32 Questions That Must Be Answered Before NFL's Opening Kickoff

The preseason taught us plenty: Kyle Orton is better than Tim Tebow, the Giants are snakebitten and the Eagles have a ways to go before earning the moniker “Dream Team.”

But every team—from the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers to the lowly Carolina Panthers—has questions still unanswered.

Although some definitely have more than others.

Regardless, while we as anxious fans await the start of the NFL season, each one of those 32 clubs will be scrambling to resolve questions about specific players, packages, or matchups.

Here’s the most critical for each club. 

Carolina Panthers: Will Jon Beason Play?

Week 1: at Arizona

Panthers head coach Ron Rivera has said that he "expects" his starting middle linebacker to play this weekend in Rivera's debut as a head coach. 

But this is a player who just had surgery 10 days ago and was expected to be out for several weeks. 

Even though the club gave Charles Johnson an enormous amount of money this offseason, there's a case to be made that Beason is the  best player on the defensive side of the ball, so for the Panthers to have any shot of slowing down Arizona, you'd figure he needs to be in the lineup. 

The Cardinals offense isn't exactly "prolific," but it is vastly improved with Kevin Kolb and the addition of Daryn Colledge. And Beanie Wells is poised for a great season. 

The Panthers need to find out ASAP if Beason can anchor the middle of that unit. 

Denver Broncos: Who Will Back Up Kyle Orton, Tim Tebow or Brady Quinn?

Week 1: vs. Oakland (Monday Night)

Reports out of Denver say that it's only a matter of time before head coach John Fox officially names Brady Quinn his No. 2 quarterback. 

But he's had plenty of time to make a decision, so what exactly is he waiting for? 

That little bit of doubt does seem to leave the door open for Tebow. 

Furthermore, I'm not completely sold on the idea that Quinn is the heir apparent to the job, no matter who is given the meaningless "No. 2" label. 

If Orton struggles or is knocked out of the game, I wouldn't be surprised to see Fox turn to Tebow instead of Quinn, simply for the "spark" factor. Tebow's mobility and willingness to make plays out of the pocket could be enough to get him on the field in a seemingly hopeless situation. 

Buffalo Bills: How Many Touches Should C.J. Spiller Get in Week 1?

Week 1: at Kansas City

Fred Jackson has the No. 1 running back spot locked up for Week 1, but C.J. Spiller will certainly see some action. But how much remains to be seen. 

And given the reports that he's also lost the No. 1 kickoff return role, Spiller's impact on the Chiefs doesn't figure to be huge. 

Still, Chan Gailey and his staff have to be aiming for a specific goal when it comes to rushes, catches, and returns. 

Based on his involvement in the final preseason game (two carries) that number figures to be pretty low. 

Cincinnati Bengals: Will Andy Dalton Be Allowed To Play through Mistakes?

Week 1: at Cleveland

Andy Dalton is going to start the game when the Bengals open up the season in Cleveland. We know that. 

But a better question is whether or not Andy Dalton is going to finish the game. 

A lot is being asked of the rookie who had no offseason/mini-camp with the Bengals—a team that is really starved for talent on both sides of the ball. 

So I wouldn't be surprised to see the Bengals have a relatively short leash on their quarterback.If he makes a handful of mistakes or gets pounded by the Browns defense, Marvin Lewis could pull the rookie, either to protect him or hold out hope of a winning the game and Lewis keeping his job.

But with rookie quarterbacks developing faster and faster, it might be better to leave him in to work through the problems rather than take a seat. 

Arizona Cardinals: Will Chester Taylor Play a Role in Week 1?

Week 1: vs. Carolina

At any other position, it would be a real uphill climb for the former Viking and Bear. But because he is a running back and can play in specific sets in specific situations, Taylor can transition to the offense despite not joining the team until this week and not practicing until today.

He's not going to carry the ball 10 times—in fact, half that number would be surprising. But if he can be the third-down back, he is a duel threat on draws and screens or even catch passes out of the backfield. 

Cleveland Browns: Who Will Start at Left Guard?

