giants at Cincinnati (Fox, 11 a.m.) San Diego at Tampa Bay (CBS, 11 a.m.) Detroit at Minnesota (Fox, 11 a.m.) Atlanta at New Orleans (Fox, 11 a.m.) Buffalo at New England (CBS, 11 a.m.) N.Y. Jets at Seattle (CBS, 2:05 p.m.) Dallas at Philadelphia (Fox, 2:25 p.m.) St. Louis at San Francisco (Fox, 2:25 p.m.) Houston at Chicago (NBC, 6:20 p.m.)

Monday, noVeMber 12 Kansas City at Pittsburgh (ESPN, 6:30 p.m.)

Week 11 tHUrSday, noVeMber 15 Miami at Buffalo (NFLN, 6:20 p.m.)

SUnday, noVeMber 18 N.Y. Jets at St. Louis (CBS, 11 a.m.) Cincinnati at Kansas City (CBS, 11 a.m.) Green Bay at Detroit (Fox, 11 a.m.) Cleveland at Dallas (CBS, 11 a.m.) Arizona at Atlanta (Fox, 11 a.m.) Indianapolis at New England (CBS, 11 a.m.) Philadelphia at Washington (Fox, 11 a.m.) Jacksonville at Houston (CBS, 11 a.m.) Tampa Bay at Carolina (Fox, 11 a.m.) New Orleans at Oakland (Fox, 2:05 p.m.) San Diego at Denver (CBS, 2:25 p.m.) Baltimore at Pittsburgh (NBC, 6:20 p.m.)

Monday, noVeMber 19 Chicago at San Francisco (ESPN, 6:30 p.m.)

Week 12 tHUrSday, noVeMber 22 Houston at Detroit (CBS, 10:30 a.m.) Washington at Dallas (Fox, 2:25 p.m.) New England at N.Y. Jets (NBC, 6:20 p.m.)

SUnday, noVeMber 25 Buffalo at Indianapolis (CBS, 11 a.m.) Pittsburgh at Cleveland (CBS, 11 a.m.) Atlanta at Tampa Bay (Fox, 11 a.m.) Minnesota at Chicago (Fox, 11 a.m.) Denver at Kansas City (CBS, 11 a.m.) Oakland at Cincinnati (CBS, 11 a.m.) Seattle at Miami (Fox, 11 a.m.)

Houston at New England (ESPN, 6:30 p.m.)

Week 15 Cincinnati at Philadelphia (NFLN, 6:20 p.m.)

New Orleans at Atlanta (NFLN, 6:20 p.m.)

SUnday, deCeMber 2 San Francisco at St. Louis (Fox, 11 a.m.) Seattle at Chicago (Fox, 11 a.m.) Arizona at N.Y. Jets (Fox, 11 a.m.) Jacksonville at Buffalo (CBS, 11 a.m.) Indianapolis at Detroit (CBS, 11 a.m.) Carolina at Kansas City (Fox, 11 a.m.) Minnesota at Green Bay (Fox, 11 a.m.) Houston at Tennessee (CBS, 11 a.m.) New England at Miami (CBS, 11 a.m.) Tampa Bay at Denver (Fox, 2:05 p.m.) Cincinnati at San Diego (CBS, 2:25 p.m.) Cleveland at Oakland (CBS, 2:25 p.m.) Pittsburgh at Baltimore (CBS, 2:25 p.m.) Philadelphia at Dallas (NBC, 6:20 p.m.)

Monday, deCeMber 3 N.Y. Giants at Washington (NBC, 6:30 p.m.)

Week 14

Green Bay at Chicago (Fox, 11 a.m.) Minnesota at St. Louis (Fox, 11 a.m.) Tampa Bay at New Orleans (Fox, 11 a.m.) Jacksonville at Miami (CBS, 11 a.m.) N.Y. Giants at Atlanta (Fox, 11 a.m.) Washington at Cleveland (Fox, 11 a.m.) Indianapolis at Houston (CBS, 11 a.m.) Denver at Baltimore (CBS, 11 a.m.) Seattle at Buffalo (Fox, 2:05 p.m.) Carolina at San Diego (Fox, 2:05 p.m.) Detroit at Arizona (Fox, 2:05 p.m.) Pittsburgh at Dallas (CBS, 2:25 p.m.)

tHUrSday, deCeMber 5 Denver at Oakland (NFLN, 6:20 p.m.)

SUnday, deCeMber 9

Troy Polamalu

Philadelphia at Tampa Bay (Fox, 11 a.m.) Kansas City at Cleveland (CBS, 11 a.m.) San Diego at Pittsburgh (CBS, 11 a.m.) Dallas at Cincinnati (Fox, 11 a.m.) Tennessee at Indianapolis (CBS, 11 a.m.) St. Louis at Buffalo (Fox, 11 a.m.) Baltimore at Washington (CBS, 11 a.m.) Atlanta at Carolina (Fox, 11 a.m.) Chicago at Minnesota (Fox, 11 a.m.) N.Y. Jets at Jacksonville (CBS, 11 a.m.) Miami at San Francisco (CBS, 2:05 p.m.) New Orleans at N.Y. Giants (Fox, 2:25 p.m.) Arizona at Seattle (Fox, 2:25 p.m.)

N.Y. Jets at Tennessee (ESPN, 6:30 p.m.)

Week 16 SatUrday, deCeMber 22 Atlanta at Detroit (ESPN, 6:30 p.m.)

SUnday, deCeMber 23 Minnesota at Houston (Fox, 11 a.m.) Cincinnati at Pittsburgh (CBS, 11 a.m.) New England at Jacksonville (CBS, 11 a.m.) Buffalo at Miami (CBS, 11 a.m.) New Orleans at Dallas (Fox, 11 a.m.) Tennessee at Green Bay

(CBS, 11 a.m.) St. Louis at Tampa Bay (Fox, 11 a.m.) Oakland at Carolina (CBS, 11 a.m.) Indianapolis at Kansas City (CBS, 11 a.m.) Washington at Philadelphia (Fox, 11 a.m.) N.Y. Giants at Baltimore (Fox, 11 a.m.) Cleveland at Denver (CBS, 2:05 p.m.) Chicago at Arizona (Fox, 2:25 p.m.) San Francisco at Seattle (Fox, 2:25 p.m.) San Diego at N.Y. Jets (NBC, 6:20 p.m.)

Week 17 SUnday, deCeMber 30 Dallas at Washington (Fox, 11 a.m.) Philadelphia at N.Y. Giants (Fox, 11 a.m.) Tampa Bay at Atlanta (Fox, 11 a.m.) Jacksonville at Tennessee (CBS, 11 a.m.) Chicago at Detroit (Fox, 11 a.m.) Carolina at New Orleans (Fox, 11 a.m.) Green Bay at Minnesota (Fox, 11 a.m.) Cleveland at Pittsburgh (CBS, 11 a.m.) Houston at Indianapolis (CBS, 11 a.m.) Miami at New England (CBS, 11 a.m.) N.Y. Jets at Buffalo (CBS, 11 a.m.) Baltimore at Cincinnati (CBS, 11 a.m.) St. Louis at Seattle (Fox, 2:25 p.m.) Arizona at San Francisco (Fox, 2:25 p.m.) Kansas City at Denver (CBS, 2:25 p.m.) Oakland at San Diego (CBS, 2:25 p.m.)

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August 30th, 2012 - September 5th, 2012

Page 11

All times Mountain; subject to change

Monday, deCeMber 17

Wes Welker

SUnday, deCeMber 16

tHUrSday, noVeMber 29

U-CALL-IT’S:

Kansas City at Oakland (CBS, 2:25 p.m.) San Francisco at New England (NBC, 6:20 p.m.)

Monday, deCeMber 10

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Dallas at Atlanta (NBC, 6:20 p.m.)

2011 Record: 5-11, third place, AFC South Head Coach: Mike Mularkey, first season Additions: QB Chad Henne, CB Aaron Ross, WR Laurent Robinson, WR Lee Evans Departures: DE Matt Roth, WR Kassim Osgood, DE Aaron Kampman, DT Leger Douzable, CB Drew Coleman Key Draft Picks: WR Justin Blackmon (1), DE Andre Branch (2), P Bryan Anger (3) Season preview: A 5-11 record last year sent the Jaguars out to address several needs, most glaring among them being

the receiver corps, which was among the league’s worst. Toward that end, the team took the best receiver in the draft in Blackmon and signed Robinson away from Dallas, hoping that will give second-year QB Blaine Gabbert a pair of legitimate targets. Whether that plays out is a major question. Branch answers a need at defensive end, while Anger has the makings of a very solid NFL punter. The team has one of the best linebacker units in the league and Maurice Jones-Drew is an elite runner. The Jags could surprise a few people in 2012, depending on Gabbert’s play, so an 8-8 record isn’t an unrealistic expectation.

