NFL football. It's in the air. You can smell it.
Well, depending on where you are, anyway.
The opening weekend of the 2011 season will be a star-studded affair, though a number of big names will face some rather stiff resistance right out of the gate.
These three, in particular, are due for a rough weekend with the whole world of pro football watching.
Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys
Expectations are high in Dallas now that Tony Romo's collarbone is fully healed.
Unfortunately for Romo, his re-entry into meaningful football will come against the stellar pass defense of the New York Jets. Romo will have to be extra fine with his passes given how tight of a hold Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie will keep on Dez Bryant and Miles Austin, respectively.
Not the most ideal way for Romo to shake off the lingering rust, to say the least.
Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles
Elsewhere in the NFC East, Michael Vick will lead Philadelphia's "dream team" into a hostile Edward Jones Dome against the up-and-coming St. Louis Rams.
A tall order, indeed, especially for Vick, who will be playing behind a brand-new offensive line that provided about as much resistance to opposing defenses in the preseason as a stiff wind.
If that.
As such, Vick figures to be on the run from collapsing pockets early and often against Steve Spagnuolo's defensive front, which, with the likes of Chris Long, James Hall and rookie sensation Robert Quinn, will be one of the best in the NFL.
Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
Tremendous a running back as Adrian Peterson is, he can't be too happy about opening the season against the Chargers.
San Diego had the fourth-stingiest rush defense in the NFL last season and has only improved in its running-stuffing ability, at least on paper. The additions of former 49ers linebackers Takeo Spikes and Travis LaBoy and one-time Colts safety Bob Sanders via free agency will make Peterson's task of piling up yardage that much more difficult.
Look for the Bolts to load up the box against All Day while daring Donovan McNabb to prove that his failure in Washington last season was a fluke.
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