Season Opener!!

The football season kicks off Thursday with one game that will officially open the season. Then the rest of the teams will play their openers on Sunday and Monday. This Thursday, we have the Miami Dolphins and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now on paper, this looks like a no-brainer. But if you call the game based soley on what the teams look like on paper, then I would say your not using your brain. While the Steelers are coming off a championship year and appear to still be a power-house in the elite of the NFL, There are some minor details you should note. First and most important, no Ben Rothlisberger. He's out, recovering from surgery, so that means Charlie Batch gets the start. A washed-up, back-up quarterback starting in the season opener which everyone and their mother will be watching. Sounds to me like it's hunting season on Mr. Batch. Also let's not forget, no Jerome Bettis or Antawan Randle-EL. We also don't know if Hines Ward will be able to play yet either, as he is coming off an injury. As for the Dolphins, I got two words for you, Dante Cullpepper. Now I know he had a rough season last year, not to mention tearing his ACL and two other legements, but there is no question about the guy's ability to make plays, his accuracy, and his arm strength. He is leaps and bounds ahead of the dolphins past options: Jay Fiedler, A.J. Feely, Gus Ferotte. And it's hard to criticize Cullpepper when he has quality targets to throw to. Randy McMichael, Chris Chambers, and Marty Booker are three very talented options for Cullpepper and will be all season long, barring injury. Without the distraction of Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown continuing to raise eyebrows, the Dolphins will be an offensive threat that cannot be overlooked. Questions will come up on defense, but as far as the opener goes, I think that the defense is gonna be gunnin for Charlie Batch. If they get at him early, it will be a long night for the Steelers defense. They will tire out early. So, I'll pick the Dolphins to upset the Steelers in week one. It definitely should be a good one to watch. I'll try and do the rest of the picks for Sunday and Monday later. It's Game Time, Baby!!