Green Will Pass Test, but Can Defense Stop Pass?

Times NFL writer Robyn Norwood poses--and answers--the burning questions for this week’s games:

1. Question: Does Trent Green have as much ability in his right arm as Kurt Warner does in his pinkie finger?

Answer: The St. Louis Rams should be OK with Green at quarterback. It’s the Ram defense everyone should worry about.

2. Q: So how many points will be scored between the the Rams, 24th in the NFL in total defense, and No. 31 San Francisco?

A: Say 80. Last week, the teams combined to allow 88 in the Rams’ 54-34 loss to Kansas City and the 49ers’ 34-16 loss to Carolina.

3. Q: How on earth can the 3-4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers be favored over the 7-0 Minnesota Vikings?

A: Vegas oddsmakers really like that pirate ship show on the Strip.

4. Q: How many fans will have to pay to attend training camp to cover the fine the NFL assessed the Washington Redskins for using the public-address system to urge crowd noise on opponents’ third downs?

A: A mere 2,000, at $10 apiece, will cover the $20,000 fine.

5. Q: Stop us if you’ve heard this one: Will the Baltimore Ravens score a touchdown?

A: Trent Dilfer to the rescue doesn’t have much of a ring to it, but figure the Ravens’ streak without a touchdown ends at four games.