Morning Journal - NFL Preview 2012 by Morning Journal

September 8, 2012

Old guard meets the new The Cleveland Brownsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Brandon Weeden challenges the Pittsburgh Steelersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Ben Roethlisberger in the AFC North.

2012 NFL PREVIEW 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 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) 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 highoctane offense will likely carry them to another division title, but the defense will stop them Tom short once again in Brady January. Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: “Defensively, how they fit these young players in will determine their playoff run.”

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 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 1 - at Tennessee Sept. 9 (CBS)

Wk 10 - Buffalo Nov. 11 (CBS)

Wk 1 - Buffalo Sept. 9 (CBS)

Wk 10 - at Seattle Nov. 11 (CBS)

Wk 2 - Arizona Sept. 16 (Fox)

Wk 11 - Indianapolis Nov. 18 (CBS)

Wk 2 - at Pittsburgh Sept. 16 (CBS)

Wk 11 - at St. Louis Nov. 18 (CBS)

Wk 3 - at Baltimore Sept. 23 (NBC)

Wk 12 - at N.Y. Jets Nov. 22 (NBC) (Thurs.)

Wk 3 - at Miami Sept. 23 (CBS)

Wk 12 - New England Nov. 22 (NBC) (Thurs.)

Wk 4 - at Buffalo Sept. 30 (CBS)

Wk 13 - at Miami Dec. 2 (CBS)

Wk 4 - San Francisco Sept. 30 (Fox)

Wk 13 - Arizona Dec. 2 (Fox)

Wk 5 - Denver Oct. 7 (CBS)

Wk 14 - Houston Dec. 10 (ESPN) (Mon.)

Wk 5 - Houston Oct. 8 (ESPN) (Mon.)

Wk 14 - at Jacksonville Dec. 9 (CBS)

Wk 6 - at Seattle Oct. 14 (CBS)

Wk 15 - San Francisco Dec. 16 (NBC)

Wk 6 - Indianapolis Oct. 14 (CBS)

Wk 15 - at Tennessee Dec. 17 (ESPN) (Mon.)

Wk 7 - N.Y. Jets Oct. 21 (CBS)

Wk 16 - at Jacksonville Dec. 23 (CBS)

Wk 7 - at New England Oct. 21 (CBS)

Wk 16 - San Diego Dec. 23 (NBC)

Wk 8 - at St. Louis Oct. 28 (CBS)

Wk 17 - Miami Dec. 30 (CBS)

Wk 8 - Miami Oct. 28 (CBS)

Wk 17 - at Buffalo Dec. 30 (CBS)

Wk 9 - Bye

*Check local listings; subject to change.

Wk 9 - Bye

*Check local listings; subject to change.

Page 2

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2012• MORNING JOURNAL • NFL PREVIEW 2012

AFC EAST why the quarterback position will come 2011 Record: 6-10, third place, AFC down to either Garrard or incumbent East Matt Moore. The Fish dealt away Head Coach: Joe Philbin, first season their best wideout, Brandon Marshall, Additions: QB David Garrard, CB leaving their receiver corps with a Richard Marshall, G Artis Hicks, LB group of no-names. And Reggie Jamaal Westerman, LB Gary Guyton, Bush is a decent running back, but S Tyrell Johnson, WR Legedu Naanee he’s injury-prone and unlikely to approach his 1,086 yards from 2011. Departures: WR Brandon Marshall, On defense, the team lost two key DT Kendall Langford, S Yeremiah Bell members – Langford and Bell – and Key Draft Picks: QB Ryan gained little in the way of significant Tannehill (1), OT Jonathan contributors. Look for it to be a long Martin (2), DE Olivier Vernon season in South Beach, where the (3), TE Michael Egnew (3), home team will struggle to match RB Lamar Miller (4) its 6-10 record of 2011. Season preview: The Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: Dolphins are a project, “You’re 6-10. You’re in a division starting with top pick where you’re basically the lastTannehill. He’s raw, place team. And now you’re Matt has poor pocket talking about a quarterback Moore awareness and will competition. In my opinion, have few weapons you start the young guy.” at his disposal. That’s 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 610 last year, the Bills went out and turned their most glaring weakness into a strength, adding All-

College: USC

Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: “If they get better defensively … they’ve got a chance to become a wild-card team. Look at their schedule.”

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)

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.

22 90 Reggie Bush

Mario Williams

Full name: Reginald Alfred Bush II

Full name: Mario Jerrel Williams

Birthplace: Spring Valley, Calif.

Birthplace: Richlands, N.C.

Birth date: March 2, 1985

Birth date: Jan. 13, 1985

Position: running back

Position: defensive end

Height: 6 feet

Weight: 203 pounds

Pro Williams and Anderson to shore up a nearly nonexistent pass rush. Drafting 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.

Height: 6 feet 6 inches

Weight: 292 pounds

College: North Carolina St.

Career highlights: Drafted second overall by the New Orleans Saints in 2006 … had five carries for 25 yards and caught four passes for 38 yards in New Orleans’ 31-17 victory over Indianapolis in Super Bowl XLIV (2010) … traded to Miami July 28, 2011 … had first 1,000-yard-rushing season in 2011 Why to watch him: An all-purpose back who’s a threat as a runner and a receiver

Career highlights: Drafted first overall by the Houston Texans in 2006 … a Pro Bowl selection in 2008 and 2009 and an All-Pro in 2007 and 2008 … holds Texans’ single-season record for sacks with 14 in 2007 … in six seasons in Houston, recorded 241 tackles and 53 sacks … signed as a free agent with the Bills on March 15, 2012 Why to watch him: A dominant defensive end whose size and strength enables him to overwhelm blockers

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2012 NFL PREVIEW 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 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. 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.

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)

College: Rutgers

27 33 Isaac Redman

Full name: Isaac Redman

Birthplace: New Rochelle, N.Y.

Birthplace: Paulsboro, N.J.

Birth date: Jan. 22, 1987

Birth date: Nov. 10, 1984

Position: running back

Position: running back Height: 6 feet

Weight: 230 pounds

College: Bowie (Md.) State

Why to watch him: Is a threat running and catching the football; arguably Baltimore’s most irreplaceable player

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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.

Full name: Raymell Maurice Rice

Career highlights: Selected by the Ravens in the second round (55th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft … has run for over 1,000 yards in three of four NFL seasons … is second on Ravens’ all-time rushing list (behind Jamal Lewis) with 4,377 yards … a Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection in 2009 and 2011 … had a career-best 233 yards from scrimmage (153 rushing and 80 receiving) vs. New Orleans on Dec. 10, 2010

Page 4

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.”

Ray Rice

Height: 5 feet 8 inches

Weight: 212 pounds

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.