Maurice JonesDrew

Wk 1 - at Minnesota Sept. 9 (CBS) Wk 2 - Houston Sept. 16 (CBS) Wk 3 - at Indianapolis Sept. 23 (CBS) Wk 4 - Cincinnati Sept. 30 (CBS) Wk 5 - Chicago Oct. 7 (Fox) Wk 6 - Bye Wk 7 - at Oakland Oct. 21 (CBS) Wk 8 - at Green Bay Oct. 28 (CBS) Wk 9 - Detroit Nov. 4 (Fox)

Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: “(The key is) Blaine Gabbert. They got some weapons for the guy. Can he play quarterback?”

Wk 10 - Indianapolis Nov. 8 (NFLN) (Thurs.) Wk 11 - at Houston Nov. 18 (CBS) Wk 12 - Tennessee Nov. 25 (CBS) Wk 13 - at Buffalo Dec. 2 (CBS) Wk 14 - N.Y. Jets Dec. 9 (CBS) Wk 15 - at Miami Dec. 16 (CBS) Wk 16 - New England Dec. 23 (CBS) Wk 17 - at Tennessee Dec. 30 (CBS) *Check local listings; subject to change.

2011 Record: 2-14, last place, AFC South Addai, Saturday, Garcon and Clark heading a long list of veteran defections. Head Coach: Chuck Pagano, first season Of course, they also drafted the best Additions: DE Cory Redding, DT quarterback prospect since Manning in Brandon McKinney, S Tom Zbikowski, QB Luck, who will start immediately. He’ll Drew Stanton, RB Mewelde Moore, WR have a familiar target to throw to in fellow Donnie Avery, C Samson Satele Stanford alumnus Fleener and a veteran Departures: QB Peyton Manning, QB Dan presence in re-signed Reggie Wayne. The running game was among the league’s Orlovsky, RB Joseph Addai, WR Pierre worst with Addai and will likely still be, Garcon, TE Dallas Clark, G Ryan Diem, with Donald Brown, Delone Carter and C Jeff Saturday, C/G Mike Pollak, DE Tyler Brayton, DE Jamaal rookie Vick Ballard the likely options. Anderson, DT Eric Foster On defense, Pagano employs the 3-4 scheme he used in Baltimore, but Key Draft Picks: QB the talent level is still low. With Andrew Luck (1), TE Coby a plan now in place, the Colts Fleener (2), TE Dwayne should improve by several games. Allen (3), WR Ty Hilton (3) Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: Season preview: One “It’s the mental part of it. When word – rebuilding. The Colts you get beat up, how do you deal experienced probably the Donald with all of that? (Luck) will be able biggest talent drain in recent Brown memory, with Manning, to deal with it. He’s mentally that way.” Wk 1 - at Chicago Sept. 9 (CBS) Wk 2 - Minnesota Sept. 16 (Fox) Wk 3 - Jacksonville Sept. 23 (CBS) Wk 4 - Bye Wk 5 - Green Bay Oct. 7 (Fox) Wk 6 - at N.Y. Jets Oct. 14 (CBS) Wk 7 - Cleveland Oct. 21 (CBS) Wk 8 - at Tennessee Oct. 28 (CBS) Wk 9 - Miami Nov. 4 (CBS)

Wk 10 - at Jacksonville Nov. 8 (NFLN) (Thurs.) Wk 11 - at New England Nov. 18 (CBS) Wk 12 - Buffalo Nov. 25 (CBS) Wk 13 - at Detroit Dec. 2 (CBS) Wk 14 - Tennessee Dec. 9 (CBS) Wk 15 - at Houston Dec. 16 (CBS) Wk 16 - at Kansas City Dec. 23 (CBS) Wk 17 - Houston Dec. 30 (CBS) *Check local listings; subject to change.

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AZWeeklyMagazine.com

August 30th, 2012 - September 5th, 2012

2012 NFL PREVIEW

2011 Record: 8-8, first place, AFC West; 1-1 in postseason, lost to Patriots in divisional playoff Head Coach: John Fox, first season Additions: QB Peyton Manning, CB Tracy Porter, S Mike Adams, TE Joel Dreessen, TE Jacob Tamme, WR Brandon Stokley, QB Caleb Hanie, WR Andre Caldwell Departures: QB Tim Tebow, QB Brady Quinn, RB Spencer Larsen, WR Eddie Royal, DE Derrick Photo Harvey, DT by Eric Bakke Brodrick Bunkley, DT Marcus Thomas Key Draft Picks: DT Derek Wolfe (2), QB Brock Osweiler (2), RB Ronnie Hillman (3), CB Omar Bolden (4), C Philip Blake (4)

Season preview: The Broncos went 88 last year and advanced to the second round mainly because of a ferocious defense and a running game that was the best in the league. Now Manning replaces Tebow at quarterback, so look for the 31stranked passing game to get better in a hurry, while the beastly Wolfe should make an immediate impact on the defensive line. Osweiler will learn the ropes under one of the game’s greats. Adams brings a veteran presence to an inexperienced secondary, but how much he helps remains to be seen. The Broncos have perhaps the NFL’s toughest schedule, but with Manning in tow, an 11-5 record and AFC West title is possible.

Peyton Manning

Wk 1 - Pittsburgh Sept. 9 (NBC) Wk 2 - at Atlanta Sept. 17 (ESPN) (Mon.) Wk 3 - Houston Sept. 23 (CBS) Wk 4 - Oakland Sept. 30 (CBS) Wk 5 - at New England Oct. 7 (CBS) Wk 6 - at San Diego Oct. 15 (ESPN) (Mon.) Wk 7 - Bye Wk 8 - New Orleans Oct. 28 (NBC) Wk 9 - at Cincinnati Nov. 4 (CBS)

Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: “Peyton Manning is the guy. He’s going to protect you; he’s going to eat up the clock for you; he’s going to control the tempo of the game.”

Wk 10 - at Carolina Nov. 11 (CBS) Wk 11 - San Diego Nov. 18 (CBS) Wk 12 - at Kansas City Nov. 25 (CBS) Wk 13 - Tampa Bay Dec. 2 (Fox) Wk 14 - at Oakland Dec. 6 (NFLN) (Thurs.) Wk 15 - at Baltimore Dec. 16 (CBS) Wk 16 - Cleveland Dec. 23 (CBS) Wk 17 - Kansas City Dec. 30 (CBS) *Check local listings; subject to change.

2 x FULL ad “2012 NFL Sponsor” 2011 Record: 8-8, second place, AFC West Head Coach: Norv Turner, sixth season Additions: QB Charlie Whitehurst, RB Le’Ron McClain, LB Jarret Johnson, WR Robert Meachem, WR Eddie Royal, S Atari Bigby Departures: WR Vincent Jackson, G Kris Dielman, QB Billy Volek, RB Mike Tolbert, WR Patrick Crayton, OT Marcus McNeill Key Draft Picks: DE Melvin Ingram (1), DT Kendall Reyes (2), S Brandon Taylor (3), TE Ladarius Green (4) Season preview: Phil Rivers had what was considered Wk 1 - at Oakland Sept. 10 (ESPN) (Mon.) Wk 2 - Tennessee Sept. 16 (CBS) Wk 3 - Atlanta Sept. 23 (Fox) Wk 4 - at Kansas City Sept. 30 (CBS) Wk 5 - at New Orleans Oct. 7 (NBC) Wk 6 - Denver Oct. 15 (ESPN) (Mon.) Wk 7 - Bye Wk 8 - at Cleveland Oct. 28 (CBS) Wk 9 - Kansas City Nov. 1 (NFLN) (Thurs.)

an off year last year despite throwing for 4,600 yards. But he was also beaten up and threw a career-high 20 interceptions, thanks to a right side of the line that didn’t offer much protection (and hasn’t been improved this year). Jackson is gone, so the new No. 1 receiver is Malcolm Floyd, complemented by Meachem. Antonio Gates and Ryan Mathews will carry the rushing load, assuming they can stay healthy. On defense, the pass rush produced only 32 sacks last year, so the Chargers drafted Ingram and Reyes at No. 1 and 2. The run defense also was mediocre, but Johnson’s acquisition should help. A return to health by Rivers and Gates and defensive improvement could make the Chargers a factor again. Phil Rivers

Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: “Defensively, how far have they come? That’s going to be the key.”

