A few weeks ago it seemed like this point would be far off, but as Joel Thorman of SB Nation writes in this piece we are just 50 days away from the start of 2011 season when the Packers and Saints meet for the Thursday night opener. In turn, we have only 53 days until the Carolina Panthers are set to face the Arizona Cardinals at 4:15PM on Sunday, September 11th. Game one could be supremely interesting if Cam Newton is starting for the Panthers, and the Cardinals make an expected trade for Kevin Kolb- we will see the beginnings of new era for both teams.

It seems surreal that league are trying to squeeze free agency, training camp and four pre-season games into less than two months, but on the plus side it will be a reward for enduring months of no activity, even if it means a total overload for these next 50 days.  I know I can't wait!