2011 Record: 12-4, second place, AFC North; 0-1 in postseason, lost to Broncos in wildcard game

Career highlights: Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Steelers in April 2009 … scored first career touchdown Sept. 18, 2011, vs. Seattle … rushed 19 times for 92 yards in a Week 17 win vs. Cleveland in 2011 … ended 2011 with 479 yards on 110 carries (a 4.8 yards per carry average) with three touchdowns … also caught 18 passes for 78 yards Why to watch him: With Rashard Mendenhall out with an ACL injury, he assumes the running load

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2012• MORNING JOURNAL • NFL PREVIEW 2012

AFC NORTH 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 GreenEllis, RB Aaron Brown, CB Terence Newman, DT Jamaal Anderson, CB Jason Allen, OT Reggie Stephens, G Travelle Wharton, 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 Andy Dalton Jonathan Fanene, DE Frostee Rucker, LB Keith

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)

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) 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 secondyear 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. 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.

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 JamesMichael 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. Richardson

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.

18 15

AJ Green

Brandon Weeden

Full name: Adriel Jeremiah Green

Full name: Brandon Kyle Weeden Birthplace: Oklahoma City Birth date: Oct. 14, 1983 Position: quarterback Height: 6 feet 3 inches

Birth date: July 31, 1988 Position: wide receiver Height: 6 feet 4 inches College: Georgia

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)

Birthplace: Summerville, S.C.

Weight: 207 pounds

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.

Career highlights: Taken fourth overall by the Bengals in the 2011 NFL Draft … first NFL catch was a 41-yard TD reception vs. Cleveland on Sept. 11, 2011 … had four 100-yard games in 2011 and led all rookies in receptions (65) and receiving yards (1,057) … surpassed Cris Collinsworth’s record of 1,009 yards (set in 1981) for reception yards by a Bengals rookie Why to watch him: A human highlight film; makes acrobatic catches look easy

Weight: 221 pounds College: Oklahoma St. Career highlights: At Oklahoma St., led the Cowboys to a No. 3 ranking his senior year and a berth in the 2012 Fiesta Bowl, where he threw for 399 yards and three touchdowns in a 41-38 victory over Stanford … holds many Oklahoma St. records, including single-season marks for passing yards (4,278 in 2010) and completions (342 in 2010), and single game marks of 435 and 34 (both vs. Baylor in 2010) … All-Big 12 First Team in 2010 … drafted 22nd overall by the Browns in 2012 Why to watch him: At 28, he’s the oldest player ever to be drafted in the first round

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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

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. 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. Matt Schaub

Season preview: The Texans managed to win the AFC South 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)

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.

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 by a well-conditioned RB Chris Johnson and the

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)

College: Miami

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.

80 10 Jake Locker

Full name: Andre Lamont Johnson

Full name: Jacob Cooper Locker

Birthplace: Miami

Birthplace: Ferndale, Wash.

Birth date: July 11, 1981

Birth date: June 15, 1988

Position: wide receiver

Position: quarterback

Height: 6 feet 2 inches

Weight: 231 pounds

College: Washington

Career highlights: Drafted third overall by the Texans in 2003 … a five-time Pro Bowl selection and a four-time All-Pro … topped the NFL receiving yards list in 2008 and 2009 … for his career, has 706 receptions for 9,656 yards with 56 touchdowns … is the only player with 60-plus receptions each of his first eight seasons

Why to watch him: One of the game’s greats, but he’s 31 and coming off an injury-shortened 2011. Can he return to form?

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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.”

Andre Johnson

Height: 6 feet 3 inches

Weight: 226 pounds

Chris Johnson

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.

Career highlights: Selected by the Titans with the eighth overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft … replaced injured Matt Hasselbeck on Nov. 20, throwing for 140 yards and two touchdowns in a losing effort vs. Atlanta Why to watch him: A dynamic young quarterback who can make things happen

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2012• MORNING JOURNAL • NFL PREVIEW 2012

AFC SOUTH 2011 Record: 5-11, third place, AFC South Head Coach: Mike Mularkey, first season Additions: QB Chad Henne, CB Aaron Ross, WR Laurent Robinson 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.

biggest talent drain in recent memory, 2011 Record: 2-14, last place, AFC South with Manning, Addai, Saturday, Garcon and Clark heading a long list of veteran Head Coach: Chuck Pagano, first defections. Of course, they also season drafted the best quarterback prospect Additions: DE Cory Redding, DT since Manning in Luck, who will start Brandon McKinney, S Tom Zbikowski, immediately. He’ll have a familiar target QB Drew Stanton, RB Mewelde Moore, to throw to in fellow Stanford alumnus WR Donnie Avery, C Samson Satele Fleener and a veteran presence in resigned Reggie Wayne. The running Departures: QB Peyton Manning, QB game was among the league’s Dan Orlovsky, RB Joseph Addai, worst with Addai and will likely WR Pierre Garcon, TE Dallas Clark, G Ryan Diem, C Jeff still be, with Donald Brown, Saturday, C/G Mike Pollak, Delone Carter and rookie DE Tyler Brayton, DE Jamaal Vick Ballard the likely Anderson, DT Eric Foster options. Key Draft Picks: QB Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) Andrew Luck (1), TE Coby take: “It’s the mental part Fleener (2), TE Dwayne Allen of it. When you get beat (3), WR Ty Hilton (3) up, how do you deal Season preview: One with all of that? (Luck) will Donald word – rebuilding. The Colts be able to deal with it. He’s Brown experienced probably the 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)

11 87

Blaine Gabbert

Reggie Wayne

Full name: Blaine Gabbert

Full name: Reginald Wayne

Birthplace: Ballwin, Mo.

Birthplace: New Orleans

Birth date: Oct. 15, 1989

Birth date: Nov. 17, 1978

Position: quarterback

Position: wide receiver

Height: 6 feet 4 inches Weight: 235 pounds College: Missouri

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.

College: Miami

Career highlights: Taken in the first round (10th overall) of the 2011 draft by the Jags, who traded up six slots to get him … made NFL debut Sept. 18 vs. the New York Jets and was named the starter vs. Carolina a week later … struggled his rookie season, committing 14 fumbles and was sacked 40 times … had a 50.8 completion percentage in ’11 … broke Jaguars record for most starts by a rookie quarterback Why to watch him: The second-year quarterback’s progress will determine the Jags’ fortunes

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Height: 6 feet

Weight: 198 pounds

WalMart Plaza

Career highlights: Drafted in the first round (30th overall) by the Colts in 2001 … a five-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time All-Pro … led the league in receiving yards (1,510) in 2007 … his 53-yard touchdown reception helped defeat Chicago in Super Bowl XLI in ’07 … has 862 receptions for 11,708 yards and 73 touchdowns over his 11-year NFL career Why to watch him: He’s a veteran target for Andrew Luck

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2012 NFL PREVIEW 2011 Record: 8-8, first place, AFC West; 1-1 in postseason, lost to Patriots in divisional playoff

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 31st-ranked 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.

