2009: Stand In Line

900 toilets and urinals.

No, that doesn't represent the number of bathrooms in Brad and Angelina's mansion, but rather it's the total number of waste receptacles inside the antiquated Texas Stadium. I've been to several Dallas Cowboys games and have stood in those lines that closely resembled those at soup kitchens during the Depression. Instead of being gone five minutes, you'd be gone half a quarter and those that were with you would swear that you had been kidnapped.

Standing in line and hearing the crowd along with the tenacious longing of release would generate a pain that you just can't measure. The anticipation was intoxicating.

Much like the chaotic activity that helps transform a movie set, the NFL has experienced feverish developments since Super Bowl XLIII. These events have given the NFL a revitalization that has fueled our desires to line up for another unpredictable season. The expectancy is overwhelming as can almost hear the chanting, foot-stomping, and yelling echoing across the empty coliseums as we set and wait for "the show" to start.

One of those arenas is the new home for the Cowboys -- aptly named Cowboys Stadium. Texas Stadium is now a construction storage facility since Dallas will now play their home games in their new 2.3 million square-foot space ship. This Texas coliseum is already the center of controversy with the trivial claims that its 72'Hx180'W HDTV screen hangs too low and must be punter-friendly. It's the world's largest domed and column-free structure supported by two quarter-mile arches. It seats 80,000 to 100,000 people and has 286 concession stands...along with 1,700 toilets and urinals.

While this is the biggest venue change this season, several franchises underwent some intense restructuring in the front offices. There are new eras beginning in Denver, Tampa Bay, Cleveland, Kansas City, and St. Louis. Head-coaching voids were also filled in New York (Jets), Indianapolis, Seattle, and Detroit. That now leaves a free-agent coaching class of Bill Cowher, Mike Holmgren, Tony Dungy, Mike Shanahan, Brian Billick, and Jon Gruden entering this season. Not bad.

Speaking of the former Bucs coach, "Chucky" didn't stay unemployed long as he will replace Tony Kornheiser on the ESPN Monday Night Football team. This kind of energy, insight, and subtle humor will be very nice to the show's ratings. Sunday Night Football certainly won't be the same without John Madden who retired in April. The legendary broadcaster, who was such a staple on Sundays, will be replaced by Cris Collinsworth.

The adventures continued on the field as free agency and trades resulted in several big names donning new helmets. Ex-Titans DT Albert Haynesworth broke the bank by signing with the Redskins. Jay Cutler was traded to Chicago for Kyle Orton. The Terrell Owens Tour left Dallas and is now playing in Buffalo. Jacksonville said goodbye to RB Fred Taylor, who landed in New England, while saying hello to former Rams WR Torry Holt. The Patriots let QB Matt Cassell sign with KC while giving the job back to someone named Tom Brady. Chiefs legend TE Tony Gonzalez bolted for Atlanta.

Unfortunately, there are a couple of faces that we will no longer see on the field or sidelines. Nashville lost its adopted son as Steve McNair was murdered on Independence Day. This NFL gladiator died unheroicly in the midst of a very tragic set of circumstances. Also, longtime Eagles DC Jim Johnson, a blitz genius, succumbed to melanoma in late July. Secondary coach Sean McDermott takes over in his place.

Some customary NFL headliners jolted the NFL society as their legal dilemmas unfolded like a TV drama. A drunk Donte' Stallworth killed a pedestrian in Miami, spent 30 days in jail, and is now suspended for the 2009 season. Plaxico Burress was indicted for being stupid with a hand gun in NY last year and sentenced to two years in prison. Also, Michael Vick has returned. He is now a Philadelphia Eagle after being released from prison in May and has already seen some action on the field. He will be eligible to play in regular season games in Week 3 and has a backbreaking task to prove himself on and off the field.

Although some football fans see it as criminal, Brett Favre waffled once again about retirement before deciding to head north to Minnesota. He knows the system like the back of his hand, and the Vikings have a tremendous line and running game to protect him so it was a perfect match. Dissension among the troops is an obvious concern, but with Favre's good-natured personality and dogma, a locker room with bad chemistry doesn't seem to be a high risk.