Wk 10 - at Tampa Bay Nov. 11 (CBS) Wk 11 - at Denver Nov. 18 (CBS) Wk 12 - Baltimore Nov. 25 (CBS) Wk 13 - Cincinnati Dec. 2 (CBS) Wk 14 - at Pittsburgh Dec. 9 (CBS) Wk 15 - Carolina Dec. 16 (Fox) Wk 16 - at N.Y. Jets Dec. 23 (NBC) Wk 17 - Oakland Dec. 30 (CBS) *Check local listings; subject to change.

August 30th, 2012 - September 5th, 2012 AZWeeklyMagazine.com

Page

NFL PREVIEW 01

Head Coach: Dennis Allen, first season Additions: QB Matt Leinart, G Ed Wang, DE Dave Tollefson, LB Philip Wheeler, CB Patrick Lee, CB Shawntae Spencer, RB Mike Goodson Departures: OT Bruce Campbell, QB Jason Campbell, RB Michael Bush, WR Chaz Schilens, TE Kevin Boss, OT Stephon Heyer, C Samson Satele, DE/LB Kamerion Wimbley, DE Trevor Scott, DE Jarvis Moss, DE Quentin Groves, DT John Henderson, ILB Darryl Blackstock, CB Stanford Routt, CB Chris Johnson, CB Lito Sheppard Key Draft Picks: G Tony Bergstrom (3), LB Miles Burris (4) Wk 1 - San Diego Sept. 10 (ESPN) (Mon.) Wk 2 - at Miami Sept. 16 (CBS) Wk 3 - Pittsburgh Sept. 23 (CBS) Wk 4 - at Denver Sept. 30 (CBS) Wk 5 - Bye Wk 6 - at Atlanta Oct. 14 (CBS) Wk 7 - Jacksonville Oct. 21 (CBS) Wk 8 - at Kansas City Oct. 28 (CBS) Wk 9 - Tampa Bay Nov. 4 (Fox)

Season preview: The offseason saw the 8-8 Raiders do a major overhaul, starting with their coaching staff and sweeping through the defense, which was among the league’s worst in 2011. But just how much Tollefson, Wheeler, Lee and Spencer will help a unit that ranked 27th remains to be seen. The team had almost no picks in the first few rounds, but new GM Reggie McKenzie appears to have gotten value with Bergstrom and Burris. The offense, led by the at-times erratic Palmer, is among the game’s best, especially with elitelevel runner Darren McFadden. If this team’s defense can rise from the level of atrocious to average, an 11-12 win season isn’t out of the question.

Darren McFadden

Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: “Defensively, this team struggles. … And they can’t stop the run. You’ve got to fix that.”

Wk 10 - at Baltimore Nov. 11 (CBS) Wk 11 - New Orleans Nov. 18 (Fox) Wk 12 - at Cincinnati Nov. 25 (CBS) Wk 13 - Cleveland Dec. 2 (CBS) Wk 14 - Denver Dec. 6 (NFLN) (Thurs.) Wk 15 - Kansas City Dec. 16 (CBS) Wk 16 - at Carolina Dec. 23 (CBS) Wk 17 - at San Diego Dec. 30 (CBS) *Check local listings; subject to change.

2011 Record: 7-9, last place, AFC West Head Coach: Romeo Crennel, first season Additions: TE Kevin Boss, CB Stanford Routt, RB Peyton Hillis, OT Eric Winston, QB Brady Quinn, S Abram Elam Departures: CB Brandon Carr, OT Barry Richardson, S Sabby Piscitelli, QB Kyle Orton, RB Jackie Battle, FB Le’Ron McClain, TE Leonard Pope Key Draft Picks: NT Dontari Poe (1), G Jeff Allen (2), OT Donald Stephenson (3), WR Devon Wylie (4) Season preview: The Chiefs are better than their 2011 7-9 record indicates, a function more of injuries to key players Wk 1 - Atlanta Sept. 9 (Fox) Wk 2 - at Buffalo Sept. 16 (CBS) Wk 3 - at New Orleans Sept. 23 (CBS) Wk 4 - San Diego Sept. 30 (CBS) Wk 5 - Baltimore Oct. 7 (CBS) Wk 6 - at Tampa Bay Oct. 14 (CBS) Wk 7 - Bye Wk 8 - Oakland Oct. 28 (CBS) Wk 9 - at San Diego Nov. 1 (NFLN) (Thurs.)

than a lack of talent. On offense, RB Jamaal Charles and TE Tony Moeaki are back from torn ACLs, and QB Matt Cassel should be recovered from hand woes. That alone should help revive an attack that ranked near the bottom of the NFL in most major categories. Cassel will also have a stellar offensive line protecting him as he throws to solid targets in Dwayne Bowe and Jonathan Baldwin. And one of the league’s top defenses gets better with the return of S Eric Berry from a torn ACL and the addition of monster NT Poe. With health, the Chiefs could make the AFC West a three-team race and even win it with an 11-5 record. Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: “Can Matt Cassel have a consistent Dwayne season? If he can, then Bowe they have a chance.”

AFC WEST

2011 Record: 8-8, third place, AFC West

Wk 10 - at Pittsburgh Nov. 12 (ESPN) (Mon.) Wk 11 - Cincinnati Nov. 18 (CBS) Wk 12 - Denver Nov. 25 (CBS) Wk 13 - Carolina Dec. 2 (Fox) Wk 14 - at Cleveland Dec. 9 (CBS) Wk 15 - at Oakland Dec. 16 (CBS) Wk 16 - Indianapolis Dec. 23 (CBS) Wk 17 - at Denver Dec. 30 (CBS) *Check local listings; subject to change.

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August 30th, 2012 - September 5th, 2012

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2012 NFL PREVIEW

2011 Record: 9-7, first place, NFC East; 4-0 in postseason, defeated Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI Head Coach: Tom Coughlin, ninth season Additions: TE Martellus Bennett, LB Keith Rivers, DT Shaun Rogers, S Stevie Brown, CB Antwaun Molden Departures: WR Mario Manningham, CB Aaron Ross, RB Brandon Jacobs, OT Kareem McKenzie Key Draft Picks: RB David Wilson (1), WR Rueben Randle (2), CB Jayron Hosley (3), TE Adrien Eli Robinson (4), OT Brandon Manning Mosley (4) Wk 1 - Dallas Sept. 5 (NBC) (Thurs.) Wk 2 - Tampa Bay Sept. 16 (Fox) Wk 3 - at Carolina Sept. 20 (NFLN) (Thurs.) Wk 4 - at Philadelphia Sept. 30 (NBC) Wk 5 - Cleveland Oct. 7 (CBS) Wk 6 - at San Francisco Oct. 14 (Fox) Wk 7 - Washington Oct. 21 (Fox) Wk 8 - at Dallas Oct. 28 (Fox) Wk 9 - Pittsburgh Nov. 4 (CBS)

Season preview: After a 9-7 record in 2011, the Giants went on an amazing run that ended with a title, proving that the team that gets hot at the right time can win it all. Eli Manning returns with elite receivers in Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz, but the running game was the league’s worst. Draftee Wilson should be an upgrade over Jacobs, but how much is questionable. Almost as problematic was the 29th-ranked pass defense, which gets help with Rivers, Brown, Molden and Hosley. The Giants are still very talented and playoffworthy, but they lost some depth. If injuries mount, there could be trouble. Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: “You can name a lot of things. But I think the things they really want to improve on – Coach Coughlin – is the running game. That kind of protects their defense and Eli.” Wk 10 - at Cincinnati Nov. 11 (Fox) Wk 11 - Bye Wk 12 - Green Bay Nov. 25 (NBC) Wk 13 - at Washington Dec. 3 (ESPN) (Mon.) Wk 14 - New Orleans Dec. 9 (Fox) Wk 15 - at Atlanta Dec. 16 (Fox) Wk 16 - at Baltimore Dec. 23 (Fox) Wk 17 - Philadelphia Dec. 30 (Fox) *Check local listings; subject to change.

