Football is back!!!!!
For rookies, Sunday is their first taste of a true NFL party day.
NFL Network's "GameDay First" analysts Shaun O'Hara and Sterling Sharpe shared which rookies they will be watching today.
O'Hara took rookie offensive lineman Kyle Long, the first Chicago Bears rookie to start Week 1 at right guard in the Super Bowl era.
"His first assignment? 'You got to block Geno Atkins,' " O'Hara said, pointing out that Atkins led defensive tackles in 2012 with 12.5 sacks. "We all know what Jay Cutler has dealt with, he was on his back, the O-line was a weak link. So Kyle Long he's wearing a big hat today."
Sharpe stayed in the NFC North, selecting running back Eddie Lacy of Sharpe's former Green Bay Packers.
"I want to compare him to Steven Jackson when Jackson was in St. Louis," Sharpe said. "Remember the Rams were not afraid of Seattle, they were not afraid of San Francisco because they could run the ball downhill. I think that is what Eddie Lacy is going to give the Green Bay Packers."
Both are solid choices. Let's add a few more to watch:
Tavon Austin, WR, St. Louis Rams: We're expecting an unveiling. So are fantasy football players.
Sharrif Floyd, DT, Minnesota Vikings: He'll play a big role with veteran Kevin Williams injured.
DJ Hayden, CB, Oakland Raiders: Andrew Luck throws a lot, so Hayden will have some opportunities to make plays.
Ziggy Ansah, DE, Detroit Lions: He's a downhill pass rusher, but what will he do against Adrian Peterson?
EJ Manuel, QB, Buffalo Bills: How much leeway will coach Doug Marrone give Manuel coming off injury if this game gets out of hand?
Geno Smith, QB, New York Jets: Will he put his stamp on the starting job?Â
Who are you watching?
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