2011 Preseason – Select Games to Watch

“The Preseason is worthless, the games don’t matter and the real players are only on the field for like half the game.”

Yeah, yeah. Shut up. Preseason games give fans an opportunity to see the depth and possible future talent buried in the depth charts. And while the games don’t “matter” in the conventional sense of getting “Your Favorite Team” towards their inevitable berth in the Super Bowl, (because every team, especially “Your Favorite Team”, has a great chance of making the playoffs) they give viewers a way to see what the non-headlining members of the roster have to offer. It’s a way to find contributors that you might not know existed. And for football nerds like myself, it’s a football game. After a long summer filled with nothing but humidity and something called baseball, we have football! So here are a few of the better games to look forward to before the glorious regular season starts.

-Baltimore @ Philadelphia, 8/11/11, 7:30 ET

Two teams who are early favorites to go make the playoffs are also two teams who will only go as far as their quarterbacks can take them. Both have strong defenses, and the first half of this game should be a blast. When the reserves take over, keep an eye out for the NFL debut of 2010 second round pick and possible alcoholic Sergio Kindle, who fractured his skull last year and wasn’t able to do anything.

-New England @ Tampa Bay, 8/18/11, 7:30 ET

Powerhouse vs. Upstart! New England has dominated free agency headlines by signing fat malcontent Albert Haynesworth and professional celebrity Chad Ochocinco in hopes of turning them back into game changers. Tampa Bay, on the other hand, did almost nothing this offseason besides lock up their punter to long term deal. On the other hand, the Bucs did have a hell of a risk/reward draft, and this may be the year Josh Freeman earns the “elite quarterback” designation.

-New Orleans @ Houston, 8/20/11, 8:00 ET

Two southern powerhouses. Both could easily finish 2^nd in their respective divisons but both have made significant improvements to their squads. For what it’s worth I think Houston should go deep in the playoffs, but don’t just stand there; watch the game!

-San Diego @ Dallas, Week Two 8:00 ET

Two teams that are almost always predicted to succeed and usually fail to meet expectations. San Diego was held back last year by appalling special teams and previously by the shortcomings of Nate Kaeding. Dallas was held back by the injury to Tony Romo and also by Tony Romo not being very good. He’s one of the two most overrated quarterback in the league. Nevertheless, this should be a fun game to watch.

-St. Louis @ Kansas City, 8/26/11, 8:00 ET

The two Missouri teams square off here, and both have the chance to win their respective West division, each of which is basically wide open. This will be a big year for both of these teams as it could allow either to affix itself to the top of the division.

-Green Bay @ Indianapolis, 8/26/11, 8:00 ET

These two squads feature examples of the best passing attacks in the league. The defending champs are certainly expecting a repeat performance while the Colts are training to fend off the Texans.

-Atlanta @ Pittsburgh, Week 8/27/11, 8:00 ET

High-flying offense meets the steel curtain. This could very well be the finale of the season come February, as both teams are loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. This is one game that I will go out of my way to watch.

-New England @ Detroit, 8/27/11, 8:00 ET

A rematch of their Thanksgiving special from last year. New England is one of the best teams in the league and Detroit is a big up and coming. They still have holes in their secondary and their offensive line but on the whole this is a team that should put up a fight this year.

-Philadelphia @ New York Jets, 9/1/11, 7:30 ET

Philly again, playing one of my least favorite teams in the league. The Jets feature a great defense and a questionable offense, led by Mark Sanchez, who I think is the other half of the two most overrated quarterbacks in the league. Regardless of my personal feelings for Sanchize, this should be a cool matchup.