AFC: East | North | NFC: East
Detroit Lions
Matthew Stafford vs. Daunte Culpepper, quarterback
The Lions haven't had a Pro Bowl quarterback since Greg Landry was chosen to the game in 1972. So they use the first pick of the draft on Stafford, and cross their fingers that maybe, just maybe, they finally got the position solved.
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| What do the Lions have to lose by starting Matthew Stafford? (US Presswire) |
Stafford is young and needs time to grow; Culpepper is experienced and has been the starter on a winless team. This one isn't difficult to call.
Edge: Stafford. It's time Ford demonstrates it has a better idea. So play the guy, and let's see how good he is. So he doesn't win immediately. Tell me how many games Culpepper won for these guys a year ago. If you're going to be bad, be bad with young players.
Opening day starter: Stafford.
Chicago Bears
Josh Bullocks vs. Craig Steltz, free safety
With Mike Brown gone, the Bears are in the market for a starter here, and these are the two leading contenders. Bullocks was picked up after the Saints cut him; Steltz, a fourth-round pick out of LSU, is someone who didn't do much when he filled in for Brown at the end of last season. Question: Is it too late to call Mike Brown?
Brown was a team leader, but he always got hurt. These guys don't have to be the leader that Brown was, but they better make the plays he did. Steltz made a lot of them when he was at LSU, but he's probably better suited at strong safety. He did make improvement as last season wore on and preserved a Chicago win over Detroit with a late interception, but he might be playing out of position. Still, he might have the edge. Remember, the Saints let Bullocks go for a reason. He didn't do much last year.
Edge: Steltz because he has a year in the system and because he's a natural playmaker.
Opening day starter: Steltz.
Minnesota Vikings
Phil Loadholt vs. Ryan Cook, right tackle
Cook has been the starter here, but he had all sorts of problems last year before Artis Hicks stepped in to replace him. The Vikings resolved to solidify the position and maybe they have. They chose Loadholt, a huge left tackle, in the second round of this year's draft. The Vikings' move suggests they're not happy with Cook, and the team's website lists Loadholt, not Cook, as the starter at this position. Uh-oh. But there are two months before the season starts, which means there are two months for Cook to make an impression. It typically takes rookie offensive linemen time to grow into their jobs, so that should help his cause. But my guess is that Cook is better suited to challenging John Sullivan at starting center.
Edge: Loadholt. Not only is he massive, but he has a quick first step to his right. Plus, the Vikings went out of their way to choose him.
Opening day starter: Loadholt.
Green Bay Packers
Jason Spitz vs. Scott Wells, center
Wells has been the team's center the past four years, but there are questions about his durability; he missed the entire offseason while recovering from shoulder surgery. That opened the door for Spitz, the primary starter at right guard the past three seasons, and he has the inside track -– with Josh Sitton taking his place on the right side.
But there are no sure things here. For one, Sitton started two games in his career. For another, Wells is determined to hold on to his position. The guy has been in 59 games the past four years, and he won't go quietly into the night. The Packers are determined to upgrade their offensive line, but Wells is equally determined they do it with him in the picture.
Edge: Spitz. There are just too many signs that the coaching staff wants this to happen.
Opening day starter: Spitz.
