7 Quarterbacks with Breakout Potential

Because of injuries, suspensions, and underachieving, these seven quarterbacks had seasons way below their potential. Some were injured, while others had their support casts taken down.

But with healthy arms, and healthy offensive players around them, watch these quarterbacks look to improve upon last seasons, with very successful years.

JaMarcus Russell

This is no MVP choice, but JaMarcus Russell could contend for the Most Improved Player of the year.

People expected a lot from him last year, because of the arrival of Darren McFadden. But McFadden was not the second coming of Adrian Peterson, like people said he would be.

Instead, people were quick to yell "bust" as JaMarcus Russell led the Raiders to only a 5-11 season. But Russell had a respectable year considering the "pitiful wasteland" he had for a receiver corp.

The team's leading receiver was Johnnie Lee Higgins? This year they have Ashley Lelie, Javon Walker, and Darrius Heyward-Bey.

Still nothing to strike fear into opponents, but anything is better than last years receiving corps.

The one-two punch of Justin Fargas, and Darren McFadden should give him some more time as well.

Trent Edwards

Trent Edwards led the Bills to a surprising 5-1 start last year, but then they went 2-8 in their final 10 games to finish 7-9.

The team has the ability to make the playoffs this year and should be greatly improved. Trent Edwards had a groin injury late in the year that affected his play in the final four games.

Despite the horrible finish, the Bills have a great upside and should be greatly improved this year.

The signing of Terrell Owens will greatly help Trent, giving him the ability to stretch the field with TO, Lee Evans, and Josh Reed.

The suspension of Marshawn Lynch will hurt, but that means TO will get the ball more. The more TO gets the ball, the longer he'll be happy, and the greater the success the Bills will have.

Fred Jackson should fill in adequately until Lynch is back anyway. Statistically, Trent Edwards should have his best year yet. The run game will be strong, and the pass game even stronger.

The offensive line will be shaky, but the drafting of Eric Wood will help. Look for Trent Edwards to be a top five quarterback statistically.

Marc Bulger

I think people have forgotten about how good Marc Bulger can be. In 2006 he threw for 4,301 yards, and 24 touchdowns to only eight interceptions.

The St. Louis Rams should be drastically better this year, and as long as Steven Jackson can stay healthy, watch for Marc Bulger to return to being a potential Pro Bowl player.

Jason Smith should anchor the line, and Donnie Avery looks like he could be a second-year breakout receiver. With a healthy offense around him, Marc Bulger will greatly improve his stats.

Tony Romo

Tony Romo had a good year last year, but I think this year he can have a great one. He threw for 3,400 yards, and 26 touchdowns, which are fantastic numbers, except he has the potential to do even better.

The Cowboys were the model of inconsistency last year. They have all the talent in the world, but their cohesion as a team was horrible.

With TO and Pacman gone, the Cowboys should finally gel, and show their incredible talent.

Roy Williams will finally get the chance to work with a good offense, and his numbers will soar.

Jason Witten and Patrick Crayton will be a manageable second receiver/tight end crew, and with Marion Barber, and their enormous line, this offense should put up some gaudy stats next year.

Donovan McNabb

Watch for Donovan McNabb to finally break the 4,000 yard mark, for the first time in his career. This Eagles offense is stacked.

The scary thing is they will probably be even better next year, but they will still be amazing this year. The 1-2 rushing offense of Brian Westbrook and LeSean McCoy should break down offenses with their speed and catching ability.

And the young receiving corps of DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Hank Basket, and veteran Kevin Curtis, will give Donovan the ability to run any offensive plays he wants.

He'll have a fearful combination of speed from Maclin and Jackson. Donovan McNabb could very likely have the best year of his career to date.

Oh, and did I fail to mention, the offensive line picked up two Pro Bowlers?

David Garrard

David Garrard was third in the league last year with 42 sacks. This picture is him thanking his GM for drafting Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton.

Two incredible prospects at tackle who should help shore up this line, giving him some more time in the pocket.

David Garrard is a double threat quarterback with his legs and his arm. With some more time look for him to put up much better stats than last year.

The suspension of Jones will hurt, but this offense will still be strong, behind the power rushing of Maurice Jones-Drew.

Look For David Garrard to have a much better year than last year statistically.

Matt Schaub

Despite Andre Johnson's amazing year, Matt Schaub only threw for 3,000 yards and 15 touchdowns.

I can easily see Matt Schaub putting up over 4,000 yards and 25 touchdowns this year.

Matt was injured for five games, but being healthy, in this offense, he will have a great year.

Steve Slaton had an incredible year and should help Matt greatly, and he has Andre Johnson and Owen Daniels who caught almost 900 yards last year.

Kevin Walters is also a fantastic third target. Look out AFC, this Texans offense was fourth in the league in passing yards, and third in the league in total yards, and this year they should be better with a healthy Matt Schaub.