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 Harvey, DT Brodrick Bunkley, Photo DT Marcus by Eric Bakke Thomas Key Draft Picks: DT Derek Wolfe (2), QB Brock Osweiler (2), RB Ronnie Hillman (3), CB Omar Bolden (4), C Philip Blake (4)

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.”

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)

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.

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 an off year last

College: Miami

Phil Rivers

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.)

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.

23 24 Willis McGahee

Ryan Mathews

Full name: Willis Andrew McGahee

Full name: Ryan J. Mathews

Birthplace: Miami

Birthplace: Riverside, Calif.

Birth date: Oct. 21, 1981

Birth date: Oct. 10, 1987

Position: running back

Height: 6 feet

Weight: 235 pounds

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.

Height: 6 feet

Weight: 218 pounds College: Fresno St.

Career highlights: Drafted in the first round (23rd overall) by the Buffalo Bills in 2003 … has rushed for over 1,000 yards four times over his eight-year career with the Bills (2003-06), Baltimore Ravens (2007-10) and Broncos (2011-present) … has 7,366 rushing yards for his career … a Pro Bowl selection in 2007 and 2011 Why to watch him: Enjoying a career resurgence as a workhorse running back

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Career highlights: Drafted by the Chargers with the 12th overall pick in 2010 … rushed for 678 yards his rookie season and 1,091 yards his second year … also caught 50 passes for 455 yards in 2011 … a Pro Bowl selection in ’11 Why to watch him: Figures to flourish after a breakout year in 2011

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2012• MORNING JOURNAL • NFL PREVIEW 2012

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

Darren McFadden

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 elite-level runner Darren McFadden. If this team’s defense can rise from the level of atrocious to average, an 1112 win season isn’t out of the question. 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 Dwayne indicates, a function more Bowe of injuries to key players

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 season? If he can, then they have a chance.”

Wk 1 - Atlanta Sept. 9 (Fox)

Wk 10 - at Pittsburgh Nov. 12 (ESPN) (Mon.)

Wk 2 - at Buffalo Sept. 16 (CBS)

Wk 11 - Cincinnati Nov. 18 (CBS)

Wk 3 - at New Orleans Sept. 23 (CBS)

Wk 12 - Denver Nov. 25 (CBS)

Wk 4 - San Diego Sept. 30 (CBS)

Wk 13 - Carolina Dec. 2 (Fox)

Wk 5 - Baltimore Oct. 7 (CBS)

Wk 14 - at Cleveland Dec. 9 (CBS)

Wk 6 - at Tampa Bay Oct. 14 (CBS)

Wk 15 - at Oakland Dec. 16 (CBS)

Wk 7 - Bye

Wk 16 - Indianapolis Dec. 23 (CBS)

Wk 8 - Oakland Oct. 28 (CBS)

Wk 17 - at Denver Dec. 30 (CBS)

Wk 9 - at San Diego Nov. 1 (NFLN) (Thurs.)

*Check local listings; subject to change.

Carson Palmer

Matt Cassel

Full name: Carson Palmer Birthplace: Fresno, Calif. Birth date: Dec. 27, 1979 Position: quarterback Height: 6 feet 5 inches Weight: 235 pounds

Full name: Matthew Gus Brennan Cassel Birthplace: Northridge, Calif. Birth date: May 17, 1982 Position: quarterback

Height: 6 feet 4 inches

College: USC Career highlights: After not playing at all his rookie season, was named the Bengals’ starter in 2004 … led the Bengals to their first winning season in 15 years in 2005 with an 11-5 record … a two-time Pro Bowl selection and was game MVP in 2006 … AFC Player of the Year in 2005 … in 2007, threw for a team record 4,131 yards … after disappointing seasons in 2009 and 2010, was traded to the Raiders … led the Raiders to an 8-8 record in 2011

Weight: 230 pounds

Why to watch him: A big-armed veteran who figures to get better his second season in Oakland

Why to watch him: He’s the key to the Chiefs’ offense

College: USC

Career highlights: Stepped in as Patriots’ starter in 2008 after QB Tom Brady injured his knee … led the Pats to an 11-5 record in ’08 … traded to Chiefs in 2009 … won AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors three times … a 2010 Pro Bowl selection

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Page 9

2012 NFL PREVIEW WEEK 2

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 Chicago at Green Bay (NFLN, 8:20 p.m.)

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Houston at Jacksonville (CBS, 1 p.m.) New Orleans at Carolina (Fox, 1 p.m.) Minnesota at Indianapolis (Fox, 1 p.m.) Tampa Bay at N.Y. Giants (Fox, 1 p.m.) Arizona at New England (Fox, 1 p.m.) Baltimore at Philadelphia (CBS, 1 p.m.) Oakland at Miami (CBS, 1 p.m.) Kansas City at Buffalo (CBS, 1 p.m.) Cleveland at Cincinnati (CBS, 1 p.m.) Dallas at Seattle (Fox, 4:05 p.m.) Washington at St. Louis (Fox, 4:05 p.m.) N.Y. Jets at Pittsburgh (CBS, 4:25 p.m.) Tennessee at San Diego (CBS, 4:25 p.m.) Detroit at San Francisco (NBC, 8:20 p.m.)

DeSean Jackson

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Denver at Atlanta (ESPN, 8:30 p.m.)

WEEK 3

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 N.Y. Giants at Carolina (NFLN, 8:20 p.m.)

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

WEEK 1 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 Dallas at N.Y. Giants (NBC, 8:30 p.m.)

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Philadelphia at Cleveland (Fox, 1 p.m.) Washington at New Orleans (Fox, 1 p.m.) Indianapolis at Chicago (CBS, 1 p.m.) Miami at Houston (CBS, 1 p.m.) New England at Tennessee (CBS, 1 p.m.) Buffalo at N.Y. Jets (CBS, 1 p.m.) St. Louis at Detroit (Fox, 1 p.m.) Atlanta at Kansas City (Fox, 1 p.m.) Jacksonville at Minnesota (CBS, 1 p.m.) Carolina at Tampa Bay (Fox, 4:25 p.m.) Seattle at Arizona (Fox, 4:25 p.m.) San Francisco at Green Bay (Fox, 4:25 p.m.) Pittsburgh at Denver (NBC, 8:20 p.m.)

Kansas City at New Orleans (CBS, 1 p.m.) N.Y. Jets at Miami (CBS, 1 p.m.) Cincinnati at Washington (CBS, 1 p.m.) Buffalo at Cleveland (CBS, 1 p.m.) Detroit at Tennessee (Fox, 1 p.m.) Jacksonville at Indianapolis (CBS, 1 p.m.) Tampa Bay at Dallas (Fox, 1 p.m.) San Francisco at Minnesota (Fox, 1 p.m.) St. Louis at Chicago (Fox, 1 p.m.) Atlanta at San Diego (Fox, 4:05 p.m.) Philadelphia at Arizona (Fox, 4:05 p.m.) Pittsburgh at Oakland (CBS, 4:25 p.m.) Houston at Denver (CBS, 4:25 p.m.) New England at Baltimore (NBC, 8:20 p.m.)

