AT ISSUE
It’s showtime for T.O.
What: Terrell Owens begins his Dallas Cowboys career at Jacksonville today.
Background: Owens is perhaps the biggest distraction in the history of the NFL. He has played for two franchises San Francisco and Philadelphia and barreled his way through them, nearly blowing up both in the process. Now, T.O. takes on Dallas and coach Bill Parcells. Owens’ time with the Cowboys has already been rocky. Parcells was nearly pulling out his hair when Owens stayed away from preseason practices with a hamstring injury.
Williamson’s take: This will be worth watching. We all know this relationship is going to sour. There is zero chance this pairing with Parcells ends well. But as in San Francisco and Philadelphia, Owens will enjoy some success. Can the Cowboys win a Super Bowl before Owens explodes? Maybe. But the clock is ticking.
THE HOT SEAT
Brothers in arms race
Who: The Manning brothers, Eli and Peyton
When: Tonight when Indianapolis plays the New York Giants at the Meadowlands
Why: The Mannings face off for the first time. Nice return to the league, NBC. Lots of bragging rights at stake here. The NFL has been looking for this matchup, and when it materialized, the league made sure to put it in Week 1. The pressure is on each Manning. If Peyton thought his poor playoff record with the Colts has been scrutinized, imagine what happens if he loses to Eli and the Giants. As for Eli, he has been waiting for the chance to take some of the spotlight away from his big brother. A win tonight would be a signature moment in Eli’s career. This will be one big Manning family pressure cooker. Great way to start the season.
ROOKIE WATCH
Big debut for Bush
Who: New Orleans running back Reggie Bush
When: 11 a.m. at Cleveland
Why: Bush’s arrival in the NFL is one of the most anticipated in years. Bush, last year’s Heisman Trophy winner, was an amazing player at Southern California. He helped make the Trojans nearly unbeatable. What will happen in the NFL? Can Bush’s speed and moves work at this level? Or will defensive players be too fast and crafty? Bush had his moments in the preseason, but it starts counting today. All eyes will be on Bush and the Cleveland defense. For years to come, it will be debated whether the Houston Texans made a mistake selecting defensive end Mario Williams with the No. 1 pick, allowing the Saints to get Bush in the No. 2 slot.
