Insider: Will the next star QB please stand up?
Insider | Notebook
At this time of the year, we're always looking for the NFL team that might be ready to make the big leap, perhaps even that Super leap.
In studying potential candidates, the focus almost always moves to the quarterback. As we have said in this space for the past four years, a good one can cure a lot of ills. Without one, you're in trouble.
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Kyle Boller has been given more weapons on offense in Baltimore. (Getty Images) |
There have been exceptions, but those teams (see the 2002 Baltimore Ravens) had to play extraordinary defense.
Take the '04 playoffs as proof: The final eight teams included a who's-who of quarterbacks -- New England's Tom Brady, Indianapolis' Peyton Manning, Atlanta's Michael Vick and Philadelphia's Donovan McNabb among them.
With this in mind, we thought it a good time to take a look at five quarterbacks who must take a big step forward for their teams to have a Super chance in 2005.
The five:
- Aaron Brooks of the Saints
- Kyle Boller of the Ravens
- Byron Leftwich of the Jaguars
- David Carr of the Texans
- J.P. Losman of the Bills
Every pass they throw this offseason is being scrutinized, coaches and teammates gauging how far they have come and how much work they have left to do. When training camp opens in July, fans and the media will jump in line, too -- their assessments probably a lot more biting.
The quarterback who makes the biggest leap just might get his team -- all non-playoff teams from last season -- deep into the postseason.
Do these five have what it takes for that to be reality? Check back in December.
Aaron Brooks, Saints
Brooks is considered one of the most inconsistent quarterbacks in the game. He can look brilliant at times but lost at others. He can make a laser throw off his back foot for a 60-yard touchdown, then throw into four guys for an interception.
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That inconsistency drives the Saints nuts. Brooks also plays with a loose attitude, projecting the demeanor that he isn't holding himself as accountable as he should. He shrugs off the interceptions instead of showing the hurt.
There was a time late last season when coach Jim Haslett actually threatened Brooks with the idea he would be replaced by Todd Bouman. Brooks responded with a nice finish, and the Saints won their final four games.
Now Saints coaches are raving about Brooks this offseason. They say he is stronger in the weight room and seems more focused on bringing the offense together, perhaps a sign that this is his breakout season.