Season preview: After going 8-8 and 2011 Record: 8-8, second place, NFC East missing the playoffs last year, the Eagles addressed holes on defense Head Coach: Andy Reid, 14th season with the draftings of Cox, Kendricks and Additions: OT Demetress Bell, Boykin and the acquisition of Ryans. linebacker DeMeco Ryans, It will be interesting to see if the new QB Trent Edwards, G Mike players can help shore up a porous Gibson, OT Steve Vallos, OT run defense. On offense, QB Michael Thomas Welch, LB Mychal Vick has some major playmakers Kendricks, DT Fletcher Cox in RB LeSean McCoy and WR DeSean Jackson. If that group Departures: CB Asante can stay healthy and on the Samuel, C Jamaal field, this team can make a Jackson, QB Vince long playoff run. If not, more Young, RB Ronnie disappointment will be in Brown, WR Steve store. Smith Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) Key Draft Picks: DT take: “It’s all on Michael Fletcher Cox (1), LB Vick. If he can stay healthy Mychal Kendricks (2), and protect the football, they have DE Vinny Curry (3), Michael an excellent chance of winning QB Nick Foles (3), CB Vick this division.” Brandon Boykin (4) Wk 1 - at Cleveland Sept. 9 (Fox) Wk 2 - Baltimore Sept. 16 (CBS) Wk 3 - at Arizona Sept. 23 (Fox) Wk 4 - N.Y. Giants Sept. 30 (NBC) Wk 5 - at Pittsburgh Oct. 7 (Fox) Wk 6 - Detroit Oct. 14 (Fox) Wk 7 - Bye Wk 8 - Atlanta Oct. 28 (Fox) Wk 9 - at New Orleans Nov. 5 (ESPN) (Mon.)

August 30th, 2012 - September 5th, 2012 AZWeeklyMagazine.com

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Wk 10 - Dallas Nov. 11 (Fox) Wk 11 - at Washington Nov. 18 (Fox) Wk 12 - Carolina Nov. 26 (ESPN) (Mon.) Wk 13 - at Dallas Dec. 2 (NBC) Wk 14 - at Tampa Bay Dec. 9 (Fox) Wk 15 - Cincinnati Dec. 13 (NFLN) (Thurs.) Wk 16 - Washington Dec. 23 (Fox) Wk 17 - at N.Y. Giants Dec. 30 (Fox) *Check local listings; subject to change.

Head Coach: Jason Garrett, third season Additions: CB Brandon Carr, QB Kyle Orton, G Mackenzy Bernadeau, RB Lawrence Vickers, S Brodney Pool, LB Dan Connor, G Nate Livings, QB Rudy Carpenter, S Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, P Jake Rogers Departures: CB Terence Newman, WR Laurent Robinson, TE Martellus Bennett, LB Bradie James, LB Keith Brooking Key Draft Picks: CB Morris Claiborne (1), DE Tyrone Crawford (3), LB Kyle Wilbur (4), S Matt Johnson (4)

Tony Romo

Wk 1 - at N.Y. Giants Sept. 5 (NBC) (Thurs.) Wk 2 - at Seattle Sept. 16 (Fox) Wk 3 - Tampa Bay Sept. 23 (Fox) Wk 4 - Chicago Oct. 1 (ESPN) (Mon.) Wk 5 - Bye Wk 6 - at Baltimore Oct. 14 (Fox) Wk 7 - at Carolina Oct. 21 (Fox) Wk 8 - N.Y. Giants Oct. 28 (Fox) Wk 9 - at Atlanta Nov. 4 (NBC)

Season preview: After going 8-8 and finishing out of the playoffs last year, the Cowboys drafted what many agree could be an impact player on defense in Claiborne, who with acquisitions Carr and Pool should shore up a pass defense that ranked 23rd in 2011. The other glaring weakness, the offensive line, didn’t get as much attention, with mediocrities Livings and Bernadeau representing the best they could do. Tony Romo is among the best at quarterback, and now he gets a legitimate back-up in Orton. But problems on the O-line and the defensive front seven mean this team will struggle. Another 8-8 season may be a best-case scenario.

2011 Record: 5-11, last place, NFC East

Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: “They’ve got to finish games.”

Santana Moss

Wk 10 - at Philadelphia Nov. 11 (Fox) Wk 11 - Cleveland Nov. 18 (CBS) Wk 12 - Washington Nov. 22 (Fox) (Thurs.) Wk 13 - Philadelphia Dec. 2 (NBC) Wk 14 - at Cincinnati Dec. 9 (Fox) Wk 15 - Pittsburgh Dec. 16 (CBS) Wk 16 - New Orleans Dec. 23 (Fox) Wk 17 - at Washington Dec. 30 (Fox) *Check local listings; subject to change.

Head Coach: Mike Shanahan, third season Additions: WR Pierre Garcon, WR Josh Morgan, S Brandon Meriweather, CB Cedric Griffin, LB Jonathan Goff, S Madieu Williams, OT James Lee, CB Leigh Torrence, CB Tanard Jackson Departures: WR Jabar Gaffney, S Oshiomogho Atogwe, RB Mike Sellers Key Draft Picks: QB Robert Griffin III (1), G John LeRibeus (3), QB Kirk Cousins (4), LB Keenan Robinson (4) Season preview: The Redskins haven’t had a franchise quarterback Wk 1 - at New Orleans Sept. 9 (Fox) Wk 2 - at St. Louis Sept. 16 (Fox) Wk 3 - Cincinnati Sept. 23 (CBS) Wk 4 - at Tampa Bay Sept. 30 (Fox) Wk 5 - Atlanta Oct. 7 (Fox) Wk 6 - Minnesota Oct. 14 (Fox) Wk 7 - at N.Y. Giants Oct. 21 (Fox) Wk 8 - at Pittsburgh Oct. 28 (Fox) Wk 9 - Carolina Nov. 4 (Fox)

since … Joe Theismann? So after a decade of mediocrity, the team paid dearly for what many believe is an NFLready QB in Griffin. Now the eyes of the nation’s capital are on him to see if he’s worth three future first-round picks and a second rounder – no pressure there. Through the draft, the team plugged holes in the offensive line (LeRibeus, Tom Compton, Adam Gettis), secondary (Richard Crawford, Jordan Bernstine) and at linebacker (Keenan Robinson). And through free agency, it got targets for Griffin in Garcon and Morgan – to go with returning Santana Moss. This is not yet a Super Bowl team, but if Griffin plays respectably a winning season wouldn’t be a shock.

NFC EAST

2011 Record: 8-8, third place, NFC East

Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: “They have some stability now at quarterback. … But there’s so much pressure on this guy, as good as he is, he’s still a rookie.” Wk 10 - Bye Wk 11 - Philadelphia Nov. 18 (Fox) Wk 12 - at Dallas Nov. 22 (Fox) (Thurs.) Wk 13 - N.Y. Giants Dec. 3 (ESPN) (Mon.) Wk 14 - Baltimore Dec. 9 (CBS) Wk 15 - at Cleveland Dec. 16 (Fox) Wk 16 - at Philadelphia Dec. 23 (Fox) Wk 17 - Dallas Dec. 30 (Fox) *Check local listings; subject to change.

By Ryan Clouse

Madden NFL 13

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the passage of time itself, but whether the company has made significant changes to its beloved franchise always remains a mystery. When millions flock to their local gaming stores based on a name alone, it becomes very easy to rest on your laurels and continue delivering the status quo – albeit a highly successful and entertaining status quo. Thankfully, every so often the stars align, and a “Madden” game is announced that not only meets the expectations of the fans but exceeds them altogether. At its core, “Madden NFL 13” is all about football, from the colorful commentary to the hard hits on the field. This can be experienced in a multitude of ways, whether you decide to play a quick exhibition against a challenging AI or take the game online to test your skills against the world. With updated controls, including voice-activated play calling, both the level of immersion and your ability to manipulate the action have increased, offering the most intuitive and realistic experience to date.

