Thursday Night’s Opening Kickoff:

Before kicking off a new season, let’s take a moment to send best wishes for a speedy recovery to Jacksonville’s Richard Collier. According to news reports, Rich and a former teammate were minding their own business on a double date when some demented knucklehead pumped several shots into the driver’s side door, critically wounding Rich. This marks the third straight year in which an NFL player has been the victim of gun violence. Tragedies such as this repeatedly play themselves out every day in America, and no one is immune regardless of wealth, status or fame. Why is it the case that people have to resort to such means to resolve an alleged slight or dispute? What does it prove in the end? I don’t know. Once again, Jason Whitlock elequently attempts to make sense out of the senseless. At least Rich is alive, thank God.

At NY Giants -3.5 Washington 41

To the victor go the honors of hosting the kickoff to the upcoming season. Thus, the Giants, improbable but worthy Super Bowl Champions host the Redskins under their new coach, who has brought in an entirely new offense. The ‘Skins are a good team, though in some transition on both sides of the ball. By now, everyone is aware that the losses suffered by the G-Men on defense will alter their look and most likely diminish their effectiveness. Look for Clinton Portis to get over 30 carries as the ‘Skins put the Giants’ D-Line to the test. It will take a few weeks to determine whether the Eli Manning of the second half was the real deal, or whether it was a case of lightning in a bottle. The “experts” are predicting a down year for Big Blue. But the Coach Coughlin will play the “respect card” and the Giants will come into this one sky high, as they are acknowledged by the home crowd for the tremendous accomplishments of last season. Jason Campbell is developing into a solid quarterback, but learning a new offense isn’t like flipping a light switch. In a matchup of lines, the Giants O-Line is better than Washington’s D-Line. Putting aside all of the variables, this is an NFC East rivalry game, the hangover portion of the Giants’ year can wait at least another week.

Projected Final Score: NY Giants 24, Washington 20.