Gryphon
Merge Ahead
- Messages
- 3,407
- Reaction score
- 31
NFC: 2008's breakout players
E-MAIL PRINT COMMENTS 3 WATCH THIS TOPIC
Posted: December 20, 2007
SN correspondents
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=320726
Each week, Sporting News correspondents provide insight and analysis on every NFL team. Here's a look at which NFCers they think are primed for breakout seasons in 2008.
East Division
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys drafted Anthony Spencer in the first round to be a pass-rushing force, and he has shown some signs of being able to handle the role. He has just one sack this season, in part because he's playing behind Es Greg Ellis and DeMarcus Ware. Next year, look for coach Wade Phillips to get Ware, Ellis and Spencer on the field at the same time as often as possible. Spencer has a good first step but is still learning how to use his speed to get around NFL tackles. He needs to develop another move, so that he can sell an outside move and then come inside and use his quickness to get to the quarterback.
New York Giants
Rookie CB Aaron Ross worked his way into the starting lineup perhaps earlier than expected, and rarely has he appeared to be in over his head. Ross has exceptional speed and is rangy and shifty enough to track the ball in the air. He struggles at times in deciding when to be aggressive and when to sit back, but does not miss many assignments. His extensive big-game experience at Texas that has helped him handle his responsibilities with little difficulty. Ross is expected to be a long-term fixture in the secondary.
Philadelphia Eagles
DT Brodrick Bunkley has made drastic improvement in his second season and should be among the team's top linemen next season. Coaches say Bunkley's ability to fend off linemen and take on blocks has contributed greatly to DT Mike Patterson's breakout year. He stayed in Philadelphia after his rookie season to hit the weight room, and he reported early to the team's offseason conditioning program. He still needs to work on his pass rush; he frequently is one step away from a sack and comes off the field in many nickel and dime situations.
Washington Commanders
Everyone wants to grant QB Jason Campbell breakout status for his 2007 performance. But that is premature. Campbell has had a good season, but he has yet to reach his full potential. He should come closer in 2008. He has a strong arm but needs to improve his accuracy on short and mid-range routes. Campbell knows the offense, but immersing himself in it for another offseason will give him a greater comfort level and enable him to make quicker decisions with the ball. Campbell also needs to prove that he can finish late-game drives and lead his team to victories.
E-MAIL PRINT COMMENTS 3 WATCH THIS TOPIC
Posted: December 20, 2007
SN correspondents
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=320726
Each week, Sporting News correspondents provide insight and analysis on every NFL team. Here's a look at which NFCers they think are primed for breakout seasons in 2008.
East Division
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys drafted Anthony Spencer in the first round to be a pass-rushing force, and he has shown some signs of being able to handle the role. He has just one sack this season, in part because he's playing behind Es Greg Ellis and DeMarcus Ware. Next year, look for coach Wade Phillips to get Ware, Ellis and Spencer on the field at the same time as often as possible. Spencer has a good first step but is still learning how to use his speed to get around NFL tackles. He needs to develop another move, so that he can sell an outside move and then come inside and use his quickness to get to the quarterback.
New York Giants
Rookie CB Aaron Ross worked his way into the starting lineup perhaps earlier than expected, and rarely has he appeared to be in over his head. Ross has exceptional speed and is rangy and shifty enough to track the ball in the air. He struggles at times in deciding when to be aggressive and when to sit back, but does not miss many assignments. His extensive big-game experience at Texas that has helped him handle his responsibilities with little difficulty. Ross is expected to be a long-term fixture in the secondary.
Philadelphia Eagles
DT Brodrick Bunkley has made drastic improvement in his second season and should be among the team's top linemen next season. Coaches say Bunkley's ability to fend off linemen and take on blocks has contributed greatly to DT Mike Patterson's breakout year. He stayed in Philadelphia after his rookie season to hit the weight room, and he reported early to the team's offseason conditioning program. He still needs to work on his pass rush; he frequently is one step away from a sack and comes off the field in many nickel and dime situations.
Washington Commanders
Everyone wants to grant QB Jason Campbell breakout status for his 2007 performance. But that is premature. Campbell has had a good season, but he has yet to reach his full potential. He should come closer in 2008. He has a strong arm but needs to improve his accuracy on short and mid-range routes. Campbell knows the offense, but immersing himself in it for another offseason will give him a greater comfort level and enable him to make quicker decisions with the ball. Campbell also needs to prove that he can finish late-game drives and lead his team to victories.