Week 1: vs. Cincinnati

The loss of Eric Steinbach due to neck surgery might be the most overlooked, yet significant injury in the NFL this offseason; his play was a main reason why Peyton Hillis had such an incredible season in 2010.

Now rookie head coach Pat Shurmer is scrambling to find a way to fill the spot. 

The front-runner for the job seems to be Jason Pinkston—the rookie from Pitt. But they signed veteran Artie Hicks on Monday and still have John Greco, who spent the previous three seasons in Shurmer's offense with the Rams. 

Pinkston may be more talented, but Greco and Hicks have far more experience. Tough call for Shurmer to make. 

San Francisco 49ers: Will Michael Crabtree Be Ready To Play?

Week 1: vs. Seattle

Crabtree missing the entire preseason (for a third straight year) can't sit well with Jim Harbaugh, but he knows how talented the wide receiver is and how much he can help out the tenuous quarterback position. 

He returned to practice today following that foot surgery and was in full pads so there is a good chance he will be ready physically to get on the field Sunday against the NFC West champions.

But not having played a single meaningful snap in Harbaugh's might keep the head coach from putting him on the field. 

Tennessee Titans: Will Chris Johnson Be at Full Strength?

Week 1: at Jacksonville

New offensive coordinator Chris Palmer has already said that the Titans won't be limited when it comes to utilizing Johnson, despite his missing all of the preseason. But it still remains to be seen just how effective he can be in Week 1. 

There is going to be some rust to knock off in the early going, and the Titans need to find a way to factor that in with their game plan. 

Maybe, it will be throwing the ball a lot just to get Johnson back in game speed or rotating him on and off t he field in the early going. Still, by the end of Sunday afternoon, he'll have his 20 carries. 

Dallas Cowboys: Are We Run First,Pass Second or Pass First, Run Second?

Week 1: vs. New York Jets

Throughout the Wade Phillips administration, I never thought the Cowboys ever committed to a solid rushing attack. Sure, they had a solid trio of backs in Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice.

But they always seemed to be enamored with the passing attack led by Tony Romo, and it often got them in trouble, leading to early deficits and struggles late in the season.

Now by promoting Jason Garrett, the status quo doesn't seem likely to change; after all, for several years, it was Garrett's job to call the plays.

But if this sort-of new regime is going to be successful, they are going to have to re-committ to the running game and really rely on Jones, Choice and rookie DaMarco Murray.  

Washington Redskins: How Short Will Rex Grossman's Leash Be?

Week 1: at New York Giants

The alternative (John Beck) isn't much more appealing so the answer to this question is probably longer than it should be.

Still, Mike Shanahan needs to have a plan in place should Grossman play down to the level that we've seen him play at before. 

This is a big game for the Redskins, going up to New York to play at a very emotional, and soon-to-be, very hostile environment. If Grossman's cracks, he has to be ready to turn to Beck.

But when?

Houston Texans: Will Arian Foster Try and Play?

Week 1: vs. Indianapolis 

Now that Peyton Manning has been ruled out, Foster's injury might be the most serious question mark in Week 1.

Can the Texans defeat the Manning-less Colts without Foster? Probably. 

Will it be a whole lot easier with him? For sure. 

Steve Slaton is a fine replacement for Foster, but based just on what he did in this exact same Week 1 showdown with the Colts a year ago (33 carries, 231 yards, three TDs), he's really going to try and play through the pain of that hamstring. 

Minnesota Vikings: Is Cedric Griffin Fully Healed?

Week 1: at San Diego

It's hard enough to overcome one torn ACL, let alone two.  But that's the challenge that faces Vikings cornerback Cedric Griffin, who tore his left ACL in the 2009 NFC Championship Game, then the right one last year in Week 5. 

It appears that he's fully healed and is ready to start opposite Antoine Winfield, but those reconstructed knees will get a thorough test once the season starts when the Vikings head west to play a prolific passer in Phillip Rivers. 

Leslie Frazer needs to be 100 percent confident in Griffin's knee otherwise they need to have a solid Plan B. 

Detroit Lions: Is Titus Young a Reliable Third Option for Matthew Stafford?

