Preseason Speaks Loudly – If You Watch

I hear consistently that the games we’re watching over the next few weeks tell us nothing – “it’s just preseason” is the refrain heard ‘round the world. However, as ladies and gents are selecting their fantasy rosters or making post-season plane reservations, I see that the games tell us a lot. It’s the final scores that tell us nothing.

I decided to do a short trip down memory lane to the 2009 preseason. Here’s what the preseason games told us last year: Drew Brees could pass! I mean really pass. In a game against the Oakland Raiders, the Saints set the preseason scoring record and Drew had a drive in which he went 4-4 for 60 yards. We were impressed with the New Orleans Saints. We saw a rookie QB -  Mark Sanchez – prove that he was starter. Jets fans believed they’d found Broadway Joe again (as they often do). But this time it looked for real. Again.

We knew early that the Colts were simply concerned with the playoffs – perhaps too concerned. Peyton and the team were ready to go but the coach was a bit conservative. Some chalked it up to leftover Tony Dungy strategic cool, but it wasn’t. Others wondered if the team was looking too far ahead. I still hold that when they chose not to go for a historic undefeated season – holding to the preseason pattern of looking forward – they ticked off the NFL gods. The day Caldwell pulled Peyton Manning, I knew they’d not win the Super Bowl.

Preseason told us that the No-T.O.-Romo looked looser and lighter on the field – still with that boyish grin. But he was still Tony Romo. Talent, yes. Talent under pressure – not so sure.. We could go on and on – Brett Favre was ready, the Eagles were getting concerned about Donovan McNabb (that’s the real reason they brought in Vick) and the Washington Redskins made a lot of noise – talking loud but still sayin’ nothing. And seriously, do the Baltimore Ravens EVER know it’s preseason?

That said, I won’t get happy when the Raiders get a win at Cowboys Stadium. I’ll add the “W” to the list of irrelevant facts while I look for real hints about the upcoming season.  The chart gives us the score breakdown of the divisional playoff teams’ records in 2009. Doesn’t tell us a thing. Not one doggone thing.

Checking the score the next day is meaningless. Watch the games ladies – that’s the only way roster moves, signings, cuts and the preseason itself make sense.