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 Green Bay at Seattle (ESPN, 8:30 p.m.)

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

WEEK 4

Cincinnati at Baltimore (ESPN, 7 p.m.) San Diego at Oakland (ESPN, 10:15 p.m.)

Cleveland at Baltimore (NFLN, 8:20 p.m.)

Page 10

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

All times Eastern; subject to change

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 New England at Buffalo (CBS, 1 p.m.) San Diego at Kansas City (CBS, 1 p.m.) Tennessee at Houston (CBS, 1 p.m.) Minnesota at Detroit (Fox, 1 p.m.) Carolina at Atlanta (Fox, 1 p.m.) Seattle at St. Louis (Fox, 1 p.m.) San Francisco at N.Y. Jets (Fox, 1 p.m.) Cincinnati at Jacksonville (CBS, 4:05 p.m.) Oakland at Denver (CBS, 4:05 p.m.) Miami at Arizona (CBS, 4:05 p.m.) Washington at Tampa Bay (Fox, 4:25 p.m.) New Orleans at Green Bay (Fox, 4:25 p.m.) N.Y. Giants at Philadelphia (NBC, 8:20 p.m.)

MONDAY, OCTOBER 1 Chicago at Dallas (ESPN, 8:30 p.m.)

WEEK 5 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4 Arizona at St. Louis (NFLN, 8:20 p.m.)

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7 Green Bay at Indianapolis (Fox, 1 p.m.) Atlanta at Washington (Fox, 1 p.m.) Tennessee at Minnesota (CBS, 1 p.m.) Philadelphia at Pittsburgh (Fox, 1 p.m.) Baltimore at Kansas City (CBS, 1 p.m.) Miami at Cincinnati (CBS, 1 p.m.) Cleveland at N.Y. Giants (CBS, 1 p.m.) Chicago at Jacksonville (Fox, 4:05 p.m.) Seattle at Carolina (Fox, 4:05 p.m.) Denver at New England (CBS, 4:25 p.m.) Buffalo at San Francisco (CBS, 4:25 p.m.) San Diego at New Orleans (NBC, 8:20 p.m.)

MONDAY, OCTOBER 8 Houston at N.Y. Jets (ESPN, 8:30 p.m.)

WEEK 6 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11

Minnesota at Washington (Fox, 4:25 p.m.) Green Bay at Houston (NBC, 8:20 p.m.)

MONDAY, OCTOBER 15 Denver at San Diego (ESPN, 8:30 p.m.)

WEEK 7

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18 Seattle at San Francisco (NFLN, 8:20 p.m.)

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21 Tennessee at Buffalo (CBS, 1 p.m.) New Orleans at Tampa Bay (Fox, 1 p.m.) Dallas at Carolina (Fox, 1 p.m.) Washington at N.Y. Giants (Fox, 1 p.m.) Cleveland at Indianapolis (CBS, 1 p.m.) Arizona at Minnesota (Fox, 1 p.m.) Green Bay at St. Louis (Fox, 1 p.m.) Baltimore at Houston (CBS, 1 p.m.) N.Y. Jets at New England (CBS, 4:25 p.m.) Jacksonville at Oakland (CBS, 4:25 p.m.) Pittsburgh at Cincinnati (NBC, 8:20 p.m.)

MONDAY, OCTOBER 22 Detroit at Chicago (ESPN, 8:30 p.m.)

WEEK 8

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25 Tampa Bay at Minnesota (NFLN, 8:20 p.m.)

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28 Seattle at Detroit (Fox, 1 p.m.) Jacksonville at Green Bay (CBS, 1 p.m.) Indianapolis at Tennessee (CBS, 1 p.m.) Washington at Pittsburgh (Fox, 1 p.m.) San Diego at Cleveland (CBS, 1 p.m.) Atlanta at Philadelphia (Fox, 1 p.m.) Carolina at Chicago (Fox, 1 p.m.) New England at St. Louis (CBS, 1 p.m.) Miami at N.Y. Jets (CBS, 1 p.m.) Oakland at Kansas City (CBS, 4:05 p.m.) N.Y. Giants at Dallas (Fox, 4:25 p.m.) New Orleans at Denver (NBC, 8:20 p.m.)

MONDAY, OCTOBER 29

Pittsburgh at Tennessee (NFLN, 8:20 p.m.)

San Francisco at Arizona (ESPN, 8:30 p.m.)

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14

WEEK 9

Indianapolis at N.Y. Jets (CBS, 1 p.m.) Detroit at Philadelphia (Fox, 1 p.m.) St. Louis at Miami (Fox, 1 p.m.) Oakland at Atlanta (CBS, 1 p.m.) Kansas City at Tampa Bay (CBS, 1 p.m.) Dallas at Baltimore (Fox, 1 p.m.) Cincinnati at Cleveland (CBS, 1 p.m.) New England at Seattle (CBS, 4:05 p.m.) Buffalo at Arizona (CBS, 4:05 p.m.) N.Y. Giants at San Francisco (Fox, 4:25 p.m.)

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1 Kansas City at San Diego (NFLN, 8:20 p.m.)

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4 Denver at Cincinnati (CBS, 1 p.m.) Chicago at Tennessee (Fox, 1 p.m.) Arizona at Green Bay (Fox, 1 p.m.) Buffalo at Houston (CBS, 1 p.m.) Miami at Indianapolis (CBS, 1 p.m.) Baltimore at Cleveland (CBS, 1 p.m.)

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2012• MORNING JOURNAL • NFL PREVIEW 2012

All times Eastern; subject to change

Detroit at Jacksonville (Fox, 1 p.m.) Carolina at Washington (Fox, 1 p.m.) Minnesota at Seattle (Fox, 4:05 p.m.) Tampa Bay at Oakland (Fox, 4:05 p.m.) Pittsburgh at N.Y. Giants (CBS, 4:25 p.m.) Dallas at Atlanta (NBC, 8:20 p.m.)

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5 Philadelphia at New Orleans (ESPN, 8:30 p.m.)

WEEK 10

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8 Indianapolis at Jacksonville (NFLN, 8:20 p.m.)

