5 Must-Watch NFL Preseason Games

This summer I have watched more movies than any summer before. 'X-Men', 'Super 8', and 'Transformers'. I have been in 3D summer blockbuster heaven. 

But with all the Lockout talk close to being behind us, I can now focus on football.  Granted, preseason football has never been that big of a draw with fans, especially me. Sure, it's a way to get to see rookies who are fighting for some playing time, along with satisfying a thirst for the NFL.  

But this year, there is more meaning than usual to the NFL preseason.  

With the lockout all but squashing the development of rookies and coaches alike, this aims to be one of the most incredible free agent frenzies in NFL history. That translates into this preseason being downright bananas. 

This year, the preseason will feature more work by the veterans and rookies alike, but there are a few teams this preseason that will have an "adapt or die" approach.  

Let's take a look at some of the preseason games that will be imperative to watch.

NY Giants at Carolina: Week 1

Admit it. You may hate Cam Newton. You probably think he has a sordid past and we don't really know the truth. But putting all the hate aside, there is no player coming out of this year's draft that I am more excited to see on the field.

We all watched Cam botch up the QB Camp with Jon Gruden, but do you get the feeling that this guy can just flat out make plays happen?  

Yes, there are better quality quarterbacks in this draft, but none bring the excitement that Cam could bring for the pitiful Carolina Panthers. Unfortunately, when you couple a rookie quarterback and a rookie head coach, the season could make for a comedy of follies. Or it could be pure unadulterated Harry Potter type magic.

Watching Cam lead the Panthers could be like watching a car accident. It's bad, but you can't turn away.

Admit it, fans. We will all rubberneck.

Arizona at Green Bay: Week 2

Yeah, I know Arizona has a week one game, but there is a method to my madness here.

Let's say Kevin Kolb does get traded for some unknown quantity. He would be in a Cardinal uniform by Monday, August 1. Can you see him really getting thrown to the wolves against Oakland his first week? 

Me either.

Throw in Max Hall and John Skelton and get them some time while Kolb learns the system and gets acclimated to the Whisenhunt way. 

But this game against Green Bay could show us a little of what Kolb has to offer. What will his timing be like? Can he get the ball to Fitzgerald or Breaston (if Breaston is resigned). 

If you are a Cardinals fan, all eyes are on this game.

Minnesota at Tennessee: Week 1

No Jeff Fisher. Check.

No Brett Favre. Check.

No Kerry Collins. Check.

No Vince Young. Check.

Heck that alone makes this game intriguing. You have the Titans, who selected a very raw Jake Locker from Washington, and the Vikings who selected Christian Ponder from Florida State.  Both seem slated to start the season as their team's leader which could be very interesting for two fan bases who aren't used to losing lately.

This game could be a precursor to determining which rookie will be ready to grab the reigns first. Or this game could be a 9-6 field goal match.

Stay tuned.

Cincinnati vs N.Y.Jets: Week 2

The Cincinnati Bengals have had the best game of chess we have seen all summer. It's sort of a Sherlock Holmes versus Moriarty type of battle. 

Carson Palmer says he'd rather retire than return to the Bengals, and he sold his rather ugly home in Indian Hills, Ohio to prove it.

Owner Mike Brown says he would rather see Carson walk off into the sunset of retirement than see him traded. 

It seems Cincinnati has comes to terms with the fact that Carson will not be there and that either Jordan Palmer or rookie Andy Dalton will be under center.  The question is, who will they throw to? 

Chad Ochocinco seems all but out of Cincinnati, but with a shortened off-season, he may be too valuable to get rid of. There were glimpses of greatness by some of their younger receivers, and why they didn't need Terrell Owens, I will never know. 

But throwing either Jordan or Andy to the wolves, namely the Steelers and Ravens, could be ugly. 

Aw. I can see it now. James Harrison licking his chops and shining his gun at this opportunity.

Philadelphia at N.Y. Jets: Week 4

Ah. A summer without Brett Favre. How peaceful it was.

Until I read that the Philadelphia Eagles are interested in Brett Favre as a backup to Michael Vick. Really?
Okay picture the scene:

Michael Vick gets his annual two week break after getting his chops busted by some NFC East defense. Brett Favre comes in and starts hurling rainmakers to the likes of Desean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin. The Eagles win those two games.

Now we have a dilemma. Bring Vick back in and kill the momentum or let the gun slinging Wrangler keep winning games for you.

Poor Ed Werder. And he really thought he was going to have a Favre-free summer.

Imagine this game front and center. If the Eagles really do sign Favre and Kolb is gone, the over/under on the number of TV shots of Favre is 50. 

Even in the preseason game.