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August 30th, 2012 - September 5th, 2012

Page 1

2012 NFL PREVIEW

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2011 Record: 15-1, first place, NFC North; 0-1 in postseason, lost to Giants in divisional playoff Head Coach: Mike McCarthy, seventh season Additions: C Jeff Saturday, DE Anthony Hargrove, DT Daniel Muir, DE/DT Phillip Merling Departures: C Scott Wells, OT Chad Clifton, S Nick Collins, QB Matt Flynn, RB Ryan Grant, NT Howard Green Key Draft Picks: DE Nick Perry (1), DT Jerel Worthy (2), CB Casey Hayward (2), DT Mike Daniels (4), S Jerron McMillian (4) Wk 1 - San Francisco Sept. 9 (Fox) Wk 2 - Chicago Sept. 13 (NFLN) (Thurs.) Wk 3 - at Seattle Sept. 24 (ESPN) (Mon.) Wk 4 - New Orleans Sept. 30 (Fox) Wk 5 - at Indianapolis Oct. 7 (Fox) Wk 6 - at Houston Oct. 14 (NBC) Wk 7 - at St. Louis Oct. 21 (Fox) Wk 8 - Jacksonville Oct. 28 (CBS) Wk 9 - Arizona Nov. 4 (Fox)

Season preview: A 15-1 record followed by a shocking divisional-round exit told the Packers they needed defense, especially against the pass, in which they ranked dead-last in 2011. Toward that end, Packers GM Ted Thompson traded up to draft Perry to complement Clay Matthews at end, plus pick all defenders (Worthy, Hayward, Daniels, McMillian, LB Terrell Manning) in the first five rounds. On the other side of the ball, Aaron Rodgers leads a high-octane offense that ranked third overall last year, despite a lackluster running game. If he remains on his game and the defense can rise to the occasion, a Super Bowl run isn’t out of the question.

Aaron Rodgers

Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: “As good as Aaron Rodgers is, they have to be able to run the ball on offense.”

Wk 10 - Bye Wk 11 - at Detroit Nov. 18 (Fox) Wk 12 - at N.Y. Giants Nov. 25 (NBC) Wk 13 - Minnesota Dec. 2 (Fox) Wk 14 - Detroit Dec. 9 (NBC) Wk 15 - at Chicago Dec. 16 (Fox) Wk 16 - Tennessee Dec. 23 (CBS) Wk 17 - at Minnesota Dec. 30 (Fox) *Check local listings; subject to change.

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ranked among the league’s worst a 2011 Record: 10-6, second place, NFC North; 0-1 in postseason, lost to Saints in year ago and collapsed altogether in the season’s second half. The team wildcard game addressed that with the draftings of Head Coach: Jim Schwartz, fourth Bentley and Lewis, and the acquisitions season of Lacey and Jones. The running game Additions: CB Jacob Lacey, DE/LB was also an area of concern, but that Everette Brown, S Sean Jones should get better with healthy seasons from Jahvid Best, Mikel Leshoure and Departures: CB Eric Wright, Kevin Smith. And the team had trouble QB Drew Stanton, OLB against better competition, going 0-5 Bobby Carpenter, S Chris against NFC playoff teams. Still, Matthew Harris Stafford is an elite quarterback, and Key Draft Picks: OT Riley the team has one of the game’s Reiff (1), WR Ryan Broyles best receiver corps led by Calvin (2), CB Dwight Bentley (3), Johnson. If they can shore up LB Ronnell Lewis (4)) their weaknesses, the Lions could threaten the Packers in the NFC Season preview: For a North. team that finished 10-6, the Lions came into Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: the offseason with “This is a team that had some Matthew many problems. success last year. Now how are Stafford Their defense they going to handle it?” Wk 1 - St. Louis Sept. 9 (Fox) Wk 2 - at San Francisco Sept. 16 (NBC) Wk 3 - at Tennessee Sept. 23 (Fox) Wk 4 - Minnesota Sept. 30 (Fox) Wk 5 - Bye Wk 6 - at Philadelphia Oct. 14 (Fox) Wk 7 - at Chicago Oct. 22 (ESPN) (Mon.) Wk 8 - Seattle Oct. 28 (Fox) Wk 9 - at Jacksonville Nov. 4 (Fox)

August 30th, 2012 - September 5th, 2012 AZWeeklyMagazine.com

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Wk 10 - at Minnesota Nov. 11 (Fox) Wk 11 - Green Bay Nov. 18 (Fox) Wk 12 - Houston Nov. 22 (CBS) (Thurs.) Wk 13 - Indianapolis Dec. 2 (CBS) Wk 14 - at Green Bay Dec. 9 (NBC) Wk 15 - at Arizona Dec. 16 (Fox) Wk 16 - Atlanta Dec. 22 (ESPN) (Sat.) Wk 17 - Chicago Dec. 30 (Fox) *Check local listings; subject to change.

Legendary quarterback Joe Montana produces wine under the label Montagia. Terry Bradshaw is the first and only NFL player to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The average number of people at a Super Bowl party is 17.

Monday Night Football first aired in 1970. The initial hosts were Howard Cosell, Keith Jackson and Don Meredith. The Indianapolis Colts are the first team in NFL history to win 12 or more games in five consecutive years.

In 1991, Brett Favre was selected #33 in the NFL draft.

Hard hitting safety Rodney Harrison is the NFLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all-time leader in personal foul penalties.

Emmitt Smith had the same number of rushing yards in his last season as he did in his rookie season (937).

With almost $1 billion in yearly revenues, the NFL is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s richest professional sports league.

Former Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson once raced a horse for charity. Johnson won. AZWeeklyMagazine.com

August 30th, 2012 - September 5th, 2012

2011 Record: 8-8, third place, NFC North Head Coach: Lovie Smith, ninth season Additions: WR Brandon Marshall, QB Jason Campbell, LB Blake Costanzo, WR Eric Weems, RB Michael Bush, WR Devin Thomas, LB Geno Hayes, G Chilo Rachal, DT John McCargo Departures: DT Anthony Adams, QB Caleb Hanie, OT Frank Omiyale, DT Amobi Okoye, WR Roy Williams, RB Marion Barber Key Draft Picks: LB Shea McClellin (1), WR Alshon Jeffery (2), S Brandon Hardin (3), TE Evan Rodriguez (4)

Wk 1 - Indianapolis Sept. 9 (CBS) Wk 2 - at Green Bay Sept. 13 (NFLN) (Thurs.) Wk 3 - St. Louis Sept. 23 (Fox) Wk 4 - at Dallas Oct. 1 (ESPN) (Mon.) Wk 5 - at Jacksonville Oct. 7 (Fox) Wk 6 - Bye Wk 7 - Detroit Oct. 22 (ESPN) (Mon.) Wk 8 - Carolina Oct. 28 (Fox) Wk 9 - at Tennessee Nov. 4 (Fox)

Head Coach: Lovie Smith, ninth season Additions: WR Brandon Marshall, QB Jason Campbell, LB Blake Costanzo, WR Eric Weems, RB Michael Bush, WR Devin Thomas, LB Geno Hayes, G Chilo Rachal, DT John McCargo Departures: DT Anthony Adams, QB Caleb Hanie, OT Frank Omiyale, DT Amobi Okoye, WR Roy Williams, RB Marion Barber Key Draft Picks: LB Shea McClellin (1), WR Alshon Jeffery (2), S Brandon Hardin (3), TE Evan Rodriguez (4) Season preview: An injuryplagued season brought a team Wk 1 - Indianapolis Sept. 9 (CBS) Wk 2 - at Green Bay Sept. 13 (NFLN) (Thurs.) Wk 3 - St. Louis Sept. 23 (Fox) Wk 4 - at Dallas Oct. 1 (ESPN) (Mon.) Wk 5 - at Jacksonville Oct. 7 (Fox) Wk 6 - Bye Wk 7 - Detroit Oct. 22 (ESPN) (Mon.) Wk 8 - Carolina Oct. 28 (Fox) Wk 9 - at Tennessee Nov. 4 (Fox)

that went 11-5 in 2010 down to 8-8 last year. But now with QB Jay Cutler and RB Matt Forte healthy and with the addition of elite receiver Marshall, the Bears should be back to their winning ways. The team ignored its most glaring weaknesses, an offensive line that gave up 49 sacks last year, but line coach Mike Tice has a history of making inept units capable. On defense, some key players (DE Julius Peppers, LB Brian Urlacher) are on the wrong side of 30, so it remains to be seen whether it can hold up over a long season. Still, with this team’s elite talent, it’s not inconceivable to see it playing well into January. Jay Cutler

Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: “It boils down to this: the age of their defense. Can they hold up?”

Wk 10 - Houston Nov. 11 (NBC) Wk 11 - at San Francisco Nov. 19 (ESPN) (Mon.) Wk 12 - Minnesota Nov. 25 (Fox) Wk 13 - Seattle Dec. 2 (Fox) Wk 14 - at Minnesota Dec. 9 (Fox) Wk 15 - Green Bay Dec. 16 (Fox) Wk 16 - at Arizona Dec. 23 (Fox) Wk 17 - at Detroit Dec. 30 (Fox) *Check local listings; subject to change.

