TSN: Signal calls

[bubba9497]

Signal calls

http://www.sportingnews.com/exclusives/20050830/643579.html

Some NFL story lines -- and their cues -- to follow this season. You'll spot them early.

If actions really do speak louder than words ... It doesn't matter if Terrell Owens and Donovan McNabb aren't chatty as long as they hook up on the field. But if McNabb is throwing as much to Greg Lewis and rookie Reggie Brown as he is to T.O., the Eagles will have more than a communications breakdown.

If the Chiefs' defense has improved ... Chef Gunther has some new ingredients for his recipe. It will get early taste tests from the Jets (Chad Pennington, Laveranues Coles and Curtis Martin) and Raiders (Kerry Collins, Randy Moss and LaMont Jordan).

If the Cardinals are for real ... OK, they're the trendy pick to win the NFC West. But first they have to get past the Giants in New York (Arizona hasn't won a season opener since 1999). Then they face three consecutive division opponents (Rams, at Seahawks, 49ers in Mexico City). Let's check the standings then. Comprende?

If Ricky gets to run ... Ricky Williams' four-game suspension will give rookie Ronnie Brown time to establish himself as the Dolphins' No. 1 running back. Three of Miami's first four opponents are the Broncos, Jets and Bills, who ranked fourth, fifth and seventh, respectively, in run defense last year. If Brown runs effectively against those teams, look for Williams to take a back seat in Miami -- or be traded.

If the 3-4 can work anywhere ... The Browns, 49ers, Cowboys and Dolphins are among the latest teams to try the defense the Steelers have had mastered for years. We'll see which of the new schemes are genuine and which ones are knockoffs.