Week 1: at Tampa Bay

Calvin Johnson and Nate Burleson are clearly the go-to guys for Matthew Stafford, but the Lions spent a second-round pick on Young, hoping he would be able to contribute right away.

But, he missed a huge portion of the preseason, and tight end Brandon Pettigrew makes much more sense for Stafford in critical situations where he has to get rid of the ball.

Still, Young has tremendous speed and big-play ability, so it's going to be hard for the Lions not to put him on the field, at least in third-down situations. 

St. Louis Rams: What Situations Should Robert Quinn Be on the Field?

Week 1: vs. Philadelphia

Arguably, the most physically-impressive defensive player in the draft, Quinn has made waves this preseason...especially considering he missed all of the 2010 season. Still, he's not going to be the Rams starting defensive end when they open up against the Eagles.

But that doesn't mean he'll be cemented to the sideline.

He definitely has a place as a third down, passing situation rusher who can chase after Michael Vick and maybe contain him in the pocket.

Nevertheless, the Eagles will know he's a rookie and can probably run screens and draws whenever he's on the field to catch him out of place. So it's going to be a delicate give and take for the Rams coaching staff. They need to find the right balance.  

Miami Dolphins: Will Matt Moore Replace an Ineffective Chad Henne?

Week 1: vs. New England (Monday Night)

Tony Sparano needs to draw a line in the sand when it comes to his starting quarterback....at least for Week 1. 

Either Chad Henne is his starter or he isn't: replacing him with Matt Moore just because the Patriots defense forces some bad throws would be too much of a knee jerk reaction. 

The Dolphins must really like Moore, or they wouldn't have signed him to a two-year deal and wouldn't have bailed on Kyle Orton trade. 

If the Miami fans boo just at the sight of Henne on the first day of training camp, it will be infinitely worse should the Patriots rattle him. The pressure to make a switch will be overwhelming at that point. 

Jacksonville Jaguars: Why Cut David Garrard so Close to the First Game?

Week 1: vs. Tennessee

I'm sorry, I know these entries are supposed to be looking ahead rather than behind, but whichever CBS crew broadcasts this AFC South showdown on Sunday will discuss this issue time and time again. Therefore, it's a valid entry on this list. 

If the Jags really didn't see much difference between Garrard and Luke McCown then why wait until a few days before the season started. They didn't all of a sudden notice it following the final preseason game. 

Furthermore, considering the fact that they are now $35 million under the cap after unloading Garrard's $9 million salary, it can't be about getting under just to comply.

And having Garrard appear at a press event to promote the team a day before they cut him was just classless.  

Oakland Raiders: Is the Offensive Line a Strength or a Weakness?

Week 1: at Denver (Monday Night)

Although they are going to maintain a lot of continuity by promoting Hue Jackson to head coach, the Raiders have already made some notable changes with their offensive lineand not just in terms of personnel. 

As the San Jose Mercury News reported, "While Cable was a staunch proponent of zone blocking, straying from the concept only when Jackson came aboard and wanted more power and gap plays, [New Offensive line coach Bob] Wylie believes in fitting the scheme to the talent."

Those changes will be interesting to keep an eye on considering how effective (a healthy) Darren McFadden was at times in 2010. 

If the power and gap running scheme isn't opening up enough holes, they'll have to rely on Jason Campbell more than they want to. 

San Diego Chargers: Is Larry English Worthy of Being Starter?

Week 1: vs. Minnesota

The Chargers and their fans have been waiting two years to see whether or not English was worth a middle of the first-round pick, and it seems they might have their answer now. 

English is going to start in Week 1, and they will certainly put him to good use when Adrian Peterson and the Vikings come to Qualcomm. 

But if he looks out of place or is unable to stay healthy, Travis LaBoy will prove to be the better number one. 

New York Giants: Is Greg Jones Ready To Anchor the Giants 4-3?

Week 1: vs. Washington

The Giants really have no other choice at this point, so this question is somewhat moot. Still, it will be interesting to see if the hard-luck Giants can actually survive Week 1 (and beyond) with a sixth-round rookie playing the most important position on the defense.

Jones has talent and had a fine college career in a power conference so he isn't coming into this classic NFC East showdown completely unprepared. 