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11 Tennessee at Miami (CBS, 1 p.m.) Denver at Carolina (CBS, 1 p.m.) Oakland at Baltimore (CBS, 1 p.m.) N.Y. Giants at Cincinnati (Fox, 1 p.m.) San Diego at Tampa Bay (CBS, 1 p.m.) Detroit at Minnesota (Fox, 1 p.m.) Atlanta at New Orleans (Fox, 1 p.m.) Buffalo at New England (CBS, 1 p.m.) N.Y. Jets at Seattle (CBS, 4:05 p.m.) Dallas at Philadelphia (Fox, 4:25 p.m.) St. Louis at San Francisco (Fox, 4:25 p.m.) Houston at Chicago (NBC, 8:20 p.m.)

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12 Kansas City at Pittsburgh (ESPN, 8:30 p.m.)

WEEK 11

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15 Miami at Buffalo (NFLN, 8:20 p.m.)

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18 N.Y. Jets at St. Louis (CBS, 1 p.m.) Cincinnati at Kansas City (CBS, 1 p.m.) Green Bay at Detroit (Fox, 1 p.m.) Cleveland at Dallas (CBS, 1 p.m.) Arizona at Atlanta (Fox, 1 p.m.) Indianapolis at New England (CBS, 1 p.m.) Philadelphia at Washington (Fox, 1 p.m.) Jacksonville at Houston (CBS, 1 p.m.) Tampa Bay at Carolina (Fox, 1 p.m.) New Orleans at Oakland (Fox, 4:05 p.m.) San Diego at Denver (CBS, 4:25 p.m.) Baltimore at Pittsburgh (NBC, 8:20 p.m.)

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19 Chicago at San Francisco (ESPN, 8:30 p.m.)

WEEK 12

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22 Houston at Detroit (CBS, 12:30 p.m.) Washington at Dallas (Fox, 4:25 p.m.)

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

New England at N.Y. Jets (NBC, 8:20 p.m.)

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25 Buffalo at Indianapolis (CBS, 1 p.m.) Pittsburgh at Cleveland (CBS, 1 p.m.) Atlanta at Tampa Bay (Fox, 1 p.m.) Minnesota at Chicago (Fox, 1 p.m.) Denver at Kansas City (CBS, 1 p.m.) Oakland at Cincinnati (CBS, 1 p.m.) Seattle at Miami (Fox, 1 p.m.) Tennessee at Jacksonville (CBS, 1 p.m.) Baltimore at San Diego (CBS, 4:05 p.m.) St. Louis at Arizona (Fox, 4:25 p.m.) San Francisco at New Orleans (Fox, 4:25 p.m.) Green Bay at N.Y. Giants (NBC, 8:20 p.m.)

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26 Carolina at Philadelphia (ESPN, 8:30 p.m.)

WEEK 13

San Diego at Pittsburgh (CBS, 1 p.m.) Dallas at Cincinnati (Fox, 1 p.m.) Tennessee at Indianapolis (CBS, 1 p.m.) St. Louis at Buffalo (Fox, 1 p.m.) Baltimore at Washington (CBS, 1 p.m.) Atlanta at Carolina (Fox, 1 p.m.) Chicago at Minnesota (Fox, 1 p.m.) N.Y. Jets at Jacksonville (CBS, 1 p.m.) Miami at San Francisco (CBS, 4:05 p.m.) New Orleans at N.Y. Giants (Fox, 4:25 p.m.) Arizona at Seattle (Fox, 4:25 p.m.) Detroit at Green Bay (NBC, 8:20 p.m.)

MONDAY, DECEMBER 10

New Orleans at Atlanta (NFLN, 8:20 p.m.)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2 San Francisco at St. Louis (Fox, 1 p.m.) Seattle at Chicago (Fox, 1 p.m.) Arizona at N.Y. Jets (Fox, 1 p.m.) Jacksonville at Buffalo (CBS, 1 p.m.) Indianapolis at Detroit (CBS, 1 p.m.) Carolina at Kansas City (Fox, 1 p.m.) Minnesota at Green Bay (Fox, 1 p.m.) Houston at Tennessee (CBS, 1 p.m.) New England at Miami (CBS, 1 p.m.) Tampa Bay at Denver (Fox, 4:05 p.m.) Cincinnati at San Diego (CBS, 4:25 p.m.) Cleveland at Oakland (CBS, 4:25 p.m.) Pittsburgh at Baltimore (CBS, 4:25 p.m.) Philadelphia at Dallas (NBC, 8:20 p.m.)

N.Y. Jets at Tennessee (ESPN, 8:30 p.m.)

WEEK 16

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22

WEEK 15

Atlanta at Detroit (ESPN, 8:30 p.m.)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13 Cincinnati at Philadelphia (NFLN, 8:20 p.m.) Green Bay at Chicago (Fox, 1 p.m.) Minnesota at St. Louis (Fox, 1 p.m.) Tampa Bay at New Orleans (Fox, 1 p.m.) Jacksonville at Miami (CBS, 1 p.m.) N.Y. Giants at Atlanta (Fox, 1 p.m.) Washington at Cleveland (Fox, 1 p.m.)

MONDAY, DECEMBER 3 N.Y. Giants at Washington (NBC, 8:30 p.m.)

WEEK 14 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5

Denver at Oakland (NFLN, 8:20 p.m.)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9 Philadelphia at Tampa Bay (Fox, 1 p.m.) Kansas City at Cleveland (CBS, 1 p.m.)

MONDAY, DECEMBER 17

Houston at New England (ESPN, 8:30 p.m.)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29

Indianapolis at Houston (CBS, 1 p.m.) Denver at Baltimore (CBS, 1 p.m.) Seattle at Buffalo (Fox, 4:05 p.m.) Carolina at San Diego (Fox, 4:05 p.m.) Detroit at Arizona (Fox, 4:05 p.m.) Pittsburgh at Dallas (CBS, 4:25 p.m.) Kansas City at Oakland (CBS, 4:25 p.m.) San Francisco at New England (NBC, 8:20 p.m.)

Troy Polamalu

Minnesota at Houston (Fox, 1 p.m.) Cincinnati at Pittsburgh (CBS, 1 p.m.) New England at Jacksonville (CBS, 1 p.m.) Buffalo at Miami (CBS, 1 p.m.) New Orleans at Dallas (Fox, 1 p.m.) Tennessee at Green Bay (CBS, 1 p.m.) St. Louis at Tampa Bay (Fox, 1 p.m.) Oakland at Carolina (CBS, 1 p.m.) Indianapolis at Kansas City (CBS, 1 p.m.) Washington at Philadelphia (Fox, 1 p.m.) N.Y. Giants at Baltimore (Fox, 1 p.m.) Cleveland at Denver (CBS, 4:05 p.m.) Chicago at Arizona (Fox, 4:25 p.m.) San Francisco at Seattle (Fox, 4:25 p.m.) San Diego at N.Y. Jets (NBC, 8:20 p.m.)