Life has not been dull in the NFL since Santonio Holmes' Super Bowl-winning TD catch last February. Players and franchises have been in transition while new beginnings have been birthed for others. The 2009 season simply can't get here fast enough as we embark on another year that will end in Miami at Dolphin Stadium for Super Bowl XLIV.

AFC EAST

• New England Patriots - When Tom Brady dropped to the ground after having his knee's tendons shredded last season in Game 1, time stopped. Birds stopped flying. Fans forgot their names or how much they were in debt. All that mattered was that knee -- as is the case this season. The weapons, coach Bill Belichick, and that hand-crafted defense are still in place. If "The Knee" holds up, expect to see the Patriots avenge their playoff absence last season and drive deep into the playoffs once again.

• Miami Dolphins - There is a presence; a force that is swelling in the city of Miami. His name is Tony Sparano. The first year coach went 11-5 last season and sent the Dolphins to the playoffs...after going 1-15 in 2007. This early success gives this team a very positive forecast filled with stability and credibility thanks to the work of the one and only Bill Parcells. QB Chad Pennington brings the kind of leadership this squad has been lacking. His weapons, a sound defense, and the new Wildcat offense should make this team versatile enough to make some noise once again.

• Buffalo Bills - I don't get Buffalo. Last year was the third year in a row under coach Dick Jauron that the team went 7-9, and the ninth straight without a playoff appearance. Their defense was ranked 28th in creating sacks and turnovers -- not good. Offensively, they sputtered including a dysfunctional line. The result: Jauron gets a 3-year contract extension, and they signed the always-content Terrell Owens. Not exactly a cure. On the field, the talent is there to build on and experience some success, but ending the playoff drought this year is fantasy.

• NY Jets - Just looking at Eric Mangini makes me sleepy. I can't imagine putting up with his automaton ways which were not well received and divisive. Thus, he was finally shown the door and landed in Cleveland. Enter Rex Ryan. The former Ravens DC is Buddy Ryan's son so, right away, Jets fans should know that he means business. He's all about defense and a punishing running game so expect NY to see a different team than in past years. There are glaring weaknesses in the WR corps and at QB so the growing pains could be brutal.

AFC NORTH

• Pittsburgh Steelers - Stairway to Seven. That is the new mantra that will guide the defending Super Bowl champions this season. They only lost three starters this offseason so receiving another Lombardi next February is very realistic barring significant injuries and pending legal matters with Big Ben. This is, in my opinion, the best franchise in the league top to bottom. Great city. Fight-to-the-death fans. Family-owned and operated. Quality streams through this organization like rivers of lava from a volcano.

• Baltimore Ravens - Landing a franchise QB is something that the Ravens have never experienced. This drought appears to be over after last season's remarkable rookie year by Joe Flacco. His poise, accuracy, and avoiding turnovers were key factors in Baltimore arriving at the AFC Championship Game. Offensively, this team is still dangerous, and their weapons should help Flacco avoid the sophomore jinx. Age and depleted talent via free agency riddled the defense this offseason, but this team is still a force. They aren't going anywhere.

• Cincinnati Bengals - Before every NFL season, the state of Ohio bunkers down and prepares for the storm. This is what happens when your teams are shallow, full of discord, and make up half the AFC North. At least this season, the Bengals will have QB Carson Palmer back from injury, but discord is still an issue as long as you have Chad Ochocinco on your team. There are new faces on both sides of the ball so finding chemistry on the field will be a challenge. Expectations should not be high as fans must be patient once again as they face this squall and wait for hope.

• Cleveland Browns - It's even worse 250 miles away in the city of Cleveland where change seems to be the only constant since 1999 as the Browns are constantly rebuilding. This time GM Phil Savage and coach Romeo Crennel were fired ushering in the era of George Kokinis and the insipid Eric Mangini. There is once again no stability at QB, a weak running attack, no solid depth at WR, and a porous defense. Thanks to an influx of former Jets players and a promising draft, hope also flickers, but having a winning season is a farce.

AFC SOUTH

• Tennessee Titans - Stability and fortitude have long been traits of Tennessee thanks to head coach Jeff Fisher. From there, this team has gained a reputation as having a stalwart defense and dynamic running attack. What they haven't had are WR's who can stretch opposing defenses. Thanks to the draft and nabbing WR Nate Washington from Pittsburgh, that just might change. Losing DT Albert Hanynesworth was a blow, so this defensive unit has something to prove. This franchise will also be dedicating the season to the late Steve McNair and his family.

