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By Sean McClelland, Staff Writer 12:29 AM Saturday, August 22, 2009

Gazing into the crystal ball as another NFL season nears:

• Brett Favre injures his throwing shoulder in the Vikings’ opener against the Browns, cries at a press conference and retires, prompting the creation of a government panel that will approve all future comebacks of quarterbacks over 35.

• Chad Ochocinco permanently assumes Bengals’ place-kicking chores when Shayne Graham gets hurt in Week 3. He formally changes his name to Garo Ochocinco, surprising those who thought he would change it to Esteban. It gets 15 minutes on “Pardon the Interruption.”

• Former University of Dayton quarterback Jon Gruden receives sparkling reviews for his analyst work on Monday Night Football, mainly because he isn’t Dennis Miller or Tony Kornheiser.

• After Braylon Edwards drops a sure touchdown pass from Brady Quinn against the Baltimore Ravens, sinking the Browns to 0-3, reclusive owner Randy Lerner calls a press conference (with cameras) to say the team is for sale. A hastily organized parade through the streets of Cleveland paralyzes the city.

• On his death bed, Art Modell points to the AFC North standings — and Lerner’s announcement — to support his long-held contention that football simply won’t work in Cleveland anymore.

• With Adrian Peterson rushing for 302 yards, the Minnesota Vikings beat the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl — with Sage Rosenfels at quarterback.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2408 or smcclelland@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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