UPDATE! supplies you with everything you need to know about the most important NFC storylines out there. Pay attention. This is where off-season speculation and conjecture end, and football begins:
SOPHOMORE SLUMP
With Terrell Owens' volatile personality grabbing most of the headlines in Dallas concerning new Cowboys coach Wade Phillips, forgotten is the crucial relationship that must exist between quarterback and coach. Namely, will Tony Romo operate efficiently under the defensive-minded Phillips? Romo had the good fortune to play with two 1,000-yard receivers last season — Owens and Terry Glenn. Owens has been sitting out of practices, however, and Glenn had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee to start the preseason. If either player is slowed by injury how will Romo react? And will Phillips make a change to the offensive scheme that upsets Romo's production? Romo will be under close scrutiny and Philips has never been known as an offensive mastermind.
ROOKIE IMPACT
"He's got tennis racquets for hands." That's what Detroit Lions quarterback Jon Kitna said about rookie receiver Calvin Johnson. The No. 2 pick in the April NFL Draft, Johnson has some lofty expectations attached to his name. Wide receivers usually have the hardest time adjusting to the NFL, with most failing to have a substantial impact until at least their third season. Johnson, though, is not only expected to have an immediate impact, but some are predicting he will top teammate Roy Williams' numbers and become the No. 1 wideout for the Lions. Kitna figures to be among the League leaders in yards this season. It figures then, that Johnson should get an immediate chance to produce. So while there's little doubt that Johnson will be a top-tier wideout one day, will it be this season?
CAN GORE CARRY THE LOAD?
Running back Frank Gore will make or break the San Francisco 49ers' season. Gore enjoyed a breakout sophomore season, rushing for 1,695 yards and 8 touchdowns, literally carrying the 49ers to a 7-9 record in the NFC West a year ago. Even with a retooled defense and a budding star in quarterback Alex Smith, Gore is the catalyst for San Francisco. As good as he is, Gore does have limitations however. For one, there was the broken hand he suffered during training camp. Niners fans can only hope it was only a minor setback and not an ill omen of things to come. Also, Gore will need to develop into a legitimate red zone threat if he is to become a top tier fantasy running back. Gore is a definite Top 5 back heading into the 2007 season. But will that translate into success on the field?
BACKUP DUTY
Michael Vick's well-documented indictment in a dogfighting scandal has been ruinous for the Atlanta Falcons. Aside from all the off-field distractions and media scrutiny is the fact that Vick won't pick up a football this season. This poses huge problems for the Falcons, who let go of backup Matt Schaub in favor of the thoroughly underwhelming Joey Harrington. This is bad news for everybody in Atlanta — including the fans. Gone is one of the most exciting and charismatic playmakers in the League, replaced by a quarterback with more career interceptions than touchdowns. How the Falcons handle this pressing time will define how their season shapes up. Who will step up and deliver for the team now that their leader is gone? Much of it falls on the coaching staff to adjust. Welcome to the NFL rookie coach Bobby Petrino.
LEINART THE LEADER?
Matt Leinart was impressive in his rookie campaign for the Arizona Cardinals last season. But the Cardinals still finished a mediocre 5-11 and, though Ken Wisenhunt takes over coaching duties, the team added little else to indicate they are ready to contend. Leinart has two big things going for him — namely Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. But will that be enough to get the Cards to the top of an average division? Leinart must shrug off the inconsistencies that dogged him last season and prove he can elevate his team to an elite level. It takes time for a quarterback to grow into the role of a successful NFL signal caller. Leinart could make the leap in Year 2.
Lamberti is UPDATE! Editor in Chief.
SOPHOMORE SLUMP
With Terrell Owens' volatile personality grabbing most of the headlines in Dallas concerning new Cowboys coach Wade Phillips, forgotten is the crucial relationship that must exist between quarterback and coach. Namely, will Tony Romo operate efficiently under the defensive-minded Phillips? Romo had the good fortune to play with two 1,000-yard receivers last season — Owens and Terry Glenn. Owens has been sitting out of practices, however, and Glenn had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee to start the preseason. If either player is slowed by injury how will Romo react? And will Phillips make a change to the offensive scheme that upsets Romo's production? Romo will be under close scrutiny and Philips has never been known as an offensive mastermind.
ROOKIE IMPACT
"He's got tennis racquets for hands." That's what Detroit Lions quarterback Jon Kitna said about rookie receiver Calvin Johnson. The No. 2 pick in the April NFL Draft, Johnson has some lofty expectations attached to his name. Wide receivers usually have the hardest time adjusting to the NFL, with most failing to have a substantial impact until at least their third season. Johnson, though, is not only expected to have an immediate impact, but some are predicting he will top teammate Roy Williams' numbers and become the No. 1 wideout for the Lions. Kitna figures to be among the League leaders in yards this season. It figures then, that Johnson should get an immediate chance to produce. So while there's little doubt that Johnson will be a top-tier wideout one day, will it be this season?
CAN GORE CARRY THE LOAD?
Running back Frank Gore will make or break the San Francisco 49ers' season. Gore enjoyed a breakout sophomore season, rushing for 1,695 yards and 8 touchdowns, literally carrying the 49ers to a 7-9 record in the NFC West a year ago. Even with a retooled defense and a budding star in quarterback Alex Smith, Gore is the catalyst for San Francisco. As good as he is, Gore does have limitations however. For one, there was the broken hand he suffered during training camp. Niners fans can only hope it was only a minor setback and not an ill omen of things to come. Also, Gore will need to develop into a legitimate red zone threat if he is to become a top tier fantasy running back. Gore is a definite Top 5 back heading into the 2007 season. But will that translate into success on the field?
BACKUP DUTY
Michael Vick's well-documented indictment in a dogfighting scandal has been ruinous for the Atlanta Falcons. Aside from all the off-field distractions and media scrutiny is the fact that Vick won't pick up a football this season. This poses huge problems for the Falcons, who let go of backup Matt Schaub in favor of the thoroughly underwhelming Joey Harrington. This is bad news for everybody in Atlanta — including the fans. Gone is one of the most exciting and charismatic playmakers in the League, replaced by a quarterback with more career interceptions than touchdowns. How the Falcons handle this pressing time will define how their season shapes up. Who will step up and deliver for the team now that their leader is gone? Much of it falls on the coaching staff to adjust. Welcome to the NFL rookie coach Bobby Petrino.
LEINART THE LEADER?
Matt Leinart was impressive in his rookie campaign for the Arizona Cardinals last season. But the Cardinals still finished a mediocre 5-11 and, though Ken Wisenhunt takes over coaching duties, the team added little else to indicate they are ready to contend. Leinart has two big things going for him — namely Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. But will that be enough to get the Cards to the top of an average division? Leinart must shrug off the inconsistencies that dogged him last season and prove he can elevate his team to an elite level. It takes time for a quarterback to grow into the role of a successful NFL signal caller. Leinart could make the leap in Year 2.
Lamberti is UPDATE! Editor in Chief.
PHOTO BY Bob Levey / ICON SMI
Was Tony Romo's success last season beginner's luck?