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Virtually every NFL team has one player who must have a solid, if not better
than solid, year for that team to enjoy a successful season. As you go
through this list, you'll notice that many of the key players are
quarterbacks. That's why quarterbacks get the big bucks, and it's also why
they get so much credit for team success and so much blame for team failure.
AFC East
| |  | | | Bledsoe |
For Buffalo, everything is being built around quarterback Drew Bledsoe.
In Miami, the
key is going to be if running back Ricky Williams can give the team the running game
it hasn't had since the days of Larry Csonka and Jim Kiick.
In New England,
it's a combination of running back Antowain Smith and quarterback Tom Brady. Brady must
continue to play efficiently, and Smith must show for the first time in his
career that he can put together strong years back to back.
In New York, it's
really hard to pinpoint one player, but it just may be Jets center Kevin Mawae.
He is such an outstanding blocker and line leader and does an excellent job
on inside linebackers throughout the NFL, especially the Dolphins' Zach
Thomas.
AFC North
| |  | | | Bettis |
The Steelers need quarterback Kordell Stewart to bounce back from last season's
disappointing loss in the AFC championship. They also need running back Jerome Bettis
to rumble the way he did before being sent to the sideline with a groin
injury in Week 12.
In Cleveland, the further development of quarterback Tim Couch
will be the key.
In Baltimore, running back Jamal Lewis must come back from his knee
surgery to take pressure off the team's quarterback.
With Cincinnati, any
quarterback on the roster must come through. He does not have to do a great
job, just an efficient job. The Bengals have the running game and the
defense to contend if they can get adequate play from the quarterback position.
AFC South
| |  | | | George |
The key to the Titans' season is going to be running back Eddie George. With George
just a shell of himself last year, the Titans struggled, despite quarterback Steve
McNair and the receivers having big years for them.
In Indianapolis, running back
Edgerrin James' return could make a huge difference for the Colts. But it
also would really help if first-round pick Dwight Freeney is the
pass-rushing defensive end the team needs.
Down in Jacksonville, a healthy
Fred Taylor could make all the difference in the world.
In Houston, the key
may be left tackle Tony Boselli. If he is healthy and able to protect quarterback David
Carr's blind side, it will make a huge difference. Boselli also will give
the team a powerful run blocker on the offensive line.
AFC West
| |  | | | Griese |
The obvious key for the Broncos is quarterback Brian Griese, and the key for Griese,
in effect, may be Denver's running game. When the running game works well,
it makes things much easier for Griese.
In Oakland, it has to be quarterback Rich Gannon because there really isn't much behind him, and the whole offense is
designed around him.
In San Diego, it's time for quarterback Drew Brees to step up at
quarterback.
The same holds true for Trent Green, who must come through in a
big way if the Chiefs are to be successful this year.
NFC East
| |  | | | Staley |
In Philadelphia, the key may be running back Duce Staley. If he can regain the magic
he had before his injury, he'll make a huge difference for the Eagles.
In Dallas, it has to be young quarterback Quincy Carter. The Cowboys now have the
defense, the offensive line, the running game and the receivers, but do they
have the quarterback?
The Giants could use a solid year from quarterback Kerry
Collins after a horrible 2001 campaign.
In Washington, head coach Steve
Spurrier needs any one of his quarterbacks to emerge and show they can
execute his offense.
NFC North
| |  | | | Favre |
The Packers will go as far as quarterback Brett Favre can carry them, which means a
healthy Favre (like last year) could be their ticket to the Super Bowl.
Although he isn't as critical as Favre, if wide receiver Terry Glenn can play up to his
potential and Favre can stay healthy, the Packers could be headed to the
Super Bowl.
The Bears need to keep the running game going. If they can get
running back Anthony Thomas to run the way he did as a rookie last year, they have a
chance. The Bears don't have the type of quarterbacks who can carry a team,
but when they run the ball, they keep the defense rested and off the field
and can play power football. Thomas has shown he can be a heavy-duty back
who carries the team.
In Minnesota, everything is being built around wide receiver
Randy Moss. If Moss responds positively, the Vikings could have a very good
year.
In Detroit, the key is going to be for one of the young quarterbacks
to step up and show he can run Marty Mornhinweg's offense the way it needs
to be run. However, even if that happens, it does not look like it will be a
good year for the Lions.
NFC South
| |  | | | Johnson |
In Tampa Bay, it will be important for one quarterback, either Brad Johnson
or Rob Johnson, to step to the forefront and show he can run head coach Jon
Gruden's offense efficiently.
The key for the Saints will be Deuce
McAllister's ability to replace Ricky Williams as the featured running back.
McAllister also must show he can take a licking and keep on ticking.
In
Atlanta, everything is being planned around quarterback Michael Vick, and obviously
he is the key.
For the Panthers, finding a No. 1 running back who can take
the pressure off quarterback Chris Weinke, as well as Weinke's development, are the
two factors that will go hand in hand in determining the team's success or
failure.
NFC West
| |  | | | Warner |
Say what you will -- Rams running back Marshall Faulk is the best runner in football
and is irreplaceable. But if anything happens to quarterback Kurt Warner, it would be
a greater loss because the Rams' dropoff at quarterback is so much more
dramatic than it is at running back.
In San Francisco, quarterback Jeff Garcia must
continue to play at a high level, because the Niners really do not have
anyone behind him. Garcia has done an amazing job of overachieving thus far.
In Seattle, quarterback Trent Dilfer must prove that head coach Mike Holmgren made
the right decision when he named Dilfer the starting quarterback early in
the offseason.
The continued development of quarterback Jake Plummer is the key for
the Cardinals.
Material from Pro Football Weekly.
Visit PFW's web site at http://www.profootballweekly.com
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