2010 NFL Preseason Schedule: 10 Things To Watch For

The 2010 NFL pre-season is underway, as the Dallas Cowboys beat the Cincinnati Bengals 16-7 in the Hall of Fame Game last night. 

Many often say that the pre-season is meaningless. However, I would beg to differ.

While it does expose players to injury, it also provides new players to get accustomed to the system, allows coaches to identify strengths and weaknesses, and gives, us, the fans, a chance to finally watch some real football after six months of prolonged anticipation. 

Therefore, here are ten things to keep an eye out for during this year's pre-season. 

Broncos Injuries

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INDIANAPOLIS - DECEMBER 13: Knowshon Moreno #27 of the Denver Broncos runs with the ball during the NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 13, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts won 28-16. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Ge

No team ever wants to suffer any major losses, especially before the regular season even begins.

Unfortunately, the injury bug has bit the Denver Broncos lately as key players such as Ryan Clady, Elvis Dumervil and Knowshon Moreno have all been injured. 

Hopefully, that's the end of it. Of course, based on the violent nature of this game, we know that may not be the case. 

Keep an eye out on who steps up in their place. 

Super Bowl Hangover

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - FEBRUARY 07: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts walks on the field against the New Orleans Saints during Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Image

According to recent history, teams who play in the Super Bowl are set for doom in the following season.

While we won't be able to identify much in the pre-season, it'll be interesting to see if we can witness glimpses of the dreaded "Super Bowl Hangover" once again.

Moreover, Drew Brees better watch out for his health as the Madden curse is still alive.

Rookies In Action

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EARTH CITY, MO - JULY 31: Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams passes during training camp at the Russell Athletic Training Facility on July 31, 2010 in Earth City, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

The pre-season is especially an important time for the rookie class. Not only does it provide them with invaluable learning experience, but their performance will help shape their first impression and could determine their role on their respective teams.

A few notable rookies to keep a close watch on will be Sam Bradford, Ndamukong Suh and Tim Tebow.

Who Will Step Up For The Chargers

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 20: Wide receiver Vincent Jackson #83 of the San Diego Chargers prepares to enter the game against the Cincinnati Bengals during the NFL game on December 20, 2009 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Mi

With Vincent Jackson, Marcus McNeil and Shawne Merriman—three of the Charger's most talented players—planning to undergo a massive contract holdout, the pre-season is a great time for others to step up and display their ability.

Bengals Offense

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CANTON, OH - AUGUST 8: Terrell Owens #81 and Chad Ochocinco #85 of the Cincinnati Bengals look on against the Dallas Cowboys during the 2010 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Field at Fawcett Stadium on August 8, 2010 in Cant

The Bengals offense, and in particular their receiving core, is much like the Miami Heat's roster—revamped with several new faces. 

The team added Terrell Owens, Antonio Bryant, and Matt Jones at receiver, as well as drafted tight end Jermaine Gresham.

It'll be interesting to see what formations and packages they will be utilized in, and how the ball distribution will be managed.

Could we be in for heated issues early or are we in for a smooth sail?

We'll just have to wait and see. 

Brett Favre Saga

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NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 24: Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings looks to pass against the New Orleans Saints during the NFC Championship Game at the Louisiana Superdome on January 24, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints won 31-28. (Photo by Jed

Aside from his astounding play on the gridiron, Brett Favre also has the magical ability to create a buzz in the headlines.

During the next few weeks, we should expect some sort of announcement from Favre regarding his future. While I predict him to return for a 20th NFL season, it's a definite possibility that he decides to hang up the cleats for good. 

Nonetheless, several major media outlets will be covering the Favre watch during this span. 

New York Jets Additions

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SAN DIEGO - JANUARY 17: Running back LaDainian Tomlinson #21 of the San Diego Chargers warms up on the field prior to the AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the New York Jets at Qualcomm Stadium on January 17, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by S

The New York Jets were one of the most active teams during the off-season. They made numerous critical acquisitions, including a trade for Antonio Cromartie, as well as the signing of Jason Taylor and LaDanian Tomlinson. 

The pre-season could demonstrate how they, along with many others, will fit into the Jets' Super Bowl-caliber team. 

Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Situation

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PITTSBURGH - APRIL 19: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers practices on April 19, 2010 at the Pittsburgh Steelers South Side training facility in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

With Ben Roethlisberger suspended for four to six games for violating the league's personal conduct policy, the Steelers will be forced to rely on either Byron Leftwhich or Dennis Dixon. 

This is sure to be one of the most heated training camp position battles, and it'll be fun to see how it all plays out. 

New Starting Quarterbacks

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ASHBURN, VA - AUGUST 06: Quarterback Donovan McNabb #5 of the Washington Redskins takes part in drills during Redskins training camp on August 6, 2010 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Speaking of new starting quarterbacks, the league is prepared to have several including McNabb in Washington, Kolb in Philadelphia, Leinart in Phoenix and Campbell in Oakland.

This will be the first look at how they perform in a game-like situation. 

The pressure is on their shoulders to lead their respective franchises to successful seasons. Can they handle it?

Darrelle Revis Contract Situations

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SAN DIEGO - JANUARY 17: Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets runs with the ball against the San Diego Chargers during AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Qualcomm Stadium on January 17, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

According to reports, cornerback Darrelle Revis is very disgruntled with his current contract situation. 

He established himself as one of the premier players in the league as he virtually shut down nearly every receiver he faced.

The New York Jets will need to end the conflict soon if they want to fullfill their expectations as Super Bowl contenders.