National Football League

A 6-pack of NFL story lines

Published Jul. 31, 2010 5:03 a.m. ET

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McNabb in Washington. Carroll in Seattle. Favre in ... limbo.

Every team has at least one compelling story line as NFL training camps move into full swing.

Star players have changed teams - Donovan McNabb to the Redskins from the Eagles. Big-name college coaches are back in the NFL - Pete Carroll with the Seahawks. First-rounds picks are finally signing contracts - Tim Tebow with the Broncos and Rolando McClain with the Raiders.

And a cloud will hang over the season as a lockout next season looms while the NFL and the NFLPA try to hammer out a new collective bargaining agreement. Can you say rookie salary caps? Eighteen-game regular seasons?

Here's a six-pack of story lines to consider:

-Can the Cowboys be the first team to host and play in the Super Bowl? Owner Jerry Jones wants nothing less, but the question is whether Tony Romo can lead Dallas to and through the playoffs and back to Jones' $1.2 billion stadium.

-How will the Steelers fare without Ben for six games? With QB Ben Roethlisberger suspended for the first six games (could end up as four), it will be interesting to see how Pittsburgh reacts with Byron Leftwich running the offense. The opener is at home against the Falcons on Sept. 12.

-Can the Saints pull off a Super repeat? Last team to do it were the Patriots in 2004-05; however, five of last 11 Super Bowl winners didn't even return to playoffs the following season. Also, did Drew Brees spend too much offseason time writing a book and showing up virtually everywhere on the planet?

-Are the Jets ready to take the next step to the Super Bowl? They've got the reality show going on, and a coach (Rex Ryan) who exudes confidence. But it remains to be seen whether second-year QB Mark Sanchez can guide a start-studded lineup that includes LaDainian Tomlinson, Santonio Holmes, etc. through another deep run in the postseason.

-What will Chris Johnson do for an encore? The Titans' RB set an NFL record with 2,509 yards from scrimmage in his second season, while becoming the sixth player to rush for at least 2,000 yards. He wants to be the first to produce consecutive 2,000-yard seasons.

-Do the Patriots have one more big run left? The Pats made an early exit in last year's playoffs, and now look to rebound under QB Tom Brady (will new contract talks be an issue?) and the hopeful return of WR Wes Welker (ACL surgery four months ago).

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