Big Year Necessary

Here is a list of players who need to post big numbers to either:
1) live up to the hype
2) keep thier jobs
3) prove their worth

Chad Johnson, WR, Cincinnati Bengals: He might be the most hyped player in the league...but he brings it on himself. He believes he cannot be covered, and talks down opposing cornerbacks. I was all for this a few years ago, when he indeed looked unstoppable, but last year he wasn't so good. Johnson needs to focus on his play, and not his status with the Bengals. Wherever he ends up, we need to see more from Johnson.

Chad Pennington, QB, New York Jets: This might not even be a factor, because he could lose his job before the season even starts. But, should he win the job, he needs to prove that there is something left in that arm of his. He has had two shoulder surgeries over his career, leaving many (including myself) to believe he just doesn't have good enough arm strength to be successful. But, he is very accurate, and needs to fight off Kellen Clemons if he wants to remain starter.

Reggie Bush, RB, New Orleans Saints: The most overrated player in the league, hands-down. When Bush came into the NFL, he was expected to be the next Barry Sanders. He was expected to run by opponents with his blazing speed, and blow away teams with his receiving skills out of the backfield. Well, he has caught the ball plenty, but his running skills are garbage. He has averaged a measly 3.7 yards per carry during his NFL career, and has shown nothing in the way of running talent. He has one 100 yard game on his resume, despite starting most of last season. My opinion, he needs to gain about 20 lbs, to beef up his slim physique, so he can take more of a workload.

Terry Glenn, WR, Dallas Cowboys: This is pretty much his last chance to prove he can still play. Glenn missed 15 games last year with various knee injuries, and needs to get back on the field. When healthy, he is very speedy and can catch pretty well. But, he has always been plagued with injuries, and has only played 16 games twice in his career. The Cowboys are counting on him, and he needs to come through.

Marcus Stroud, DT, Buffalo Bills: Another guy who has been bitten by the injury bug in recent years. He gets a fresh start with the Bills, but he needs to prove he is worth the trouble. When healthy, Stroud is a beast who can seal up the line almost by himself. He should be a great help for the Bills, who have very good edge rushers. But, he needs to be on the field.

Cedric Benson, RB, Chicago Bears: I don't think he will have his job very long. The Bears drafted Kevin Forte in the second round, and it appears they have had enough of Benson. However, he is the starter, and will get every opportunity to succeed. During his career, he has looked slow, and has lacked the explosiveness and power that got him drafted fourth overall. He needs to find his game back, or his career could be cut short.

Michael Clayton, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Clayton has not lived up to his hype coming out of college, and this could be his last chance with the Bucs. The Bucs drafted the speedy Dexter Jackson this spring to push Clayton, and we will have to see if that's enough to get him going.

Michael Turner, RB, Atlanta Falcons: Turner was amazing as backup to LT in San Diego, but he has never been a feature back. Now, backs who move into feature roles don't always work out (see LaMont Jordan), but many think Turner has what it takes. I think he could be very successful, if he maintains his powerful running style. He should complement the speedy Jerius Norwood, and form a very good tandem in Atlanta.

Shaun Alexander, RB, Free Agent: Could this be the end for Alexander? After winning the MVP award two years ago, he has suffered a myriad of injuries, and has been ineffective. Now, he is without a job. There are only a few teams interested, and he needs to show that he has some gas left in the tank to earn a job.

Julius Peppers, DE, Carolina Panthers: After becoming one of the most fear pass rushers in the league, Peppers had a measly 2.5 sacks last year. That is not enough. This season is a contract year for Peppers, so expect big numbers once again. But, the line in Carolina is in shambles, and he could see a lot of double teams. However, he is very talented, and should earn huge money either way.

Criminal Counter: 3 --- Rookie LB Ezra Butler was released from the 49ers after he was arrested for driving under the influence and possession of marijuana. What a way to start a career...undrafted free agent who gets arrested in mini-camps.