• Indianapolis Colts - Manning. James. Harrison. Dungy. These names put Indy on the NFL map, but today only one remains. Tony Dungy, as expected, stepped down during the offseason, and Jim Caldwell will now try to fill this enormous void. QB Peyton Manning remains the field general and has plenty of weapons to keep this unit lethal if they can stay healthy. Defensively, DC Ron Meeks is also gone, and Larry Coyer takes over a unit that was ranked 11th last season. I don't expect the Colts to lose too much ground as they should be poised to enter the playoffs again.

• Houston Texans - Normalcy is becoming a very old hat for the Texans as they enter their eighth season in the league without ever posting a winning record. After the last two 8-8 seasons, it's imperative that coach Gary Kubiak break that streak this year. The offense has the capacity to be one of the most explosive in the league as long as QB Matt Schaub can stay vertical and injury-free. This defensive unit has a nice combination of youth and experience plus enormous potential. If all these pieces fall together, this Texans team might be able to play in January.

• Jacksonville Jaguars - An exorcism was conducted this offseason in J-town. New GM Gene Smith decided that talent and character should reign supreme so he handed out pink slips faster than star maps in Hollywood. Coach Jack Del Rio joined Smith in "resetting" this team which included releasing longtime Jags lynch pin Fred Taylor. Maurice Jones-Drew will now anchor and offense that has an upgraded the line and true WR threat in Torry Holt. David Garrard now has the pieces to prove that he is the answer at QB while overall depth and lingering questions on defense leaves this team praying for a winning season.

AFC WEST

• San Diego Chargers - If you look at the turbulence that has occurred this offseason in Oakland and Denver plus the rebuilding in KC, San Diego is the heavy favorite to win this division. They have proven themselves to be winners even if RB LaDainian Tomlinson isn't his normal self and without LB Shawn Merriman. L.T. swears that he will be back this year, and Merriman should once again rule the defense. With a solid offense led by Philip Rivers and a steel-clad defense, this Chargers team shouldn't have any trouble dominating this weak AFC West.

• Kansas City Chiefs - Watching the Chiefs battle through their 2-14 season last year was torturous and sickening; much like drinking spoiled, clumpy milk on a hot afternoon. What followed was a total scouring. Ex-Patriots guru Scott Pioli became GM and immediately put his stamp on the team by naming Todd Haley head coach and signing QB Matt Cassel to bring his redemptive ways to the Midwest. He also added a nice mixture of youth and veterans on both sides of the ball and traded Tony Gonzalez to Atlanta. Anticipation is sky high in KC as this new regime looks to build a solid foundation and remove the bitter aftertaste.

• Denver Broncos - Turmoil ransacked this team during the offseason leaving a pile of uncertainties a mile high. Ex-Pats OC Josh McDaniels was named head coach and then traded QB Jay Cutler to Chicago for Kyle Orton which is like giving up your porterhouse steak for french fries. WR Brandon Marshall also wants out. Of course, the running game will be stocked In true Broncos fashion, but the defense is full of new faces tackling a new scheme. It's always been difficult to build on shifting sand making me think that owner Pat Bowlen is already retiring to his office each night with a bottle of Jack pondering his decision.

• Oakland Raiders - Much like the plague of locusts that engulfed Egypt around 1200 B.C., strife and immaturity have infested the Raiders the last 7 years. They are run by a stubborn owner who has forgotten how to get to the Promised Land. Even his coaches can't get along. Coach Tom Cable is facing possible charges for fracturing the jaw of defensive assistant Randy Hanson. Details are sketchy much like the talent on the field. They do have an explosive backfield, but QB JaMarcus Russell still hasn't proven to be the answer. When you include a poor run defense and excessive penalties, it will be awhile before this epidemic has ceased.

NFC EAST

• Philadelphia Eagles - Capturing a world championship has been as elusive as Frank Abagnale. Will this be the year that Philly finally nabs this "fugitive" and delivers it to the City of Brotherly Love? QB Donovan McNabb is aging but still has the skills, smarts, and weapons to create havoc for opposing defenses. The defense lost some valuable leadership and talent via free agency, but what was added to fill those voids appears to be an upgrade. The Eagles also drafted very well and took the big plunge by signing Vick. They now feel that they have a team that is equipped to hold that trophy high above their heads.

