by James Thornton

Created on: July 21, 2009   Last Updated: November 26, 2010

The 2009 NFL season is upon us, and the road to Miami for Super Bowl XLIV will be an interesting journey. The main plot line is who will win a place in history by securing the Lombardi Trophy, but there are other storylines that promise to be almost as intriguing. Here are a few predictions.

One of those intriguing subplots is the trials and tribulations of the men playing the game's most prestigious position - quarterback. One of the league's better quarterbacks could be in a story called "A Tale of Two Stars" centering on the struggle back from knee injuries and marriage to a model. The two stars: Tiger Woods and Tom Brady who is now married to Gisele Bundchen. Going down last season hurt his team and Brady is a fierce competitor and team player. He may play more conservatively this season; not because he's afraid of being hurt, but because he knows what he means to the team. A team which no longer has Matt Cassel to back him up. Will he be more skittish in the pocket? Will marital bliss detract from his on-field drive? These are some of the questions looming over Bean Town - and Tiger's road back to dominance hasn't been smooth or complete. I predict Brady posts decent but not fantastic numbers, but the Patriots will make the playoffs and advance to the AFC Championship game.

Other star quarterbacks may be competing for the limelight. Brett Favre may or may not come out of retirement - again. This time it may be in the employ of the Vikings. If Brett does come back is it out of desire for another championship and to play the game or is it to stick it to it to the coaches and front office in Green Bay? Maybe it's all of the above. If he does come back he'll be playing with who this writer believes will be the league's MVP - Running Back Adrian Peterson. This writer also believes that the Minnesota Vikings will win the NFC North Division and advance to the NFC Championship. Whoever is playing QB1 will decide whether or not Norsemen invade Florida in February.

Comments by Peyton Manning indicate the Colts' transition after the retirement of Coach Dungy is bumpy at best. If the Colts struggle will Manning pressure the front office to make a move? It is rare for Manning to complain publicly, which doesn't bode well for the Colts. What we may have here is a failure to communicate, and when coaches and players are on different pages bad things happen - like not making the playoffs. The standard bearer for the AFC South is probably going to be the Tennessee Titans.

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