Sports Then and Now

The NFL Preseason Brings Highly Anticipated Games.

As the NFL Preseason is starting tomorrow, here is my insight on which games to watch:

1. Baltimore @ Philadelphia- Thursday at 7:30pm:

The opener of the preseason schedule starts the season off with a bang. The reason this game is a must watch, is because of a very intriguing story line. Delaware Alum, and Ravens QB Joe Flacco will return to Philadelphia for the first time in his NFL career, and will surely hear the boos. Philadelphia, who recently went Christmas shopping, will give the fans their first taste of CB’s Nnamdi Asomaugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, along with DE Jason Babin, and others. With star QB Michael Vick probably only playing one series, the world will get to see backup QB Vince Young for most of the night. Other rookies to watch are 6th round draft pick, Kicker Alex Henery a and Punter Chas Henry. The Ravens will show backup RB Ricky Williams and 1st Round Draft Pick CB Jimmy Smith out of Colorado. An amazing scene will take place on Thursday night, at the Linc.

2. Tampa Bay @ Kansas City- Friday at 8:00pm (FOX):

This game is nationally televised for a reason, as the Bucs’ battle the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium, an always hostile environment. For Kansas City, they’ll give their Rookie QB Ricky Stanzi his first NFL appearance and show Chief fans what a stellar pick he was. Along with Stanzi, the Chiefs have WR Dwayne Bowe and QB Matt Cassel  ready to disrupt Tampa’s D. For the Buccaneers, they have alot to show. Coach Raheem Morris will likely only put rising stars, QB Josh Freeman and RB LeGarrette Blount for a series or two. Also note WR Mike Williams only playing briefly. It’ll be mostly rookies, but a solid game to watch on a Friday night.

3. San Diego @ Dallas- Sunday, August 21st at 8:00pm (NBC)

With Cowboys Stadium packed, Dallas will be on their A Game. QB Tony Romo will look to start healthy. It’s hard to tell how many series Romo will get, but Cowboys fans will be psyched to see him playing again. The Running Back position has question marks all around it, so RB Felix Jones will look to solve those against the Chargers. Football fans will love to see WR’s Miles Austin and Dez Bryant on Primetime. For San Diego, Coach Norv Turner may be entering his last season, as the Chargers have not been pleased with the lack of success. QB Phillip Rivers will play rarely. TE Antonio Gates and WR Malcolm Floyd will also be brief. Great game, expect the Cowboys to come out at full charge.

4. New York Jets @ New York Giants- Saturday, August 27th at 7:00pm

It really doesn’t matter who’s home, but this city clash will be intense and electrifying. For the Jets, Coach Rex Ryan and QB Mark Sanchez will look to defeat the Mean Blue, as the Jets vs. Patriots showdown is extremely anticipated. The Giants will look to get back on track, as Coach Tom Coughlin and QB Eli Manning have had some rough years in the past. But, the past is over with, and we’ll see if they can revive the team. Osi Umenyiora will be anxious to get to the quarterback this season, so we’ll see if the anxiety comes out early against Sanchez. Great story line, and the New York teams will battle it out.

5. New York (Giants) @ New England Patriots- Thursday, September 1st at 7:30pm

Yes, New England fans, I saved your team until the end. As the Patriots’ games are probably one of the most anticipated this preseason, I ended this list with a rivalry game. The Giants, will travel to Gillette Stadium from one rival (Jets) to the next (Patriots). The Pats’, with Future HOF Coach Bill Belichick and QB Tom Brady will start their run at a title. Newly signed WR Chad Ochocinco, (who is looking for a home), will prove to the NFL, and the Patriots, that he was worth signing. Hopefully, DE Albert Haynesworth will participate, as his appearance to the field may bring some excitement. This is a must watch game for all fans.

Other games to note:

• KC @GB- September 1st- 9pm
• MIN @ TEN- August 13th- 8pm
• ATL @ PIT- August 27th- 7:30pm
• PHI @ PIT- August 18th- 8pm (FOX)
• NO @ KOU- August 20th- 8pm (NFLN)

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