On deck: in the September 6 issue

Sporting News, The, August 30, 2004 by Matt Crossman

Love, American style. Dan Pompei is a boy in love--with the NFL. In our 2004 season preview, our Insider will extol the many reasons the NFL is the best thing going for sports fans. And it won't be any of that sentimental "transcending cultural barriers" hoo-hah. We're talking brute strength and athleticism. The league hits hard, and so will this story. Pompei also will tell you who will play in the Super Bowl and why.

If Dan's in love, Paul Attner is into scoring--the increase of which is assured because of the league's promised crackdown on transgressions in pass coverage. If defensive backs can't maul receivers (you listening, Bill Belichick?), those receivers will catch more passes, and more caught passes means more points.

Also planned for this monster preview: a look at the special bond that connects Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison, a piece penned by Jerry Rice as he enters his 20th season, predictions from a ton of experts, a breakdown of what you can expect from each and every team and more. You won't need to read anything else before the season starts. In fact, we'd rather you didn't.