• NY Giants - When you think of the Giants, what quickly envision a punishing running game, a suffocating and bruising defense, and having smart leaders. The loss of Burress is actually a plus, but it leaves them with an unproven receiving squad. After that, it's pure Giants football. QB Eli Manning has a new contract and will lead an offense that has one of the best lines in the league. The defense welcomes back Osi Umenyiora plus several new faces to maintain this unit's intimidating persona and provide depth. If their WR's begin to overachieve, look out.

• Dallas Cowboys - Appearances can be deceiving. Yes, Cowboys Stadium is a Herculean jewel that bleeds success. Yes, all the locker room viruses appear to have been removed. Yes, the tragedy at the practice facility was devastating for many. And, yes, Tony Romo and Wade Phillips swear they aren't the same person they were as last year. But will this change in philosophy, forged bonding from tragedy, malware removal, and new residence lead to a successful season? Will this revamped defense become a force? Will the offensive thrive and be unified? Too many questions.

• Washington Redskins - After futile attempts to trade for or draft another QB, Jason Campbell has gotten the message. Needless to say, this is a critical year to prove that he is their future, but it won't be easy since the club did nothing to give him an updated arsenal. The O-line is aged and must stay healthy to keep Campbell upright and open the holes for RB Clinton Portis. Also, the $100 million signing of Albert Haynesworth should make this 4th-ranked defense more dominant. Look for head coach Jim Zorn to be on a short leash with such a high-quality of coaches available.

NFC NORTH

• Minnesota Vikings - When Brett Favre left Green Bay, his life became a reality show. The most recent episode has #4 arriving in the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" but the dream of playing along the shores of Miami in February is now looking more like reality. There's no doubt that this defense is ironclad, the offensive line is solid, and their receiving corps is dexterous. And, RB Adrian Peterson is about as dangerous as anyone in the league when he gets the football. What's been missing is a bonafide QB. If Favre can stay healthy and gel with this teammates, then this team may go from the lakes to the oceans of Miami.

• Green Bay Packers - The NFC North has all the elements of being one very dramatic showdown this season with Favre now in Minnesota. His clashes with the Pack will be thrilling to watch. His replacement, Aaron Rodgers, had a terrific 2008 and shouldn't have much trouble continuing to make a name for himself in Cheeseland. He leads an offense that is very effective and underrated while the defense has a new DC in Dom Capers who's bringing the 3-4 to a unit which should grasp it with no problem. If this team doesn't improve their 6-10 record from last year, coach Mike McCarthy's posterior could begin getting warm.

• Chicago Bears - Watching a franchise QB wear a Bears helmet is a sight that most Bears fans have never witnessed. That's because it's been 60 years since Sid Luckman barked signals for the Windy City. Thanks to the eccentricity of Broncos coach Josh McDaniels, those days are over with the arrival of Jay Cutler. And, not since Sweetness, has this city seen a work horse like RB Matt Forte. The WR's are a mediocre bunch so expect Chicago's TE's to get a lot of catches this year. Their defense was 21st last year and will need to drastically improve in order for this team to challenge the Vikes and Pack. But, at least they have their QB.

• Detroit Lions - Was it really that big of a shock for a Matt Millen-cursed Lions team to go 0-16? Thanks to an "exorcism", Detroit has been completely transformed. The Lions have a whole new look on the sidelines, on the field, and on their helmets. A new GM is in place. Ex-Titans DC Jim Schwartz is now the head coach, and a large influx of actual talent has infiltrated the locker room. Even the lion on the helmet was re-designed to look more fierce -- apparently since intimidation hasn't been felt by opposing teams since the days of Barry Sanders. Their draft was excellent and optimism (naturally) is high, but a winning season is simply an illusion.

NFC SOUTH

• Atlanta Falcons - There is no one on this planet that would have expected to witness a rookie QB play like a true veteran and lead his team to the playoffs with an 11-5 record. Matt Ryan appears to be for real as does the offensive machine that he leads. This year, he has a new target in ex-Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez and will, once again, rely on the powerful Michael Turner. There are some questions at CB on an above-than-average defense, and they seem very secure in the trenches. Atlanta has never had back-to-back winning season, but the pieces are in place to break that spell and put the Vick era behind them for good.

