Week 1 Lineup calls: D/ST's top starts, sleepers and flops

Lineup calls: QB | RB | WR | TE | K | D/ST

I conclude my run through the first week’s series of “Lineup Calls” columns with the team defense/special teams position.

It’s a difficult position to navigate, as many pieces have been changed throughout the off-season. However, the philosophies and stylings normally push forward (don’t tell that to Albert Haynesworth).

The opening matchups test owners’ beliefs about the defenses they selected on draft day, as the Jets, Vikings and Ravens don’t exactly start out with cupcakes. I’ll leave them on the board as “Exclusions,” but clearly owners are tempering their expectations on these otherwise highly-regarded units.

Top 5 Team Defenses

(other than New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings, Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers)

Dallas at Washington

The running game is still being sorted out in Washington, and Donovan McNabb is still trying to sort out his receiving corps beyond Chris Cooley and Santana Moss. This is an aggressive Dallas defense that forces errant throws and swarms the ball. McNabb’s health is certainly a concern entering the season.

Pittsburgh vs. Atlanta

I like the look of the Pittsburgh defense, and in no way am I referring to the high-priced locks of Troy Polamalu. It’s a strong defense, deeper than a year ago and bolstered by the returns of Polamalu and end Aaron Smith (though his return is seldom acknowledged). The Atlanta offense returns explosive running back Michael Turner to help set up Matt Ryan, so this will be a challenge. Smith’s ability to generate a push up front and Casey Hampton and Ziggy Hood’s ability to stuff the run will be paramount to the unit’s success.

Arizona at St. Louis

Sam Bradford has looked magnificent in the past two preseason games, but things change once the curtain goes up on the regular season. The Cardinals generated 32 turnovers and recorded 43 sacks last season, so they’ll bring the heat on the rookie quarterback and work to force the action.

Miami at Buffalo

The Bills’ passing game remains a huge question mark as we roll into the new season. Lee Evans stands as the lone proven receiving option, and the running game has been depleted by injuries. I recognize the playmaking ability of C.J. Spiller and expect to see him post a big debut. He’s not Atlas.

New York Giants vs. Carolina

The Giants failed to produce a persistent pass rush in 2009, and problems in the secondary led to frequent big plays and an astounding 31 touchdowns allowed. The secondary has been retooled for 2010, and has the front seven. I expect to see more pressure off of the edges against Matt Moore, with tackling machine Keith Bulluck fortifying the linebacking corps.

Team Defense Sleepers

Washington vs. Dallas

The Cowboys have the potential to rank among the league’s most prolific offenses. We haven’t seen it yet in the preseason, but I’m reticent to jump aboard “the sky is falling” bandwagon. However, I would be remiss if I failed to acknowledge the myriad injuries impacting the offensive line. Tony Romo has spent a ton of time on his back this preseason, and the Redskins do know how to get after the quarterback.

Cleveland Browns at Tampa Bay

This would quality as a “gut” pick. I’m just not confident that the Tampa Bay offense, as much as I like rookie Mike Williams and Kellen Winslow, will be able to move the ball consistently. The absence of Shaun Rogers up front certainly helps the cause, but is that enough?

Team Defense Flops

Green Bay at Philadelphia (both teams)

Both defenses rank among the top units in the game, although injuries to the Green Bay secondary are definitely concerning coming into the regular season. This could turn into a high-scoring affair, as Kevin Kolb and Aaron Rodgers lead top-flight vertical passing games. If the offensive lines hold up, the secondaries could be in for long, long days.

San Diego at Kansas City

I’m intrigued by the makeup of the Kansas City offense, and coach Charlie Weis and pupil Matt Cassel. The Chargers haven’t been as impacted by injury as we’ve seen in the recent past, though star linebacker Shawne Merriman may miss this contest. Regardless, I expect to see Weis throw the proverbial kitchen sink at the Chargers here, rolling out gadgetry with Dexter McCluster and opening up the passing game.