WEEK 17 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30 Dallas at Washington (Fox, 1 p.m.) Philadelphia at N.Y. Giants (Fox, 1 p.m.) Tampa Bay at Atlanta (Fox, 1 p.m.) Jacksonville at Tennessee (CBS, 1 p.m.) Chicago at Detroit (Fox, 1 p.m.) Carolina at New Orleans (Fox, 1 p.m.) Green Bay at Minnesota (Fox, 1 p.m.) Cleveland at Pittsburgh (CBS, 1 p.m.) Houston at Indianapolis (CBS, 1 p.m.) Miami at New England (CBS, 1 p.m.) N.Y. Jets at Buffalo (CBS, 1 p.m.) Baltimore at Cincinnati (CBS, 1 p.m.) St. Louis at Seattle (Fox, 4:25 p.m.) Arizona at San Francisco (Fox, 4:25 p.m.) Kansas City at Denver (CBS, 4:25 p.m.) Oakland at San Diego (CBS, 4:25 p.m.)

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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 Robinson (4), OT Brandon Mosley (4) Season preview: After a 9-7 record in 2011, the Giants went on 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)

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 29thranked pass defense, which gets help with Rivers, Brown, Molden and Hosley. The Giants are still very talented and playoff-worthy, but they lost some depth. If injuries mount, there could be trouble.

Eli Manning

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.

2011 Record: 8-8, second place, NFC East Head Coach: Andy Reid, 14th season Additions: OT Demetress Bell, linebacker DeMeco Ryans, QB Trent Edwards, G Mike Gibson, OT Steve Vallos, OT Thomas Welch, LB Mychal Kendricks, DT Fletcher Cox Departures: CB Asante Samuel, C Jamaal Jackson, QB Vince Young, RB Ronnie Brown, WR Steve Smith Key Draft Picks: DT Fletcher Cox (1), LB Mychal Kendricks (2), Michael DE Vinny Curry (3), Vick QB Nick Foles (3), CB 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.)

Season preview: After going 8-8 and missing the playoffs last year, the Eagles addressed holes on defense with the draftings of Cox, Kendricks and Boykin and the acquisition of Ryans. It will be interesting to see if the new players can help shore up a porous run defense. On offense, QB Michael Vick has some major playmakers in RB LeSean McCoy and WR DeSean Jackson. If that group can stay healthy and on the field, this team can make a long playoff run. If not, more disappointment will be in store. Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: “It’s all on Michael Vick. If he can stay healthy and protect the football, they have an excellent chance of winning this division.”

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.

34 25 David Wilson

LeSean McCoy

Full name: David Emmanuel Wilson

Full name: LeSean Kamel McCoy

Birthplace: Danville, Va.

Birthplace: Harrisburg, Pa.

Birth date: June 15, 1991

Birth date: July 12, 1988

Position: running back

Height: 5 feet 11 inches

Height: 5 feet 9 inches

Weight: 208 pounds

Weight: 205 pounds College: Virginia Tech

College: Pittsburgh

Career highlights: After coming off the bench his first two years at Virginia Tech, earned the starting job in 2011, when he ran for 1,709 yards and nine touchdowns … garnered ACC Player of the Year and First-Team All-ACC honors in ’11 … selected by the Giants in the first round (32nd overall) by the Giants in the 2012 NFL Draft Why to watch him: An athletic runner who was one of the top backs in the 2012 draft

Career highlights: Drafted in the second round (53rd overall) by the Eagles in 2009 … had a career-long 66-yard touchdown run his rookie season Nov. 1 against the New York Giants ... set an Eagles single-season rookie record with 637 yards rushing … ran for 1,080 yards with 78 receptions in 2010 and 1,309 yards (an Eagles record) and 47 receptions in 2011 … holds Eagles single-season marks for rushing (17) and total (20) touchdowns … a Pro Bowl selection in ’11 Why to watch him: An explosive, versatile playmaker

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2012• MORNING JOURNAL • NFL PREVIEW 2012

NFC EAST 2011 Record: 8-8, third place, NFC East Head Coach: Jason Garrett, third season Additions: CB Brandon Carr, QB Kyle Orton, G Mackenzy Bernadeau, RB Lawrence Vickers, 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

last year, the Cowboys drafted what many agree could be an impact player on defense in Claiborne, who with the acquisition of Carr 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 bestcase scenario. Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: “They’ve got to finish games.”

Season preview: After going 8-8 and finishing out of the playoffs 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 10 - at Philadelphia Nov. 11 (Fox) Wk 11 - Cleveland Nov. 18 (CBS) Wk 12 - Washington Nov. 22 (Fox) (Thurs.)

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 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)

Wk 8 - N.Y. Giants Oct. 28 (Fox) Wk 9 - at Atlanta Nov. 4 (NBC)

*Check local listings; subject to change.

2011 Record: 5-11, last place, NFC East Head Coach: Mike Shanahan, third season Additions: WR Pierre Garcon, WR Josh Morgan, S Brandon Meriweather, CB Cedric Griffin, 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 since … Joe Theismann? So after a decade of mediocrity, the team paid

Santana Moss

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)

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.

88 83 Dez Bryant

Fred Davis

Full name: Desmond Demond Bryant

Full name: Fred Davis

Birthplace: Lufkin, Texas

Birthplace: Toledo, Ohio

Birth date: Nov. 4, 1988

Birth date: Jan. 15, 1986

Position: wide receiver/return specialist

Position: tight end

Height: 6 feet 2 inches

Weight: 203 pounds

dearly for what many believe is an NFL-ready QB in Griffin. Now the eyes of the nation’s capital are on him to see if he’s worth three future firstround 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.

Height: 6 feet 4 inches

Weight: 257 pounds

College: Oklahoma St.

College: USC

Career highlights: Drafted in the first round (24th overall) by the Cowboys in 2010 … in rookie season, returned a punt 93 yards for a touchdown Oct. 25 vs. NYG and caught three passes for 104 yards and a touchdown Nov. 14 vs. NYG … won the starting receiver job in 2011 … in two seasons at Dallas, has 108 receptions for 1,489 yards and 15 touchdowns … as returner, has 596 return yards and two touchdowns Why to watch him: A playmaking receiver on the verge of a monster season

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Career highlights: After seeing limited duty his rookie season, was more involved with the offense in 2009, catching 48 passes for 509 yards and six touchdowns … became the starting tight end in 2011, when he had 59 receptions for 796 yards and three touchdowns

Why to watch him: Can this talented end fulfill his enormous potential now that he has a legitimate stud, Robert Griffin III, at quarterback?

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2012 NFL PREVIEW 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, RB Cedric Benson 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)

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, and adds Benson to bolster 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

Season preview: A 15-1 record followed by a shocking

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

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

Wk 1 - San Francisco Sept. 9 (Fox)

Wk 10 - Bye

Wk 1 - St. Louis Sept. 9 (Fox)

Wk 10 - at Minnesota Nov. 11 (Fox)

Wk 2 - Chicago Sept. 13 (NFLN) (Thurs.)

