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the second pick of the San Diego, and offensive coordinator picking up the tough yards when SLEEZER/
THE
2002 draft rank third Brian Schottenheimer, a former Chargers needed, especially in the NFC champi- KANSAS
CITY
among active players. assistant, knows how to push the right but- S TA R /
He had 14.5 sacks in tons for Tomlinson, 31. The best guess is Tennessee Titans running back MCT
2008 and 10.5 in Greene will carry between the 20s, and Chris Johnson, No. 28, led the
Peppers 2009, and no Bears Tomlinson, who ranks third on the all-time league in rushing last season with
player has had double-digit sacks in back- touchdown list with 153, will be called 2,006 yards.
to-back seasons since Rosevelt Colvin in
2001-02.
■ Dolphins WR Brandon Marshall:
There’s little question about Marshall’s
ability. But he has had many issues off the SEPT. 9 SEPT. 19 OCT. 3 OCT. 31 NOV. 21
field and in the locker room. Marshall
caught 101 passes, including 10 TDs in 15
games for Denver last season (his third
straight season of 100-plus catches) before
he was deactivated for the season-finale
against the Chiefs. Bill Parcells gambled at at at at at
two second-round picks on Marshall, who
gives the Dolphins a badly needed No. 1
receiver who can stretch the field and
draw double coverage.
■ Ravens WR Anquan Boldin: Boldin
bristled at being overshadowed by Larry Minnesota at New N.Y. Giants at Indi- Washington at Minnesota at New Indianapolis at New
Fitzgerald at Arizona and forced a trade to Orleans: What better anapolis: This will be Philadelphia: Washing- England: This England: A year ago,
Baltimore, where he way to start the season Manning Bowl II, and ton QB Donovan Halloween game will be Bill Belichick went for it
has a chance to be a than with a rematch of like the first one in 2006, McNabb will return to the first time that on fourth-and-2 deep in
true No. 1 receiver. the NFC Championship it will be a prime-time, Philadelphia in a scene Patriots wide receiver his territory in the final
Boldin’s big-play Game? Saints fans will Sunday nighter. The last that will rival Brett Randy Moss will face minute, against the
ability will be helpful celebrate the Super time the Manning broth- Favre’s return to Green his original club, the then-unbeaten Colts, a
in the development of Bowl title, the players ers met was the 2006 Bay last season. Vikings, for whom he decision that altered the
third-year QB Joe receive their champi- season opener at Gi- Considering that Eagles starred from 1998 to course of the season.
Flacco and should onship rings and Drew ants Stadium, won by fans once booed Santa 2004. It also will be the This is not a Sunday-
Boldin take the heat off 14- Brees will duel Brett older brother Peyton, Claus, imagine the re- first time since 2002 night game yet, but it’s
year pro Derrick Favre (assuming he re- 26-21. But that was be- ception McNabb will re- that Tom Brady has the first week a game
Mason, but he’ll have to remember that turns), who limped out fore Peyton or Eli had ceive. Unlike Santa, played against Favre, can be flexed into prime
the Ravens have built their offense around of the Superdome after won Super Bowls. he’s heard it for years, assuming he returns. time.
the running game, defense and then pass- taking a beating. so it shouldn’t bother (Brady was injured in
ing. McNabb. 2008 when Favre was
— Randy Covitz with the Jets.)