First, let me boast- I will be at the Eagles-Rams game this Sunday at The Linc.  Take that.  Actually if I really want to rub it in, I would tell you that I am heading up to Shea tomorrow to see the Phillies season end, I mean stay alive.  But I am not that type of guy.  Plus, apparently God doesn’t want me to have the ultimate sports weekend and appears to be taking a leak on the Eastern seaboard tomorrow.  I’m going to go out on a limb and say rain-out.  Therefore, I will subject my wife to UFC 88 tomorrow night.

Ok, now down to the meat and potatoes of the Birds kickoff game versus Marc Bulger/Steven Jackson’s St. Louis Rams.  Let me start be pointing out that the Birds are favored by 7.5 at the time of writing this article.  That’s a healthy number for those of you who have placed a bet or two in your day.  The Eagles are notorious for coming up short (not “stopping short”, Costanza) for their home season openers.  So bet at your own risk.

Now, I do expect a win but religion and lack of funds prevent me from wagering on the contest.  Ok, it’s really just the lack of funds.  I am already in some sort of gambling/church fundraiser thing for this NFL season.  PS: God likes the Saints to win it all.  Coincidence?  I think not.

I am excited though.  Donovan appears healthy.  Westbrook seems happy.  The defense and special teams could be destined for greatness.  But there are question marks…

On offense: Will DeSean Jackson step up while Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis nurse their injuries?  Will L.J. Smith, from Rutgers, finally have that breakout year?  Yes, I had to mention he was from Rutgers to knock him down a peg or two.  Will the offense score in the red-zone or will your David Akers pick in the 3rd round of your fantasy draft pay dividends?  Will the o-line stay healthy?  Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan aren’t getting any younger but in all honesty, will someone give Tra some extra-strength Tiger Balm.  If used properly, Tiger Balm may cure cancer.  And the economy.

On defense: Will Lito Sheppard stop crying and just play?  Moreover, will his agent ever shut-up?  How about that Jerome McDougle-less d-line…will they create a constant pass rush on Marc Bulger?  In case you were wondering, McDougle didn’t show up in the box score from last night’s game, but he did have several foul tips.  Thanks Bob Uecker.

Those are most of my questions heading into the season opener this Sunday.  Oddly enough, I do have answers to two of your questions: Yes, the Redskins are THAT bad.  And no, the Giants aren’t THAT good.

Go Birds!