50 Preseason Storylines That Will Have Huge Impacts on the 2011 NFL Season

The NFL is gearing up to kickoff yet another entertaining and action filled season in just a few weeks. 

The 2011 season is sure to be filled with several intriguing storylines that will have major impacts. 

After such a long and depressing locked out offseason, the preseason is in the midst of things, and there are several storylines developing on each team. 

Here are 50 of the biggest storylines that will have huge impacts in the 2011 season. 

Is Peyton Manning Seriously Injured?

Let's put it this way: If Peyton Manning is seriously injured, then the Indianapolis Colts are in big trouble.

Manning is currently recovering from neck surgery that he underwent this past offseason and has yet to even practice for the Colts this preseason. 

In fact, the Colts have added veteran quarterback Kerry Collins to the team to add some insurance behind backup Curtis Painter. 

Who's Going to Start at Quarterback for the Washington Redskins?

Rex Grossman or John Beck? Both choices do not seem too appetizing. 

Grossman and Beck both have little experience at starting quarterback in the NFL, and when they have seen the field, they have struggled tremendously. 

Will Cam Newton Start Week 1 of the Regular Season?

Cam Newton has shown signs of brilliance but has struggled in big ways at quarterback for the Carolina Panthers.

The 2011 first overall pick has been a playmaker when he's ran with the ball, but when he's passing, he has had some issues.

However, at this point of time, it looks like he's going to beat out Jimmy Clausen and Derek Anderson.

Will Terrelle Pryor Have Any Impact with the Raiders in 2011?

Terrelle Pryor was acquired by the Oakland Raiders in this year's supplemental draft. 

Pryor agreed to a four-year contract with the Raiders this past week and looked sharp in his first practice with the Raiders, as he went four of nine at quarterback, according to InsideBayArea.com.  

It is unclear if Pryor will be playing quarterback for the Raiders in 2011, as many question his ability to do so. 

Is Kevin Kolb the Answer for the Arizona Cardinals?

Kevin Kolb was brought into Arizona to be the starting quarterback and to be the team's long-term answer to getting the ball to Larry Fitzgerald on a regular basis.

Throughout the preseason, Kolb has gone 10 of 18 for 148 yards. 

Will he get Fitz the ball in 2011? I believe that he will. 

The Eagles Are the Dream Team...or Are They?

I'll tell you one thing, after Vince Young made his idiotic state that the Philadelphia Eagles are now the "Dream Team," they have yet to impress me once throughout the preseason. 

The Eagles have struggled to score points, and at times, look like complete frauds.

I realize that this is only the preseason, but the Eagles have huge expectations to fill in 2011. 

Can Josh Freeman Take the Next Step in 2011?

After Josh Freeman's solid 2010 performance, as he tossed 25 touchdowns and was only picked off six times, many believe that 2011, his third year, is going to be a huge one.

Freeman has gone 14 of 23 throughout the preseason and has thrown for 106 yards. 

How Long Will Chris Johnson Holdout?

Chris Johnson's contract dispute with the Tennessee Titans has gotten so bad that it may result in a possible trade request. However, according to sources, the Titans will not trade CJ2K. 

Is Eli Manning in the Same Class as Tom Brady?

I am sure that you're all well aware of Eli Manning's comments earlier this month, as he claims to be in the same class as Tom Brady—but is he? Hell no. 

Manning will have to put up huge numbers in 2011 and will have to take care of the football a whole lot better than he did in 2010, as he was picked off 25 times, while Brady was only intercepted four times. 

Will Blaine Gabbert Play His Rookie Season?

David Garrard is the projected starting quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars, but it's unclear if rookie Blaine Gabbert will get any playing time in 2011.

Gabbert was the Jaguars first-round selection this past year and is likely the quarterback for the future in Jacksonville. 

Will Drew Brees Do a Better Job of Taking Care of the Ball?

Drew Brees was simply not himself in 2010, as he tossed 22 interceptions.