2011 Record: 3-13, last place, NFC North Head Coach: Leslie Frazier, third season Additions: TE John Carlson, OT Geoff Schwartz, RB Rex Hilliard, WR Jerome Simpson CB Chris Carr Departures: K Ryan Longwell, RB Jim Kleinsasser, G Steve Hutchinson, G Anthony Herrera, DT Remi Ayodele Key Draft Picks: OT Matt Kalil (1), S Harrison Smith (1), CB Josh Robinson (3), WR Jarius Wright (4), RB Rhett Ellison (4), WR Greg Childs (4) Season preview: The Vikes addressed their most pressing need, the offensive line, with

20 N

Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: “It boils down to this: the age of their defense. Can they hold up?”

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Jay Cutler

Season preview: An injuryplagued season brought a team

2011 Record: 8-8, third place, NFC North

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the drafting of Kalil and the acquisition of Schwartz. Another area of concern was the secondary, which gave up 34 TD passes in 2011. Draftees Smith and Robinson should help there, but their inexperience may become an issue. AllPro RB Adrian Peterson is coming off a torn ACL, so it remains to be seen how much he can contribute. If recovered, he’ll undoubtedly enhance the development of second-year QB Christian Ponder. Newly acquired Simpson should help at wideout. This team will do better than the 3-13 record it posted in 2011, but with questions in the secondary, not by much.

W W W W W W W W W

4 x 5” a “2012 NFL Sp

Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: “I mean, 34 touchdown passes and a 68 percent completion percentage against this defense? That’s not good.”

Adrian Peterson

Wk 1 - Jacksonville Sept. 9 (CBS) Wk 2 - at Indianapolis Sept. 16 (Fox) Wk 3 - San Francisco Sept. 23 (Fox) Wk 4 - at Detroit Sept. 30 (Fox) Wk 5 - Tennessee Oct. 7 (CBS) Wk 6 - at Washington Oct. 14 (Fox) Wk 7 - Arizona Oct. 21 (Fox) Wk 8 - Tampa Bay Oct. 25 (NFLN) (Thurs.) Wk 9 - at Seattle Nov. 4 (Fox)

Wk 10 - Detroit Nov. 11 (Fox) Wk 11 - Bye Wk 12 - at Chicago Nov. 25 (Fox) Wk 13 - at Green Bay Dec. 2 (Fox) Wk 14 - Chicago Dec. 9 (Fox) Wk 15 - at St. Louis Dec. 16 (Fox) Wk 16 - at Houston Dec. 23 (Fox) Wk 17 - Green Bay Dec. 30 (Fox) *Check local listings; subject to change.

August 30th, 2012 - September 5th, 2012 AZWeeklyMagazine.com

AZWeeklyMagazine.com

August 30th, 2012 - September 5th, 2012

COVER STORY

DEVIL DASH RACE HEADS TO ARIZONA OCTOBER 20th FIRE LEAPING, MUD CRAWLING, 5K OBSTACLE RACE AND FESTIVAL Devil Dash is the ultimate 5K Race for thrill-seeking athletes and party-goers. On Saturday, October 20th, thousands of fearless runners will head to Camelback Ranch to take on intense obstacles through Purgatory, running thru 3+ miles of fun challenges and celebrating with friends and family during an all day festival with live music, food and beer in the Beer Garden of Eden. Additional 2012 Devil Dash Venues include: Lyons, CO; Ogden, UT and Las Vegas, NV. Arizona’s Devil Dash Race will take place at Camelback RanchGlendale in Phoenix, AZ and will have participants leaping through fire, crawling through mud pits, climbing over cargo nets, jumping over tire mounds, scaling Satan’s Tower and working their way through additional grueling obstacles themed after the Seven Deadly Sins. The first wave of the race will begin at 9am, followed by waves of racers taking off to tackle the course every half hour throughout the day.

Race Director Will Newcomer says, “Devil Dash is an event that runners and spectators will never forget. After conquering an adventurous course with 13+ natural and man made obstacles, racers will celebrate with live music, beer and food, alongside their fellow devils & angels.” Jeff Overton, Camelback RanchGlendale President and General Manger, offers, “We’re proud to host Devil Dash at Camelback RanchGlendale. Although primarily a baseball venue, our beautiful 141acre campus is ideally suited to host other events. We are excited to add Devil Dash to our growing list of events and showcase our campus to its thousands of participants.” Beer and food will be available for purchase in the Beer Garden of Eden. Spectators are welcome to enjoy the live music playing throughout the day and watch the racers tackle several obstacles near the finish line. Lifequest Transitions (LQT) is Devil Dash’s Official Charity partner in 2012. LQT provides adventure programs for injured military members and hosts a variety of programs to help wounded warriors transition back to civilian life. Additionally, local nonprofit

August 30th, 2012 - September 5th, 2012 AZWeeklyMagazine.com

organizations can volunteer in exchange for monetary donations to their cause.

For more information or to register, visit http://www.DevilDash.com and http://www.facebook.com/DevilDash

AZ Weekly Readers take $5 off registration with code: DDAZW07

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August 30th, 2012 - September 5th, 2012

2012 NFL PREVIEW

2011 Record: 13-3, first place, NFC South; 1-1 in postseason, lost to 49ers in divisional playoff Head Coach: Joe Vitt (interim), first season Additions: WR Marques Colston, LB Chris Chamberlain, LB Curtis Lofton, QB Chase Daniel, LB David Hawthorne, G Ben Grubbs, DT Remi Ayodele, K John Kasay, DT Brodrick Bunkley Departures: WR Robert Meachem, G Carl Nicks, NT Shaun Rogers, NT Aubrayo Franklin, LB Jo-Lonn Dunbar, CB Tracy Porter Key Draft Picks: DT Akiem Hicks (3), WR Nick Toon (4) Season preview: The Bountygate scandal has left many players and coaches suspended, including

Drew Brees

Wk 1 - Washington Sept. 9 (Fox) Wk 2 - at Carolina Sept. 16 (Fox) Wk 3 - Kansas City Sept. 23 (CBS) Wk 4 - at Green Bay Sept. 30 (Fox) Wk 5 - San Diego Oct. 7 (NBC) Wk 6 - Bye Wk 7 - at Tampa Bay Oct. 21 (Fox) Wk 8 - at Denver Oct. 28 (NBC) Wk 9 - Philadelphia Nov. 5 (ESPN) (Mon.)

head coach Sean Payton for the year, though the team still has arguably the game’s best quarterback in Drew Brees. On defense, top performers such as LB Jonathan Vilma will be under suspension and the unit as a whole will have to adjust to not resorting to dirty play. But they did make some solid acquisitions in Lofton, Hawthorne and Bunkley, so the defense could actually improve. Still, this is a team in disarray and badly in need of a leader. That should be Brees, whose leadership will be especially integral to a team in crisis. A playoff berth would be a surprise. Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: “They need (Brees) more than ever.” Wk 10 - Atlanta Nov. 11 (Fox) Wk 11 - at Oakland Nov. 18 (Fox) Wk 12 - San Francisco Nov. 25 (Fox) Wk 13 - at Atlanta Nov. 29 (NFLN) (Thurs.) Wk 14 - at N.Y. Giants Dec. 9 (Fox) Wk 15 - Tampa Bay Dec. 16 (Fox) Wk 16 - at Dallas Dec. 23 (Fox) Wk 17 - Carolina Dec. 30 (Fox) *Check local listings; subject to change.

