[CBFF] USA Today NFL pre-pre-preview

[Victor Waldron]

I've been travelling this week and picked up a copy of USA Today's
2006 NFL preview (yes, the first version is already out in late-May).
BTW, it's not really worth the $4.95 it cost, but then again you need
something to read on a 4+ hour flight.

Here are a few items of note:

They chose Grossman as one of 10 players they expect to have a
breakout season. They mention the usual, great talent but needs to
stay healthy. I just thought it was good he was on the list.

They give the Bears draft a D+, with Hester being a player to watch as
a special teamer.

They believe the D will be even better than last year with the extra
year of experience. Noted the average age for the unit will be 26, the
oldest starter being 29. The Bears should have done more to upgrade
the CB position opposite Vasher.

The Bears should win the NFC North hands down, the weakest division.

Ranked the Bears 12th best in the NFL and 6th best in the NFC (behind
Carolina, Seattle, NYG, Washington, and yes, Dallas).

They list the Bears-Arizona game on Oct. 16 as one of 10 key games to
watch. It's interesting they didn't pick Bears-Seattle earlier in the
same month.