But don't think the Redskins and Mike Shanahan will ignore Jones, especially considering the absence of Terrell Thomas in the Giants secondary. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Are the Tight Ends the Best Options for Josh Freeman?

Week 1: vs. Detroit

It's not that rare for a tight end to be the best pass catcher on an NFL roster—look at Antonio Gates or Tony Gonzalez when he was with the Chiefs. But it is rare for a team's collective unit of tight ends unit to be better than it's collective unit of wide receivers.

With Kellen Winslow and rookie Luke Stocker having a very good preseason, that might be the case.

Mike Williams had a nice rookie season, but the Bucs are still very thin at the wide receiver position. If the Bucs come to realize that, they might have to make a two-tight end set their standard formation and flex Winslow out occasionally. 

Kansas City Chiefs: Is Tyler Palko Ready To Play If Called Upon?

Week 1: vs. Buffalo

Matt Cassel has told the press that he is ready, willing and able to start on Sunday as the AFC West champs host the woeful Bills. 

But one shot to the ribs from Shawne Merriman or Marcell Dareus and Cassel might be headed back to the sideline in a hurry. 

Still, even without Cassel, the game figures to be a dream matchup for the Chiefs since they had the NFL's top ranked rushing offense last year, and the Bills had the NFL's worst ranked rushing defense.

Still, the Chiefs are going to have to get the ball to Dwayne Bowe and Steve Breaston, especially since Tony Moeaki is hurt. If Cassel reinjures his ribs, that task falls to Palko, who's thrown just six passes in his four-year career.  

Indianpolis Colts: Will Kerry Collins Run the Offense at Full Capacity?

Week 1: at Houston

Kerry Collins has more quarterback experience than any other man in the NFL, but that doesn't mean the transition from Peyton Manning will be seamless. Far from it.

Manning ran that offense with such precision and such specificity that it's ludicrous to think that Collins—who was retired until a month ago—can do the same, no matter how many offenses he's been around and how long he's known Bill Polian. 

Tom Moore and Jim Caldwell are going to have to keep the offense fair—at least simple compared to the way Manning ran itand that will really hamper the Colts against a suddenly very talented Texans defense. 

Philadelphia Eagles: Who Is Going To Protect Michael Vick?

Week 1: at St. Louis

For a club dubbed the "Dream Team," the Philadelphia Eagles offensive line situation certainly is a nightmare.

They just benched first-round draft pick Danny Watkins, who was scheduled to be the starting left guard. And now, they've done the same with King Dunlap, who took the right tackle job from Winston Justice last year in the playoff loss to the Packers.

Fortunately, the Eagles have Michael Vick under center, and he can mask many of their deficiencies. But not throughout 60 minutes and definitely not against a very young, talented and well-coached defense like the Rams have. 

New Orleans Saints: Who Will Take the Place of Lance Moore?

Week 1: at Green Bay

Now it's official, Lance Moore's hamstring will keep him out of Thursday Night's start to the NFL season.

That is discomforting to Drew Brees and the Saints offense—he was second on the team in receptions last year—but it's not a game-changer. 

They still have Robert Meachem, DeVery Henderson and their top pass catcher from the last two seasonsMarquis Colston.

Still, when Brees is in those shotgun, four-receiver sets, he's going to need another option. Now it could be Adrian Arrington, but he's nursing a knee injury. So don't be surprised if they flex out Jimmie Graham who has great size. 

Seattle Seahawks: At What Point Does Pete Carroll Yank Tarvaris Jackson?

Week 1: at San Francisco

Although he has not looked good in the preseason, Tarvaris Jackson has been given an endorsement from head coach Pete Carroll and will start in Week 1. 

But despite being the first game of the season, this is an important showdown for Seahawks, and they cannot afford to drop a game this early in the division.

If Jackson struggles against a pretty good 49ers front-seven, it's going to be very hard not to turn to Charlie Whitehurst, who people are still high on after leading the team to that win over the Rams in Week 17. 

Atlanta Falcons: Will the Secondary Need Extra Support?

Week 1: at Chicago

Brent Grimes had a great season in 2010, and it was critical that the Falcons bring him back, which they did.