If the New Orleans Saints want to make a deep playoff run in 2011, then Brees is going to have to rebound nicely after his inconsistent performance last season. 

New England's Switch to the 4-3 Defense

After years in New England, Bill Belichick has been running his 3-4 defensive system—now, it appears that the Patriots will be making a switch over to the 4-3 defense.

New England definitely has the personnel to do so; it's just a matter of executing and staying healthy. 

Can Shonn Greene Emerge as the Jets Lead Running Back?

Shonn Greene has so much potential and upside, but has yet to develop into the lead running back that everyone thought he was.

In Greene's first two seasons with the Jets, he's averaged 4.5 yards-per-carry and has scored only four touchdowns. 

I'm expecting Greene to have a breakout year in 2011, as LaDainian Tomlinson should be in a decline. 

The Health of Maurice Jones-Drew

Maurice Jones-Drew is one of the league's best running backs when he's healthy.

Jones-Drew is entering 2011 after having knee surgery this offseason, and it's somewhat of a question mark if he'll be able to produce consistently this year. 

Jason Garrett's First Year as Head Coach

Let's put it this way: Jason Garrett has a lot of pressure on him, as he's now the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. He needs to win now. 

Houston Texans Switching to the 3-4 Defense

As of right now, it looks like that Wade Phillips' newly installed 3-4 defense is working like a charm. 

The Houston Texans have yet to allow more than 16 points throughout their first three preseason games. 

If the Texans defense can be successful in 2011, then Houston should have a shot at making the playoffs. 

Beanie Wells Could Have a Breakout Season

Beanie Wells has been nothing but a disappointment and a work-in-progress for the Arizona Cardinals.

Now that the Cardinals have traded away Tim Hightower to the Redskins and lost Ryan Williams to a knee injury, Wells is going to have a chance to be the featured back in Arizona. 

The Fall of Tim Tebow

Both Boomer Esiason and Merril Hoge both believe that Tim Tebow has no future in the NFL. 

Now, Tebow is the third-string quarterback on the Denver Broncos depth chart, behind both Kyle Orton and Brady Quinn. 

Can Sidney Rice Flourish in Seattle?

Did you know that wide receivers go to Seattle to die? Hopefully, Sidney Rice is able to produce as a member of the Seattle Seahawks.

Rice is going to be Seattle's top wide receiver, but the big problem that the Seahawks have is who will be the team's starting quarterback. 

How Much Will Andy Dalton Struggle?

It's really a shame that Andy Dalton is pretty much being thrown to the wolves his rookie season, as he's projected to be the Cincinnati Bengals starting quarterback in 2011.

Dalton is definitely a talented quarterback, but is simply not mature enough to be a starter in the NFL. 

Is Casey Matthews as Good as His Brother?

Casey Matthews is likely going to be the Philadelphia Eagles starting linebacker in 2011, but how long will he keep his job?

Casey is the young brother of Clay Matthews, the star linebacker for the Super Bowl Champions Green Bay Packers—it's unclear if he'll live up to the hype. 

Can Arian Foster Repeat His Stellar Performance from Last Season?

Hopefully, Arian Foster is not a one-year wonder, but there's a chance that he will be.

Foster ran for a league-high 1,616 yards in 2010 for the Texans and will have huge expectations entering 2011. 

Do You Believe the Colt McCoy Hype?

I may fall in the minority on this one, but I am a firm believer in the gutsy play out of Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy.

McCoy has been brilliant this preseason, as he's completed 28 of his 46 passes while accumulating 320 yards and scoring four touchdowns.

This could be McCoy's coming out party, as well as the young and promising Cleveland Browns. 

How Well Will Julio Jones Play in Atlanta?

Julio Jones looks to be a special player for the Atlanta Falcons.

Jones is a superb athlete with all the tools to be phenomenal, and has a real shot at turning Atlanta's passing attack into one of the league's best. 