• New Orleans Saints - There was something about Hurricane Katrina that unified this city and brought this franchise new life. These last three seasons have shown that these Saints are building a contender despite the win/loss column. Coach Sean Payton and QB Drew Brees have been pivotal in giving this team a whole new identity and attitude while suffering through injuries and immaturity. This season, they have a revamped defense which finally has great depth and must counter this high-voltage offense. If they can stay healthy and mentally sharp, New Orleans will be a true tempest.

• Carolina Panthers - You know that your offense is clicking on all cylinders when you go 12-4 and have an erratic defense. Coach John Fox deserves a lot of credit for keeping the team focused and making the playoffs. QB Jake Delhomme should experience some of that same success, don't expect anything different on defense. New DC Ron Meeks comes over from Indy, but Carolina decided to fix their defensive faults through the draft so it will take some time. This year, Carolina must overachieve on defense, keep Delhomme healthy, and survive a brutal schedule, if they want to play into 2010.

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Since Tampa won their only Super Bowl in 2002, mediocrity has clothed this franchise like a straight jacket. As a result, the 81-year-old owner Malcolm Glazer went young and hired Mark Dominik, 38, as GM and Raheem Morris, 32, as head coach. Gone are Jon Gruden, LB Derrick Brooks, and RB Warrick Dunn. While Morris brings energy and enthusiasm, this Bucs team has too many uncertainties on defense, at WR, and at QB. They have a great O-line and a nice flock of RB's, but this team needs time to grow which will require much patience by the fans especially due to a daunting schedule.

NFC WEST

• Arizona Cardinals - It's always alleviating to finally experience success in the NFL especially for a franchise like the Cardinals who had never made it to a championship game since 1948. Now that they've tasted that fruit, they must show their true merit and build on that success. The indispensable Kurt Warner leads an offense that is stocked with lethal WR Larry Fitzgerald and a reloaded running attack. The defense stayed intact for the most part so if Warner can stay healthy, the Cardinals shouldn't have trouble winning the West. Coach Ken Whisenhunt has radically changed the culture in Arizona, and one can only hope that it's here to stay.

• Seattle Seahawks - The remaining three teams in this top-heavy division are each trying to change their image and destiny. It starts in Seattle where ex-Falcons coach Jim Mora Jr. looks to, once again, take a struggling franchise and make them a playoff force. On offense, QB Matt Hasselbeck and LT Walter Jones return from injuries so the expectations are high for this unit especially with the signing of WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Defensively, this 30th-ranked unit stunk last year so new faces and a new scheme will look to bring stability to a Seahawks team that hopes last season was just a fluke.

• San Francisco 49ers - There is no question that Mike Singletary has transformed the Niners civilization with his moral character and nail-chewing toughness. He enters his first full season as head coach facing several challenges. QB Shaun Hill will lead an offense anchored by the grindstone RB Frank Gore but they're still lacking in receivers. San Fran attempted to solve this dilemma by drafting Michael Crabtree, but it backfired due to his narcissism and stupor which has kept him from signing a contract. Defensively, they are stocked with talent, but still need to grow and improve especially in putting pressure on the QB. Hang in there, Niner fans.

• St. Louis Rams - If you're a Rams fan, struggle with patience, and have a short fuse, then I suggest you move. First year head coach Steve Spagnuolo brings fire and grit to a franchise that was anchored in obscurity. His defensive scheme will take over a unit that was wretched last season, but they have great potential. The problems don't stop there as the offense is inept even with a healthy Steven Jackson. QB Marc Bulger's career is in the toilet so expect Kyle Boller to see a lot of playing time this season. While Spagnuolo appears to be a great fit and there's a nice pool of talent to build around, it's going to be a long year for the Rams. Again.

AFC PLAYOFF TEAMS: New England, Pittsburgh, Tennessee, San Diego, Indianapolis, Houston

NFC PLAYOFF TEAMS: Philadelphia, Minnesota, Atlanta, Arizona, New Orleans, NY Giants

SUPER BOWL XLIV - Pittsburgh over Minnesota