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2011 Record: 10-6, second place, NFC South; 0-1 in postseason, lost to Giants in wildcard game Head Coach: Mike Smith, fifth season Additions: LB Lofa Tatupu, G Vince Manuwai, CB Asante Samuel Departures: RB Ovie Mughelli, LB Mike Peterson, LB Curtis Lofton, S James Sanders, KR Eric Weems Key Draft Picks: C Peter Konz (2), OT Lamar Holmes (3) Season preview: After going 10-6 and losing to the eventual Super Bowl champs in the wild-card round, the Falcons made the best of their limited draft options to address Wk 1 - at Kansas City Sept. 9 (Fox) Wk 2 - Denver Sept. 17 (ESPN) (Mon.) Wk 3 - at San Diego Sept. 23 (Fox) Wk 4 - Carolina Sept. 30 (Fox) Wk 5 - at Washington Oct. 7 (Fox) Wk 6 - Oakland Oct. 14 (CBS) Wk 7 - Bye Wk 8 - at Philadelphia Oct. 28 (Fox) Wk 9 - Dallas Nov. 4 (NBC)

Page 1

Matt Ryan

a persistent problem and take Holmes in the third round to play left tackle. Second-rounder Konz, a center by trade, will play right tackle. Another bugaboo was the running game, which couldn’t be addressed because of lack of resources, so Michael Turner and his 30-year-old legs will likely do the heavy lifting once again, helped by second-year man Jacquizz Rodgers. Samuel will help a lackluster pass defense, but free safety and defensive end remain areas of concern. Still, in a year where their chief rivals, the Saints, are missing key personnel, Matt Ryan and the Falcons should prosper. Division title, anyone? Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: “They really need to use the situation of the Saints and jump on it.” Wk 10 - at New Orleans Nov. 11 (Fox) Wk 11 - Arizona Nov. 18 (Fox) Wk 12 - at Tampa Bay Nov. 25 (Fox) Wk 13 - New Orleans Nov. 29 (NFLN) (Thurs.) Wk 14 - at Carolina Dec. 9 (Fox) Wk 15 - N.Y. Giants Dec. 16 (Fox) Wk 16 - at Detroit Dec. 22 (ESPN) (Sat.) Wk 17 - Tampa Bay Dec. 30 (Fox) *Check local listings; subject to change.

Wk 1 - at Tampa Bay Sept. 9 (Fox) Wk 2 - New Orleans Sept. 16 (Fox) Wk 3 - N.Y. Giants Sept. 20 (NFLN) (Thurs.) Wk 4 - at Atlanta Sept. 30 (Fox) Wk 5 - Seattle Oct. 7 (Fox) Wk 6 - Bye Wk 7 - Dallas Oct. 21 (Fox) Wk 8 - at Chicago Oct. 28 (Fox) Wk 9 - at Washington Nov. 4 (Fox)

Head Coach: Greg Schiano, first season Additions: WR Vincent Jackson, G Carl Nicks, CB Eric Wright, WR Tiquan Underwood, TE Chase Coffman, QB Dan Orlovsky, OT Jamon Meredith, DT Amobi Okoye, DT Gary Gibson, TE Dallas Clark, DE Wallace Gilberry Departures: QB Josh Johnson, RB Kregg Lumpkin, RB Earnest Graham, TE Kellen Winslow Jr., C Jeff Faine, DT Albert Haynesworth, LB Geno Hayes, CB Elbert Mack, S Tanard Jackson Key Draft Picks: S Mark Barron (1), RB Doug Martin (1), LB Lavonte David (2)

Josh Freeman

Wk 1 - Carolina Sept. 9 (Fox) Wk 2 - at N.Y. Giants Sept. 16 (Fox) Wk 3 - at Dallas Sept. 23 (Fox) Wk 4 - Washington Sept. 30 (Fox) Wk 5 - Bye Wk 6 - Kansas City Oct. 14 (CBS) Wk 7 - New Orleans Oct. 21 (Fox) Wk 8 - at Minnesota Oct. 25 (NFLN) (Thurs.) Wk 9 - at Oakland Nov. 4 (Fox)

Wk 10 - Denver Nov. 11 (CBS) Wk 11 - Tampa Bay Nov. 18 (Fox) Wk 12 - at Philadelphia Nov. 26 (ESPN) (Mon.) Wk 13 - at Kansas City Dec. 2 (Fox) Wk 14 - Atlanta Dec. 9 (Fox) Wk 15 - at San Diego Dec. 16 (Fox) Wk 16 - Oakland Dec. 23 (CBS) Wk 17 - at New Orleans Dec. 30 (Fox) *Check local listings; subject to change.

Season preview: The Bucs had the NFL’s worst defense last year. They rid themselves of cancers in Haynesworth and Jackson, and acquired CB Wright. They also drafted David and fifth rounder Najee Goode to bolster the linebacker corps, plus Barron for safety. Also, DT Gerald McCoy returns from injury. On offense, Clark replaces Winslow at tight end, a dubious upgrade, and the dynamic Jackson comes over from the Chargers, though how dynamic he’ll be without Phil Rivers remains to be seen. The Bucs should see modest improvement if Josh Freeman can bounce back from a mediocre 2011. But with that inexperienced defense, they’ll still likely finish last. Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: “They have a lot of talent, obviously. They didn’t handle success very well last year.” Wk 10 - San Diego Nov. 11 (CBS) Wk 11 - at Carolina Nov. 18 (Fox) Wk 12 - Atlanta Nov. 25 (Fox) Wk 13 - at Denver Dec. 2 (Fox) Wk 14 - Philadelphia Dec. 9 (Fox) Wk 15 - at New Orleans Dec. 16 (Fox) Wk 16 - St. Louis Dec. 23 (Fox) Wk 17 - at Atlanta Dec. 30 (Fox) *Check local listings; subject to change.

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Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: “They have a lot of talent, obviously. They didn’t handle success very well last year.”

Josh Freeman

2011 Record: 4-12, last place, NFC South

NFC SOUTH

2011 Record: 4-12, last place, NFC South

several key defensive players (DT Ron Edwards, LB Jon Beason) returning from injury – and with the Saints weighed down by Bountygate – it could be time for another. The offensive line was an area of concern, so the team drafted Silatolu to replace Wharton at guard. The secondary is another weakness, though fifth rounder Josh Norman and signees Smith and Nakamura could help. The running game (Jonathan Stewart, DeAngelo Williams) and receiver corps (led by Steve Smith) rank with the best, as does Newton. If he can avoid a sophomore slump, a playoff berth is possible. Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: “I think offensively, they’re going to be fine. ... I don’t think the game is too big for Cam Newton.”

NFC SOUTH

2011 Record: 6-10, third place, NFC South Head Coach: Ron Rivera, second season Additions: S Reggie Smith, K Justin Medlock, RB Mike Tolbert, S Haruki Nakamura, G Mike Pollak, OT Bruce Campbell, RB Armond Smith Departures: RB Mike Goodson, WR Legedu Naanee, TE Jeremy Shockey, OT/G Geoff Schwartz, G Travelle Wharton, G Mackenzy Bernadeau, LB Thomas Williams Key Draft Picks: LB Luke Kuechly (1), G Amini Silatolu (2), DE Frank Alexander (4), WR Joe Adams (4) Season preview: The Panthers took a big step forward last year, led by QB Cam Newton, who set a Cam slew of rookie records. Now with Newton

Wk 10 - San Diego Nov. 11 (CBS) Wk 11 - at Carolina Nov. 18 (Fox) Wk 12 - Atlanta Nov. 25 (Fox) Wk 13 - at Denver Dec. 2 (Fox) Wk 14 - Philadelphia Dec. 9 (Fox) Wk 15 - at New Orleans Dec. 16 (Fox) Wk 16 - St. Louis Dec. 23 (Fox) Wk 17 - at Atlanta Dec. 30 (Fox) *Check local listings; subject to change.

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August 30th, 2012 - September 5th, 2012

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2012 NFL PREVIEW

‘

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Pianos Dueling

YOUR GAME DAY

2011 Record: 13-3, first place, NFC West; 1-1 in playoffs, lost to Giants in NFC Championship Head Coach: Jim Harbaugh, second season Additions: WR Randy Moss, WR Mario Manningham, CB Perrish Cox, RB Rock Cartwright, QB Josh Johnson, RB Brandon Jacobs Departures: WR Josh Morgan, G Adam Snyder, G Chilo Rachal, CB Shawntae Spencer, S Reggie Smith, S Madieu Williams Key Draft Picks: WR A.J. Jenkins (1), RB LaMichael James (2), G Joe Looney (4) Season preview: QB Alex Smith finally had his breakthrough year last year. Now he has to duplicate the

Alex Smith

Wk 1 - at Green Bay Sept. 9 (Fox) Wk 2 - Detroit Sept. 16 (NBC) Wk 3 - at Minnesota Sept. 23 (Fox) Wk 4 - at N.Y. Jets Sept. 30 (Fox) Wk 5 - Buffalo Oct. 7 (CBS) Wk 6 - N.Y. Giants Oct. 14 (Fox) Wk 7 - Seattle Oct. 18 (NFLN) (Thurs.) Wk 8 - at Arizona Oct. 29 (ESPN) (Mon.) Wk 9 - Bye

feat, but with the distinct disadvantages of being the favorite and having a tough schedule. Manningham and Moss were added to a mediocre receiver corps, though how much of an upgrade they are over Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis remains to be seen. Jacobs and James will help if the injury bug bites RB Frank Gore again. The top-flight defense returns all 11 starters from 2011, though questions remain in the secondary. Then there are potential troublemakers in Moss and Cox. The defense alone makes this a team to respect, but questions about Smith and team chemistry could drag them down. Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: “If they are going to be a Super Bowl team … Alex Smith has to throw more than 17 touchdowns.” Wk 10 - St. Louis Nov. 11 (Fox) Wk 11 - Chicago Nov. 19 (ESPN) (Mon.) Wk 12 - at New Orleans Nov. 25 (Fox) Wk 13 - at St. Louis Dec. 2 (Fox) Wk 14 - Miami Dec. 9 (CBS) Wk 15 - at New England Dec. 16 (NBC) Wk 16 - at Seattle Dec. 23 (Fox) Wk 17 - Arizona Dec. 30 (Fox) *Check local listings; subject to change.

