Denver at Detroit

New coach trying to make a statement and to boot we get him as a home dog - great preseason situation. Unfortunately he's facing a coach in Shanahan that likes to win in the preseason. But I still like Martinelli and crew in this one. Detroit is another team in need of wins this time of year. They are off yet another horrible season - notching just five wins last year. This team has had one playoff win playoff win since 1957. That's how bad it's been in the Motor City. Not unexpectedly, they cleaned house bringing in a new head coach, offensive and defensive coordinators and new QB to replace the ineffective Joey Harrington. Too bad they didn't sack Matt Millen. Anyway, all of these "new" folks need reps which is why I expect the starters to play a bit longer than do Denver's who are for the most part entrenched. Sure, we'll have a new starting running back in Denver and Javon Walker makes his debut but the all-important quarterback position is locked up by Jake Plummer. He doesn't need reps. John Kitna does as this is now his offense. It will be exciting to see what he and offensive guru Mike Martz can do this year. When he sits down, Josh McCown will try to get the Detroit offense rolling and he's not horrible. Can't say the same about Denver's slew of backups. Rookie Jake Cutler may someday be a good NFL QB but he has looked poor in training camp. I don't expect much prodcution from Denver's backups once Plummer sits down. Motivated home dog here.