September 05, 2011 | Volume 115, Issue 9

Looking for paydirt, they hit the free-agent market hard

2010 RECORD: 8--8

BLAINE GABBERT, Quarterback

A first-rate line will buy time for the quarterback to learn the ropes

2010 RECORD: 6--10

AKEEM AYERS, Linebacker

TOUGH OUT-OF-DIVISION GAMES WILL BE THE TEST

Two new big names make a potent defense Big Game caliber

2010 RECORD: 9--7

RYAN MATHEWS, Running back

An already potent offense added some powerful weapons

2010 RECORD: 10--6

KELLY GREGG, Nosetackle

Ever the rebels, they expect to survive key losses just fine

2010 RECORD: 8--8

DENARIUS MOORE, Wide receiver

Help arrives for a D that must pick itself up off the bottom

2010 RECORD: 4--12

VON MILLER, Linebacker

IT'S SAN DIEGO'S TURN TO RIDE A COMFY SCHEDULE

• After following baseball for more than 45 years, I can think of only one player who compares with Dustin Pedroia and his intense, hustling style of play: Pete Rose. Still, what really impresses...

As the first pitcher to reach 20 wins this season, should Justin Verlander be considered a front-runner for the AL MVP award?

The defense still has holes, but the offense is the real McCoy

2010 RECORD: 10--6

VINCE YOUNG, Quarterback

A big man with a big name blows in to fire up a soft defense

2010 RECORD: 6--10

FELIX JONES, RUNNING BACK

The catch in Big Blue's playoff plans? Consistency

2010 RECORD: 10--6

JONATHAN GOFF, Linebacker

Scoff away, but the division's cellar dwellers believe in themselves

2010 RECORD: 6--10

RYAN KERRIGAN, Linebacker

PHILLY'S STACKED, BUT THE SLATE FAVORS THE 'BOYS

Tight end Jermichael Finley wants to join in on the Lombardi fun

2010 RECORD: 10--6

RANDALL COBB, Receiver/returner

Playoffs? If the franchise QB is healthy, there's reason to believe

2010 RECORD: 6--10

ERIC WRIGHT, Cornerback

A shaky line puts a return to the playoffs in serious doubt

2010 RECORD: 11--5

ROY WILLIAMS, Wide receiver

The Donovan McNabb gamble could pay off big—or go bust

2010 RECORD: 6--10

KYLE RUDOLPH, Tight end

AWAY-GAME SUCCESS COULD SWING THE DIVISION

The '09 champs can run again—and their defense will not hide

2010 RECORD: 11--5

DARREN SPROLES, All-purpose back

A stunning draft-day move will shape the season—and the future

2010 RECORD: 13--3

JACQUIZZ RODGERS, Running back

With Josh Freeman out front, the Baby Bucs are in it for the long haul

2010 RECORD: 10--6

GERALD MCCOY, Defensive tackle

They spent heavily to re-sign veterans. But did they spend wisely?

2010 RECORD: 2--14

CAM NEWTON, Quarterback

SAINTS-FALCONS ISN'T THE DIVISION'S ONLY SHOW

While the offense settles, a rising D holds the postseason key

2010 RECORD: 7--9

MIKE SIMS-WALKER, Wide receiver

A top wideout once again has someone to throw him the ball

2010 RECORD: 5--11

DAN WILLIAMS, Nosetackle

A green O-line will try to awaken a dormant ground game

2010 RECORD: 7--9

TARVARIS JACKSON, Quarterback

New coach Jim Harbaugh has energized a once-proud franchise

2010 RECORD: 6--10

ALDON SMITH, Linebacker

Founder: Henry R. Luce 1898--1967

SECOND-HALF GAMES WILL DECIDE THE TITLE

So, kids, you want to grow up to be an NFL quarterback? A word of advice: Don't. Choose another dream job. Ben & Jerry's taste-tester. SI Swimsuit photographer. Oprah's best friend. But...

Reporting is the essence of journalism, the one thing that has to be right, the place where knowledge meets heart. Here is Peter King reporting on the NFL's new hybrid defenses (page 46),...

'10

Pat Summitt's courage will help in the fight against Alzheimer's disease

The Can-Am League's Newark Bears last week donated $2,000 to Mothers Against Drunk Driving on the same night that the team hosted a beer pong tournament.

HOT: LION IN WAIT

| DIED |

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From Denver's QB1 spot, '07 Heisman winner Tim Tebow, a move that has stirred equal furor and elation. Here, Tebow's place on the NFL's undulating curve of stardom:

Who is the smartest player in baseball?

A wild U.S. win (barely) overshadowed some silly adult stuff at the Little League World Series

With 'Bama football in full swing, life goes on in tornado-ravaged Tuscaloosa

"It's like something to do with the universe."

Finally, some clarity in horse racing's muddy field of 3-year-olds

RUDY KAHSAR

Following the move last week of Ravens lineman Michael Oher from left tackle to the less crucial right side, SI re-imagined the cover of Michael Lewis's 2006 best-seller, The Blind Side, which...

Larry Fitzgerald

SAY WHAT?

How badly does track need Usain Bolt? His DQ at the worlds is a jolting reminder

AMERICAN MADE

With their dazzling gold medal runs, sprinter Carmelita Jeter and hurdler Jason Richardson added luster to their mentor John Smith's coaching legacy

A thrilling title game was a reminder that WPS has the world's best players. But will talent be enough to keep the league afloat?

BEASTLY EAST

There are intense quarterback battles at four traditional power programs, and the fates of those teams rest on who emerges as the winner

To watch an interview with LSU coach Les Miles, go to SI.com/justaskin or scan this tag with your smart phone.

LSU may beat No. 3 Oregon on Saturday, but the bar fight that led to quarterback Jordan Jefferson's arrest for second-degree battery doesn't bode well for the Tigers. Jefferson was supposed to be...