With so many storylines, the 2009 – 2010 season promises to be a memorable one
By Adam Shapiro

Can Michael Vick redeem himself

HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 09/12/09 – The NFL season kicks into high gear this Sunday with a full slate of games and no shortage of intriguing storylines that will surely captivate fans and media alike. Besides the return of Tom Brady and Michael Vick and the arrival of T.O. in Buffalo, fans must also wonder: How will Brett Favre’s veteran presence impact the Super Bowl contender Minnesota Vikings? Can the Detroit Lions, who were the NFL’s first 0 – 16 team in 2008, be victorious in at least one game this season? Which team will be the surprise team of 2009 – 2010? Stay tuned every Sunday and Monday night. By the time February rolls around, all questions will be answered.

The world champion Pittsburgh Steelers kicked off the 2009 – 2010 NFL season this past Thursday on NBC, with a tense overtime victory at home against the Tennessee Titans. The six-time Super Bowl champion Steelers are embarking on a title defense that has them aiming to become only the second team this decade to repeat as Super Bowl champions, underscoring the challenges that lie ahead.

Speaking of the one team successful in defending their crown, the New England Patriots are attempting to improve upon an 11 – 5 season that saw them miss the playoffs, after going undefeated during the regular season and losing in Super Bowl XLII the previous year. Their inability to obtain a playoff position last season can be attributed to the loss of franchise quarterback and 2007 NFL MVP Tom Brady, who suffered a season-ending knee injury during last year’s opener. His return to full health, combined with the mastery play calling of head coach Bill Belichick, have the Patriots positioned to capture the franchise’s fourth Super Bowl championship in 2010.

“Get your popcorn ready, ’cause I’m gonna put on a show.” There truly is potential for a show this year in Buffalo, as superstar wide receiver Terrell Owens signed a one-year contract with the Bills during the offseason after three seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. The signing of Owens gives the Bills young quarterback Trent Edwards an elite, big-play target to pass to down field. No wide receiver has caught more touchdown passes over the last three years than T.O. (38). Still, at the age of 35 and not as explosive as he once was, Owens’ head case antics and flare for controversy could create major drama for a Bills team searching for its first playoff berth since 1999.

The likelihood of Terrell Owens creating controversy at one point during the year is very high. However, no player will be under the microscope as much as disgraced quarterback Michael Vick. After serving 18 months in prison for his role in an illegal dogfighting operation, the former No. 1 overall pick and Atlanta Falcons franchise player returns to the NFL in a Philadelphia Eagles jersey to backup veteran quarterback Donovan McNabb. Not only will Vick have to deal with opposing defences on the field – the Eagles plan to utilize his speed and athleticism as a multiple threat in Wildcat formations and as a spot-situation quarterback – he must repair his public image as a man, not a football player, after being vilified for his heinous crimes against dogs.