Can Chad Ochocinco Fit in New England's Offense?

At times, Chad Ochocinco has looked lost and simply hasn't been a good player for the Patriots so far.

Ochocinco was acquired in a trade with the Bengals earlier this offseason and was projected to be one of Tom Brady's favorite targets this season. However, the chemistry between the two is non-existent. 

Can Matthew Stafford Stay Healthy?

In Matthew Stafford's first two-years in the league, he's managed to only played a total of 13 games.

If Stafford can stay healthy, he could end up being one of the league's better quarterbacks and even lead the Lions to a playoff spot in 2011. 

Can Chad Henne Emerge as Miami's Starting Quarterback?

It's make it or break it time for Chad Henne and the Miami Dolphins—this is likely Henne's last chance to claim the starting quarterback job.

Henne is a very talented passer but has yet to apply his skills on the field of play. 

Is Ryan Fitzpatrick a Legitimate Starting Quarterback?

Ryan Fitzpatrick had a career year for the Buffalo Bills last season, as he threw for 23 touchdowns and was intercepted only 15 times.

No one is sure if Fitzpatrick is the real deal and that he's a legitimate starting quarterback, but he's set to be the Bills' starting quarterback in 2011. 

Will Sam Bradford Have Any Sophomore Slumps?

The 2010 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year is definitely destined for a successful career, but will he avoid any "sophomore slumps?"

Sam Bradford will be playing in his first year under Josh McDaniels as his offensive coordinator. McDaniels coached Tom Brady to his record setting 2007 season, and it will be interesting to see if Bradford can flourish in his offensive system. 

Can Lee Evans Perform in Baltimore?

After spending seven years in Buffalo, Lee Evans is now a member of the Baltimore Ravens.

Evans was Buffalo's long-time number one wide receiver, but now will be the Ravens' second option to Anquan Boldin.

Boldin and Evans have a shot at emerging as one of the league's most dynamic receiving tandem. 

Joseph Addai Needs to Stay Health for the Colts

Depending on the severity of Peyton Manning's neck injury, the Colts are going to need Joseph Addai to stay healthy and to be the answer to the team's below average running game. 

Addai has only played one full NFL season throughout his five-year career with Indianapolis. 

Can Roy Williams Rebound in Chicago?

After spending a couple of very disappointing seasons as a Dallas Cowboy, Roy Williams is now a Chicago Bear and is projected to be the team's top wide receiver.

So far throughout preseason, Williams has caught two passes for 33 yards. 

How Long Will Donovan McNabb Last in Minnesota?

Donovan McNabb's time in Washington was a complete disaster, but will he be able to rebound in Minnesota?

McNabb has been brought to Minnesota to be the Vikings short-term answer at quarterback until rookie Christian Ponder is able to take over the reigns of the franchise.  

Michael Vick Looks to Be Reverting Back to His Falcon Ways

Michael Vick has been simply awful for the Philadelphia Eagles this preseason. Granted, it is preseason, but he's playing a lot like the way he did when he was in Atlanta—just a scrambling quarterback that is always looking to run first.

Vick has completed only 52.8 percent of his passes while throwing three interceptions and just one touchdown. 

How Will the Dolphins Use Reggie Bush?

Reggie Bush could be the ultimate offensive weapon if he can stay healthy, as he's yet to play a full NFL season since his rookie one back in 2006.

Bush is now a member of the Miami Dolphins and will start with a clean slate this fall. 

Aaron Rodgers Is Now an Elite Quarterback

There's no question here: Aaron Rodgers is now among the elite of the NFL thanks to his stellar play last season, which led the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl victory.

However, can Rodgers continue his success in 2011? I don't see why he couldn't. 

The San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Disaster

Who will be the starting quarterback in San Francisco? The rookie, Colin Kaepernick, or the former first overall pick, Alex Smith?

Both have yet to impress in the preseason, and in fact, Smith has been downright awful, as he's only completed 46.2 percent of his passes. 