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W W W. T H E S H O U T H O U S E . CO M

August 30th, 2012 - September 5th, 2012 AZWeeklyMagazine.com

2011 Record: 8-8, second place, NFC be John Skelton, the raw youngster with West the big arm? Whomever wins will have a future Hall of Famer to throw to in Larry Head Coach: Ken Whisenhunt, sixth Fitzgerald, who should see defenders season drawn off him by top pick Floyd. Snyder Additions: CB William Gay, G Adam represents an upgrade at right guard, Snyder, S James Sanders, DE/LB but left tackle remains a concern. The Quentin Groves running game should improve with a return to health by Chris Wells and Departures: OT Brandon Keith, G Rex Ryan Williams. On defense, there are Hadnot, CB Richard Marshall few worries – it was one of the best in Key Draft Picks: WR the league last year. That should Michael Floyd (1), CB remain the case this year, though Jamell Fleming (3), OT depth at linebacker may be a Bobby Massie (4) problem. The Cardinals could snag a playoff berth this year, Season preview: A especially given the 49ers tough quarterback competition schedule. looms for the Cardinals. Will it be Kolb, Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) the inconsistent, take: “This team will Larry concussion-prone compete. … But Fitzgerald veteran with the big offensively who is going contract? Or will it to lead the team?” Wk 1 - Seattle Sept. 9 (Fox) Wk 2 - at New England Sept. 16 (Fox) Wk 3 - Philadelphia Sept. 23 (Fox) Wk 4 - Miami Sept. 30 (CBS) Wk 5 - at St. Louis Oct. 4 (NFLN) (Thurs.) Wk 6 - Buffalo Oct. 14 (CBS) Wk 7 - at Minnesota Oct. 21 (Fox) Wk 8 - San Francisco Oct. 29 (ESPN) (Mon.) Wk 9 - at Green Bay Nov. 4 (Fox)

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Wk 10 - Bye Wk 11 - at Atlanta Nov. 18 (Fox) Wk 12 - St. Louis Nov. 25 (Fox) Wk 13 - at N.Y. Jets Dec. 2 (Fox) Wk 14 - at Seattle Dec. 9 (Fox) Wk 15 - Detroit Dec. 16 (Fox) Wk 16 - Chicago Dec. 23 (Fox) Wk 17 - at San Francisco Dec. 30 (Fox) *Check local listings; subject to change.

Head Coach: Pete Carroll, third season Additions: QB Matt Flynn, DL Jason Jones, G Deuce Lutui, LB Barrett Ruud, TE Kellen Winslow Departures: RB Justin Forsett, TE John Carlson, G Robert Gallery, DE Raheem Brock, DT Tony Hargrove, LB David Hawthorne, LB Lofa Tatupu, S Atari Bigby Key Draft Picks: LB Bruce Irvin (1), LB Bobby Wagner (2), QB Russell Wilson (3), RB Robert Turbin (4), DT Jaye Howard (4) Season preview: Many questions loom for the Seahawks this season. Among them is whether exPacker Flynn is a legitimate

starting quarterback. The fact that his offensive coordinator, Joe Philbin, didn’t take him with him to Miami this year says much. Marshawn Lynch is a monster at running back – if he’s still motivated after signing that big contract. And Sidney Rice is a force to be reckoned with at wideout – if healthy. On defense, the front line is solid and the secondary has a pair of dynamic safeties in Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas, but the linebacker corps is questionable. This team could be very good or very bad, depending on how things fall on offense. If we split the difference, an 8-8 season could be a reality.

Kam Chancellor

Wk 1 - at Arizona Sept. 9 (Fox) Wk 2 - Dallas Sept. 16 (Fox) Wk 3 - Green Bay Sept. 24 (ESPN) (Mon.) Wk 4 - at St. Louis Sept. 30 (Fox) Wk 5 - at Carolina Oct. 7 (Fox) Wk 6 - New England Oct. 14 (CBS) Wk 7 - at San Francisco Oct. 18 (NFLN) (Thurs.) Wk 8 - at Detroit Oct. 28 (Fox) Wk 9 - Minnesota Nov. 4 (Fox)

Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: “This is a team that is built to run the football. Defensively, they’ll play better; they have to find a way of getting more out of the rush. … But who is going to be their quarterback?”

Wk 10 - N.Y. Jets Nov. 11 (CBS) Wk 11 - Bye Wk 12 - at Miami Nov. 25 (Fox) Wk 13 - at Chicago Dec. 2 (Fox) Wk 14 - Arizona Dec. 9 (Fox) Wk 15 - at Buffalo Dec. 16 (Fox) Wk 16 - San Francisco Dec. 23 (Fox) Wk 17 - St. Louis Dec. 30 (Fox) *Check local listings; subject to change.

2011 Record: 2-14, last place, NFC West Head Coach: Jeff Fisher, first season Additions: CB Cortland Finnegan, C Scott Wells, WR Steve Smith, DT Kendall Langford, LB Jo-Lonn Dunbar, DE William Hayes, LB Mario Haggan Departures: RB Cadillac Williams, WR Brandon Lloyd, WR Mark Clayton, G Jacob Bell, G Adam Goldberg, C Jason Brown Key Draft Picks: DT Michael Brockers (1), WR Brian Quick (2), CB Janoris Jenkins (2), RB Isaiah Pead (2), CB Trumaine Johnson (3), WR Chris Givens (4) Wk 1 - at Detroit Sept. 9 (Fox) Wk 2 - Washington Sept. 16 (Fox) Wk 3 - at Chicago Sept. 23 (Fox) Wk 4 - Seattle Sept. 30 (Fox) Wk 5 - Arizona Oct. 4 (NFLN) (Thurs.) Wk 6 - at Miami Oct. 14 (Fox) Wk 7 - Green Bay Oct. 21 (Fox) Wk 8 - New England Oct. 28 (CBS) Wk 9 - Bye

Season preview: The Rams’ woes began last year with the line and spread through the offense. It gave up 55 sacks, leaving QB Sam Bradford injured and shell-shocked. Aside from Wells, the team did little to upgrade the O-line so Bradford may again be taking abuse. The Rams also failed to get a legitimate No. 1 receiver, though Danny Amendola is back from injury. RB Steven Jackson is solid, though his odometer is advancing. The defense, too, has problems, starting at linebacker. No. 2 pick Jenkins will help a mediocre secondary. The D-line has stars and holes. Jeff Fisher has his work cut out for him this season, likely a losing one.

NFC WEST

2011 Record: 7-9, third place, NFC West

Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: “Sam Bradford’s got to stay healthy now because he has Sam all the qualities of a franchise Bradford quarterback. He can be that guy. That’s why Jeff Fisher went there.” Wk 10 - at San Francisco Nov. 11 (Fox) Wk 11 - N.Y. Jets Nov. 18 (CBS) Wk 12 - at Arizona Nov. 25 (Fox) Wk 13 - San Francisco Dec. 2 (Fox) Wk 14 - at Buffalo Dec. 9 (Fox) Wk 15 - Minnesota Dec. 16 (Fox) Wk 16 - at Tampa Bay Dec. 23 (Fox) Wk 17 - at Seattle Dec. 30 (Fox) *Check local listings; subject to change.

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August 30th, 2012 - September 5th, 2012 AZWeeklyMagazine.com