By TLarner
NFL Kickoff News & Notes
Tonight is the night football fans have waited for all summer. Thursday’s matchup between the Super Bowl Champion Saints and the Minnesota Vikings will have everyone glued to the tube. Before we get started, here are some quick updates from around the league…
The New York Jets have finally reached an agreement with holdout corner Darrelle Revis. Revis signed a four-year, $46 million deal on Monday. Head Coach Rex Ryan flew down to Florida to visit with Revis, and finally convinced the star to come back to New York in time for their Monday night game against Baltimore.
Green Bay gave corner Charles Woodson a two-year contract extension through 2014. Last season, Woodson was tied for first in the league with nine interceptions, and was named the 2009 Defensive Player of the Year.
This Sunday the Bills will host rival Miami at the Ralph in Orchard Park, New York. Buffalo’s first round pick, running back C.J. Spiller will get the start over veterans Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch. Spiller received the bulk of the carries this preseason while Jackson and Lynch both nursed injuries.
In other running back news, Ahmad Bradshaw was given the starting job in the Giants backfield. He beat last year’s starter Brandon Jacobs, who was outraged with the decision. When asked about the backup role by the media, he stormed away in anger. The pair split time last season, and Jacobs saw a considerable decline from 2008, where he ran for over 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns with a 5.0 average. In 2009, he had five more total carries, but finished with only 835 yards and five touchdowns.
New England quarterback Tom Brady was in a car accident early Thursday morning after a car failed to stop at a red light. He wasn’t injured, and worked out with the team later in the day.
Miami cut center Jake Grove after signing him to a five-year deal last season.
Minnesota at New Orleans
Tonight is a big night for Vikings’ QB Brett Favre. Favre wants revenge for the loss in the NFC Championship game last season. His interception in overtime was almost the last pass of his career.
Key Matchup
Vikings’ O-line vs. Saints’ Pass Rush – Brett got beat up in their last meeting. He’s another year older, and his ankle injury may prevent him from moving around the pocket fluently. Let’s see if the offensive line can protect Brett.
Injury Updates
Ball hawking free safety Darren Sharper will not be in the lineup. Malcolm Jenkins will move from corner to safety in place of Sharper.
Percy Harvin will play tonight after suffering from migraines in the preseason.
Prediction
I believe the Saints have what it takes to win this game. Without Sidney Rice and Harvin apparently not 100%, New Orleans can single cover the receivers on the outside, and send more exotic blitzes at Favre, giving him a tough time once again. Adrian Peterson will need a monstrous game if Minnesota wants to win. However, I’m giving this one to the Super Bowl Champs.
What do you think? Who will win tonight? Which player will have the most impact? Leave your comments below and check back this weekend for more news and predictions!
Jacobs is no longer a starter? Good. It’s about time Coughlin started shaking things up again. Last time he did that, the Giants extended practices and they won the SB.
I’m looking forward to seeing how Spiller performs in the regular season. Bills are taking down the Fish this weekend.
Favre is gonna have to come out slingin’ tonight if the Vikes want to stay in this one.
Lets go Bills! C.J. is going to make his presence known immediately. You will more then likely hear me randomly say “C.J” and expect someone to respond with Spiller. I will be cheering my little oversized heart out at the Ralph come Sunday. I can’t even think about it without getting so excited i fidget around wherever I may be. GO BILLS!