But the secondary is the clearly weakest part of that Super Bowl contending Atlanta team.

They went out and signed Ray Edwards to take the pressure off John Abraham and improve a fairly mediocre team pass rush. But they are still going to have to send more than just four down linemen in order to compete this year, and this week in Chicago.....well, considering the Bears offensive line, maybe not. 

Still, the secondary (and particularly the corner opposite Grimes) ability to play man-coverage and let Brian VanGorder send the occassional blitz is key to their run this year. 

Baltimore Ravens: Are the Starting Corners Reliable?

Week 1: vs. Pittsburgh

The play of rookie Jimmy Smith and third-year man Cary Williams is going to be critical for the Ravens this week when they take on a somewhat surprisingly stacked Pittsburgh Steelers set of wide receivers.

If they are going to best the Steelers and retake command of the AFC North, they are going to have to apply a ton of pressure on Ben Roethlisberger, and in order to do that safely, they have to have reliable play from their corners. 

If Smith and Williams—who have started a grand total of one NFL gameare not ready to do that beginning in Week 1, they need to find someone who is. 

New England Patriots: Does Albert Haynesworth Deserve a Spot on the Field?

Week 1: at Miami (Monday Night)

The Patriots took a fairly big risk bringing Haynesworth in, but he's showed early signs of potential.

Still, that's not good enough to warrant this experiment or even give him a spot on Bill Belichick's roster. 

They are going to have to decide whether or not he is physically capable of playing in the situations they select for him and if he's not they might as well cut him. Otherwise, it can become a distraction in a locker room filled with potential distractions. 

Chicago Bears: Is Gabe Carimi the Best Lineman on the Roster?

Week 1: vs. Atlanta

Carimi is a very talented offensive lineman and might already be one of the better drive blocking tackles in the NFC. But to think that he is hands down the Bears best offensive lineman—which he is—is a bit strange. 

Still, rather than worry about the rest of the unit, they might as well embrace the fact that Carimi is an anchor, and they can run plays to his side and expect to pick up positive yardage. 

Furthermore, teams who overload to that side, expecting Matt Forte or Marion Barber to come their way, will be susceptible to the cut-back runs that so often end up as long touchdowns. 

New York Jets: Is Mark Sanchez Ready To Shoulder a Bigger Load?

Week 1: at Dallas 

Over the last two years Mark Sanchez has been one of the most accomplished starting quarterbacks in the NFL but not necessarily an accomplished passer.

He's had his moments of brilliance but has yet to prove he can be the type of gunslinger who can keep the Jets in a shootout with an explosive offense like the Patriots, Colts, Charger or any of the other elite scoring attacks. 

That could change this year...if the Jets are willing to take the handcuffs off.

Now, they don't need to necessarily because their defense is so strong, and they have such a good rushing attack. But sooner or later, he'll be called upon, and on the road in Week 1 against a potent Cowboys offense might be the moment. Before it gets to that point, the Jets need to know if they can rely on him for 60 minutes. 

Pittsburgh Steelers: Is Ike Taylor Rusty?

Week 1: at Baltimore

Taylor's broken thumb wasn't exactly earth-shattering newsafter all, he is a cornerback and capturing interceptions was never his greatest strength. 

But considering all the time he has missed this preseason, it should still be a concern for the Steelers, especially considering they open up with the Ravens who now have a legitimate deep threat in Lee Evans Dick LeBeau and Mike Tomlin had better find out soon just how reliable those legs are. 

Leaving him in man-coverage more than on just a limited basis could be a recipe for disaster. 

Green Bay Packers: Is Randall Cobb Healthy Enough To Return Kicks?

Week 1: vs. New Orleans

Cobb has too many strong veteran receivers in front of him to make an impact on offense right out of the gate, but his special teams abilities were one of the main reasons he was selected in the second round. 

Now, even those skills are in jeopardy of not being used thanks to the knee injury that cost him a significant chunk of the preseason. 

But according to reports, he's healed up and is ready to be the Packers return man on both punts and kickoffs. He'd better be, because in a game featuring two of the best offenses in the NFL, special teams excellence (or mishaps) are often the difference.