Will Carson Palmer Play at All This Year?

It's clear that Carson Palmer and the Cincinnati Bengals are not on the same page anymore, and Bengals owner Mike Brown has made it clear that he does not plan on trading Palmer.

So, if Palmer is going to stick to his word, he should retire soon.

Can Mark Ingram Stabilize New Orleans Offense?

In my opinion, Mark Ingram was the most NFL-ready running back out of the 2011 draft class and has a real opportunity to be something special for the New Orleans Saints.

Ingram will join the Saints, a pass-first offense, and could be the potential answer to balancing New Orleans' offensive attack.

Albert Haynesworth and the New England Patriots

Who would have thought that the troubled Albert Haynesworth would ever be a member of the New England Patriots? I never thought in my wildest dreams that he would be. 

Haynesworth will have a shot at turning his career around with the Patriots, but it's just a matter of him staying in-shape and healthy, as he'll be a key part in New England's 4-3 defense. 

Can Mark Sanchez Be More Accurate?

Does a 54.4 completion percentage impress you? I sure hope not.

If Mark Sanchez wants to lead his New York Jets to the Super Bowl, then he's going to have to complete at least 60 percent to do so. 

Ricky Williams and Ray Rice Could Be the Best Running Back Tandem

Former Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams signed with the Baltimore Ravens this offseason to join Ray Rice to create one of the league's most fearful backfields.

If Williams and Rice can stay healthy, they'll create huge problems for opposing team's defenses. 

Will Matt Hasselbeck Be Consistent Enough for the Titans?

Ever since 2007, Matt Hasselbeck simply hasn't been a great quarterback; he's been average at best.

Hasselbeck was brought to Tennessee to be the bridge quarterback and mentor for rookie Jake Locker. If Hasselbeck doesn't produce, how long will the Titans stick with him until they're forced to use Locker? 

C.J. Spiller Has Been Nothing but a Bust

C.J. Spiller needs to have a turnaround year in 2011 after his horrific rookie season, when he ran for only 283 yards in 14 games.

Spiller is without a doubt a talented running back, but he simply needs to produce on the field, or he'll be labeled as a big-time bust. 

Antonio Gates Health

Antonio Gates played only 10 games last season for the Chargers and just made his preseason debut this past Saturday.

Gates has been dealing with a foot injury this preseason and needs to be healthy in order for the Chargers to make a deep playoff run. 

Jay Cutler and His Accuracy Problems

Jay Cutler was phenomenal for the Bears last season, as he tossed 23 touchdowns and was only picked off 16 times.

Cutler appears to be flourishing in Mike Martz's offensive system in Chicago; it's just a matter of Cutler making smart decisions with the football. 

Tarvaris Jackson or Charlie Whitehurst?

Tarvaris Jackson or Charlie Whitehurst? Who would you rather have as your starting quarterback? I know, I know; this a tough one, but it's something that the Seahawks are going to have to deal with in 2011.

I'm thinking that the Seahawks will be thinking about Andrew Luck in a few months. 

How Matt Cassel Will Do Without Charlie Weis

Matt Cassel had a breakout year with the Kansas City Chiefs last season as he threw 27 touchdowns and was picked off only seven times as he flourished in Charlie Weis' offensive system.

Entering 2011, there's just one problem: Weis is now the offensive coordinator for the University of Florida. 

How Will Mike Williams Play in 2011

Mike Williams was phenomenal for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season, as he caught 11 touchdown passes as a rookie. However, is he just a one-year wonder? I don't think so. 

Williams and quarterback Josh Freeman will likely tear apart secondaries this season. 

Brett Favre...Will He Stay Retired?

Who knows!? Will Brett Favre stay retired? No one knows! 

SI.com's Peter King reported earlier this month that "being slightly tempted about playing football again."

Oh, great...What are some of his possible destinations? Miami? San Fran?