This topsy-turvey NFL

With a limited off season and the mad rush for practice and free agency, people have predicted this will be a very interesting season. And if we just look at the preseason, I would say that this holds true. I know it's just preseason, but I think this preseason is far different than any we've seen before. These games are OTAs, mini-camp, try-outs, and exhibition all in one. Some of the leagues best quarterbacks seem to be falling flat, while some of the other guys are making impressive runs. I know, I know! It's just preseason. But....

Standout #1: Colt McCoy

Colt has been attracting some real attention this preseason. He is finally getting comfortable with his arm in the NFL scheme (the same way he got comfortable with Hillis in 2010). He's taking advantage of his Tight Ends, adding to the short pass game he relied mainly on Hillis for last year. He is also using his midas touch to try to amplify Josh Cribbs and Greg Little. Even since college he's had a habit of making Pitbulls out of puppies, and I think he's well on his way to expanding that this season.

Standout #2: Donovan McNabb

Oh yeah!!! Donovan McNabb doing big things! Look out NFL! Here comes the McNabb train! WOO WOO!

Okay, I got that out. Now to be perfectly honest, McNabb hasn't been outstanding this preseason. He has only 1 touchdown in the past three weeks. But he's been consistent, which is something he's lacked for at least the past 3 years. He was training hard, under the radar, during the non-existent off season. People thing he's going to go off to Minnesota where he can fade off in obscurity, but this is just where he is destined to have his monumental season of his career.

Standout #3: Washington Quarterbacks

WHAT!? First McNabb and now this?! The Average Bro is just some big fan boy! I don't even know why I read this crap!

For one thing: Please don't call it crap...I work hard on this.
For the rest of it: Yes, I know. They aren't the Drew Bledsoe and Tom Brady combo of the modern era. But who expected either of them to be good this year. I myself wrote about how down I was on the Washington quarterback decisions. But they have both excelled, however both at their own particular times (Grossman has dipped while Beck has succeeded and vice versa). They are on a great preseason run, no matter how pointless. And the best thing about this is the strength of the QB position in general in Washington. If Vick/Brady/Rivers goes down in week 3...there goes their seasons. If Beck gets injured, Grossman can seamlessly fill in that spot. I'm not saying I would rather have them then any other QB in the league still, but it goes back to the age old joke: What's better then a mediocre QB? 2 slightly above mediocre QBs! (or, y'know, Vick/Brady/Rivers).


Question Mark #1: Michael Vick

The pilot of the "Dream Team" was a huge asset to his team when Kevin Kolb went down last year. He was also an asset to fantasy players when he made massive gains in both running and passing yards/touchdowns. The proud new owner of a new 6 year $100 million contract, however, has been lack luster in his preseason starts. Much of this can be attributed to the Eagles offensive line, but it does not help that Vick is as fragile as grandma's china closet. And he knows it, and it shows. His passes were rushed and he was man-handled by the Steelers. Even Cleveland's defense gave him a hard time before he started to come into his own and win that game. I think Vick is probably going to be okay if he avoids injury ( and that's a dinosaur sized "if"). I still think he has enough impact to make a the Eagles a great team. But I think his starts are enough to give the Philly "Dream-Team" fans a moment of pause.

Question Mark #2: Matt Cassel

Coming off an unexpected run into the 2010 playoffs, Matt Cassel was projected to have a great year this season. The Chief's running game led them to their many victories in 2010, but with this new confidence (along with the additions of extra targets Steve Breaston and Jon Baldwin) Cassel was supposed to be a hot commodity in general and in fantasy circles. He has, however, fell flat. Going 6/13 and 6/14 in the past two games, he has led his team to zero wins and hasn't even been considered the top passer under Ricky Stanzi and Tyler Palko. He needs to sure up his inconsistencies if he expects to keep the chiefs in contention or even keep his job.

Question mark #3: Peyton Manning

Yes! That's right! Question mark #3 is an actual question mark! Because he's been off the field so long, I forget what he even looks like. If I remember correctly, if you take Eli's face and make him look older then 14 ...you get Peyton. But for now let's just let the question mark stand. And here's another question mark. When will he be healthy? He was sure he would be able to play in the preseason. Then he said, he didn't need preseason and he would be fresh for the start of the season. Now he's not so sure he'll be good for week one. And neither are the Colts as is obvious with the signing of Kerry Collins. Even when Manning comes back: how will he play. I still think the Colts will succeed because they are a good team and are prepared for this, but I'm not sure if, like in years passed, they will succeed primarily because of Peyton Manning.

But, y'know. It's only preseason. None of any of that matters at all.