Bill Grigsby

Matt Schaub is the quarterback they’ve been looking for. His pre-season camp has been good and the Texans running game; with Ahman Green will add punch to the 6-10 team of a year ago. On defense; the Texans must improve their pass rush. Damon Huard will have time to look for receivers so expect an improvement in the Chiefs overall offense. Schaub will have a busy afternoon dodging the Chiefs improved defense. The Chiefs are not at full strength this early; but expect them to give Herm Edwards an opening season victory. I’m not sold yet on the Chiefs kicker Justin Medlock but hopefully it will not come down to the place kicker. Chiefs win it by seven.

The Saints turned the world around last season winning their division after finishing in the cellar a year ago. 21 starters are back – head coach Sean Payton was the mastermind behind the Saints but Drew Brees was the field leader at quarterback. Brees rating of 95 and the running of Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush made the offense click for a season record of 10 and 6. The defense held opponents to a little over 300 yards. Look for that same swarming defense in 2007. Look for Reggie Bush to go over a thousand yards rushing. McAllister could make it a two thousand yard tandem. Look for New Orleans to again battle Carolina for the division title.

The NFC south could be Carolina’s for the asking. New offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson will spend most of training camp trying to put the offense together. Wide receiver Steve Smith is a game breaker and could be the catalyst to send the Panthers to the Super Bowl. Atlanta may be without their quarterback because of an upcoming trial involving Vick and dog-fighting. Too bad to have that problem for new coach Bobby Petrino – a guy who likes to put on an air-show. If they can work around the Michael Vick problem the season may be alright but don’t count on it. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have new blood in Jeff Garcia at quarterback but that may not be enough to compete in a tough division. New Orleans will still be the team to beat in the south but the success of a year ago might give this team too much confidence –they will have to work hard.

The Miami Dolphins come to Arrowhead for a pre-season game on Thursday night. It will seem strange to see Trent Green at quarterback for the Dolphins. But so be it; he is getting the opportunity to extend his NFL career. Miami will be a good test for the Chiefs and number one draft choice Dwayne Bowe – the Dolphins defense under the capable hands of Don Carpers will be a stern test for Brodie Croyle and Damon Huard. It is only a pre-season game but one that could make or break some of the Chief’s hopefuls. Cam Cameron will be getting his first test as the new head man in Miami.