Wk 11 - at Detroit Nov. 18 (Fox)

Wk 2 - at San Francisco Sept. 16 (NBC)

Wk 11 - Green Bay Nov. 18 (Fox)

Wk 3 - at Seattle Sept. 24 (ESPN) (Mon.)

Wk 12 - at N.Y. Giants Nov. 25 (NBC)

Wk 3 - at Tennessee Sept. 23 (Fox)

Wk 12 - Houston Nov. 22 (CBS) (Thurs.)

Wk 4 - New Orleans Sept. 30 (Fox)

Wk 13 - Minnesota Dec. 2 (Fox)

Wk 4 - Minnesota Sept. 30 (Fox)

Wk 13 - Indianapolis Dec. 2 (CBS)

Wk 5 - at Indianapolis Oct. 7 (Fox)

Wk 14 - Detroit Dec. 9 (NBC)

Wk 5 - Bye

Wk 14 - at Green Bay Dec. 9 (NBC)

Wk 6 - at Houston Oct. 14 (NBC)

Wk 15 - at Chicago Dec. 16 (Fox)

Wk 6 - at Philadelphia Oct. 14 (Fox)

Wk 15 - at Arizona Dec. 16 (Fox)

Wk 7 - at St. Louis Oct. 21 (Fox)

Wk 16 - Tennessee Dec. 23 (CBS)

Wk 7 - at Chicago Oct. 22 (ESPN) (Mon.)

Wk 16 - Atlanta Dec. 22 (ESPN) (Sat.)

Wk 8 - Jacksonville Oct. 28 (CBS)

Wk 17 - at Minnesota Dec. 30 (Fox)

Wk 8 - Seattle Oct. 28 (Fox)

Wk 17 - Chicago Dec. 30 (Fox)

Wk 9 - Arizona Nov. 4 (Fox)

*Check local listings; subject to change.

Wk 9 - at Jacksonville Nov. 4 (Fox)

*Check local listings; subject to change.

87 81

Jordy Nelson

Calvin Johnson

Full name: Jordy Ray Nelson

Full name: Calvin Johnson Jr.

Birthplace: Manhattan, Kan.

Birthplace: Newnan, Ga.

Birth date: May 31, 1985

Birth date: Sept. 25, 1985

Position: wide receiver

Position: wide receiver Height: 6 feet 5 inches

Height: 6 feet 3 inches Weight: 217 pounds College: Kansas St.

Weight: 236 pounds

College: Georgia Tech

Career highlights: Taken by the Packers in the second round (36th overall) in the 2008 NFL Draft … caught a 29-yard TD pass in the Packers’ 31-25 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV … after three nondescript seasons in Green Bay, caught 68 passes for 1,263 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2011 Why to watch him: Can he follow his breakout 2011 campaign with another stellar season?

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Career highlights: Drafted in the first round (second overall) by the Lions in 2007 … caught four passes for 70 yards vs. Oakland in his first NFL game in Sept. 2007 ... caught a career-high nine passes for 110 yards and a touchdown vs. Indianapolis in Dec. 2008 ... made his first Pro Bowl in 2010 and AP Second Team All-Pro … had his best season in 2011, catching 96 passes for 1,681 yards and 16 touchdowns … is the only player with at least two touchdowns in each of his team’s first four games of a season (set in ’11) Why to watch him: Arguably the NFL’s most dominant receiver

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2012• MORNING JOURNAL • NFL PREVIEW 2012

NFC NORTH 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, 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 that went 11-5 in 2010 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)

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), Season preview: The Vikes addressed their most pressing need, the offensive line, with

College: Tulane

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.

22 7 Matt Forte

Christian Ponder

Full name: Matthew Garrett Forte

Full name: Christian Ponder

Birthplace: Lake Charles, La.

Birthplace: Dallas

Birth date: Dec. 10, 1985

Birth date: Feb. 25, 1988

Position: running back

Position: quarterback

Height: 6 feet 2 inches

Weight: 218 pounds

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. All-Pro 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.

Height: 6 feet 2 inches

Weight: 232 pounds College: Florida St.

Career highlights: Drafted by the Bears in the second round (44th overall) in 2008 … ran for 1,231 yards in ’08, making him the first Bears rookie to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark since Anthony Thomas in 2001 … in four years with Bears, has 4,226 rushing yards and 6,211 yards from scrimmage … a Pro Bowl selection in 2011

Why to watch him: The workhorse of the Chicago offense, Forte’s knees will be a question mark coming into 2012

Career highlights: Drafted by the Vikings with the 12th overall pick in 2011 … first career pass attempt was a 72-yard play-action completion to Michael Jenkins … finished his rookie year with 158 completions in 291 attempts for 1,853 yards, 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions Why to watch him: Has great tools and lots of potential. Can he maximize them with a struggling team?

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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 JoLonn 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 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.

2011 Record: 10-6, second place, NFC South; 0-1 in postseason, lost to Giants in wildcard game

Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: “They need (Brees) more than ever.”

Matt Ryan

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.)

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.

Head Coach: Mike Smith, fifth season Additions: LB Lofa Tatupu, 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 a persistent problem and take Holmes in the third

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)

College: Miami

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.

80 33 Jimmy Graham

Michael Turner

Full name: Jimmy Graham

Full name: Michael Turner

Birthplace: Goldsboro, N.C.

Birthplace: Waukegan, Ill.

Birth date: Nov. 24, 1986

Birth date: Feb. 13, 1982

Position: tight end

Position: running back

Height: 6 feet 7 inches

Weight: 265 pounds

round to play left tackle. Secondrounder 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?

Height: 5 feet 10 inches

Weight: 247 pounds

College: Northern Illinois

Career highlights: Drafted in the third round (95th overall) by the Saints in 2010 … in 2011, his first year as a starter, had 99 receptions for 1,310 yards and 11 touchdowns and made his first Pro Bowl Why to watch him: This smart, athletic tight end has the size and speed to give linebackers and defensive backs fits

Career highlights: Drafted in the fifth round (154th overall) by the San Diego Chargers in 2004 … after serving as a backup and special teams player in four years in San Diego, signed with the Falcons in 2008 … finished the ’08 season with 1,699 yards rushing … an All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection in 2008 and 2010 and led the NFC in rushing in 2010 and 2011 … has 6,538 yards rushing and 56 rushing touchdowns for his career Why to watch him: A bruising tailback who can run over single defenders, this workhorse is now 30. How much longer can he carry the rushing load?

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2012• MORNING JOURNAL • NFL PREVIEW 2012

NFC SOUTH 2011 Record: 6-10, third place, NFC (DT Ron Edwards, LB Jon Beason) South returning from injury – and with the Saints weighed down by Bountygate Head Coach: Ron Rivera, second – it could be time for another. The season offensive line was an area of concern, Additions: S Reggie Smith, K Justin so the team drafted Silatolu to replace Medlock, RB Mike Tolbert, S Haruki Wharton at guard. The secondary is Nakamura, G Mike Pollak, OT Bruce another weakness, though fifth rounder Campbell, RB Armond Smith Josh Norman and signees Smith and Nakamura could help. The running Departures: RB Mike Goodson, game (Jonathan Stewart, WR Legedu Naanee, TE Jeremy DeAngelo Williams) and Shockey, OT/G Geoff Schwartz, G receiver corps (led by Steve Travelle Wharton, G Mackenzy Smith) rank with the best, Bernadeau, LB Thomas as does Newton. If he Williams can avoid a sophomore Key Draft Picks: LB Luke slump, a playoff berth is Kuechly (1), G Amini Silatolu (2), possible. DE Frank Alexander (4), WR Joe Herm Edwards’ Adams (4) (ESPN) take: “I Season preview: The Panthers think offensively, took a big step forward last year, Cam they’re going to be Newton led by QB Cam Newton, who fine. ... I don’t think the game is too big for Cam set a slew of rookie records. Now Newton.” with several key defensive players 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)

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.

2011 Record: 4-12, last place, NFC South Head Coach: Greg Schiano, first season Additions: WR Vincent Jackson, G Carl Nicks, CB Eric Wright, WR Tiquan Underwood, 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)

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.

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)

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.

89 83 Steve Smith

Vincent Jackson

Full name: Stevonne Latrall Smith Birthplace: Los Angeles Birth date: May 12, 1979 Position: wide receiver Height: 5 feet 9 inches

Full name: Vincent Jackson

Weight: 203 pounds College: Utah Career highlights: Selected by the Panthers in the third round (74th overall) of the 2001 NFL Draft … in 11 seasons, holds Panther records with 699 receptions for 10,278 yards and 67 touchdowns … a five-time Pro Bowl selection and a three-time All-Pro … set career highs in receiving yards (1,563), receptions (103) and touchdowns (12) in 2005 …in Super Bowl XXXVIII (2003), caught four passes for 80 yards and a touchdown in Carolina’s 32-29 loss to New England Why to watch him: An explosive receiver with a talent for making nearimpossible catches

KILL

Birth date: Jan. 14, 1983 Position: wide receiver

Height: 6 feet 5 inches

Weight: 230 pounds

College: Northern Colorado

Career highlights: Drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round (61st overall) in 2005 … best year was 2009, when had career highs in receptions (68) and receiving yards (1,167) and tied his career high in touchdowns (9) … a Pro Bowl selection in 2009 and 2011 … signed as a free agent with the Bucs in March 2012 Why to watch him: His blend of size and speed creates matchup problems for opposing defenses

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2012 NFL PREVIEW 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

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

last year. Now he has to duplicate the 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.

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

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.

21 19

Frank Gore

John Skelton

Full name: Franklin John Michael Gore Birthplace: Miami Birth date: May 14, 1983

Full name: John Michael Skelton

Position: running back Height: 5 feet 9 inches

Position: quarterback

Weight: 217 pounds College: Miami Career highlights: Drafted in the third round (65th overall) by the 49ers in 2005 … A three-time Pro Bowler … in 2006, set 49ers franchise records with 312 carries, 1,695 rushing yards, 2,180 total yards from scrimmage and nine 100-yard rushing games … is the 49ers’ all-time rushing leader with 7,653 yards … holds 49ers’ single-game rushing record with 212 yards, set in 2006 against Seattle … rushed for 207 yards in a game in 2009, also against Seattle … overcame two serious knee injuries in college Why to watch him: An underrated back who finally played on a winner in 2011

Birthplace: El Paso, Texas

Birth date: March 17, 1988 Height: 6 feet 6 inches

Weight: 244 pounds College: Fordham

Career highlights: Drafted in the fifth round (155th overall) by the Cardinals in 2010 … made his first NFL start Dec. 12, 2010, leading the Cards to a 4313 victory over Denver … replaced injured Kevin Kolb as starter in Week 9 of 2011, leading the team to a 5-2 record while throwing for 1,913 yards, 11 touchdowns and 14 interceptions Why to watch him: A sleeper who may be Arizona’s quarterback of the future

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2012• MORNING JOURNAL • NFL PREVIEW 2012

NFC WEST 2011 Record: 7-9, third place, NFC West Head Coach: Pete Carroll, third season Additions: QB Matt Flynn, DL Jason Jones, G Deuce Lutui, LB Barrett Ruud, TE Kellen Winslow, WR Braylon Edwards 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

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?”

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) 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.

Sam Bradford

Herm Edwards’ (ESPN) take: “Sam Bradford’s got to stay healthy now because he has all the qualities of a franchise quarterback. He can be that guy. That’s why Jeff Fisher went there.”

Wk 1 - at Arizona Sept. 9 (Fox)

Wk 10 - N.Y. Jets Nov. 11 (CBS)

Wk 2 - Dallas Sept. 16 (Fox)

Wk 1 - at Detroit Sept. 9 (Fox)

Wk 10 - at San Francisco Nov. 11 (Fox)

Wk 11 - Bye

Wk 3 - Green Bay Sept. 24 (ESPN) (Mon.)

Wk 2 - Washington Sept. 16 (Fox)

Wk 11 - N.Y. Jets Nov. 18 (CBS)

Wk 12 - at Miami Nov. 25 (Fox)

Wk 3 - at Chicago Sept. 23 (Fox)

Wk 12 - at Arizona Nov. 25 (Fox)

Wk 13 - at Chicago Dec. 2 (Fox)

Wk 4 - Seattle Sept. 30 (Fox)

Wk 13 - San Francisco Dec. 2 (Fox)

Wk 14 - Arizona Dec. 9 (Fox)

Wk 5 - Arizona Oct. 4 (NFLN) (Thurs.)

Wk 14 - at Buffalo Dec. 9 (Fox)

Wk 15 - at Buffalo Dec. 16 (Fox)

Wk 6 - at Miami Oct. 14 (Fox)

Wk 15 - Minnesota Dec. 16 (Fox)

Wk 16 - San Francisco Dec. 23 (Fox)

Wk 7 - Green Bay Oct. 21 (Fox)

Wk 16 - at Tampa Bay Dec. 23 (Fox)

Wk 8 - at Detroit Oct. 28 (Fox)

Wk 17 - St. Louis Dec. 30 (Fox)

Wk 8 - New England Oct. 28 (CBS)

Wk 17 - at Seattle Dec. 30 (Fox)

Wk 9 - Minnesota Nov. 4 (Fox)

*Check local listings; subject to change.

Wk 9 - Bye

*Check local listings; subject to change.

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.)

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2012• MORNING JOURNAL • NFL PREVIEW 2012