NFL—"Un-Breakout" Players of 2009

Isaiah Peart by Contributor Written on June 22, 2009

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PITTSBURGH - JANUARY 11:  Mewelde Moore #21 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs the ball against Antonio Cromartie #31 of the San Diego Chargers during their AFC Divisional Playoff Game on January 11, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Steelers
Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

In 2007, Antonio Cromartie had one of his best statistical seasons ever. After recording 39 tackles and 10 interceptions, he was selected to his first Pro Bowl.

Many people expected Cromartie to continue his success and even have better numbers than the previous year.

Instead, he only recorded 2 interceptions, although he previously stated he wanted to break the single season record for interceptions.

These events caused him to become one of the "un-breakout" players of 2008. Now I will make my predictions for the un-breakout players of 2009.

Disclaimer: This is just a fun article, and in no way do I wish the players on this list to have bad seasons.

Kerry Collins

NASHVILLE, TN - JANUARY 10:  Quarterback Kerry Collins #5 of the Tennessee Titans is hit as he throws the ball by tackle Trevor Pryce #90 of the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC Divisional Playoff Game on January 10, 2009 at LP Field in Nashville, Tennesse

Being a Titans fan, I would love to see Kerry Collins continue his success from last season, but as a realist, I know it may not happen.

Although compiling a 13-3 record, KC only threw 12 TDs and and 7 picks. In comparison, he didn't fare better than Tyler Thigpen, who went for 18 TDs and 12 picks.

At least he has a few better options now as compared to last year.

Domata Peko

SAN FRANCISCO - DECEMBER 15:  Running back Frank Gore #21 of the San Francisco 49ers drags defensive lineman Domata Peko #94 of the Cincinnati Bengals behind him as Gore ran for 138 yards during a game at Monster Park December 15, 2007 in San Francisco, C

Domata Peko was in the top five in tackles for defensive linemen. That's great, so he must have a good number of sacks right?

WRONG. As good as he was against the run, he was virtually invisible against the pass, compiling just 0.5 sacks. Of course he isn't expected to get many sacks being that he is a DT, but without any pass rush specialists to help him, he will see his double teams go up and his production go down.

Lee Evans

ORCHARD PARK, NY - NOVEMBER 30: Lee Evans #83  of the Buffalo Bills is tackled by Walt Harris #27 of the San Francisco 49ers  on November 30, 2008 at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, New York.  (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

63 receptions, 1017 yards, an average of 16.1 yards per reception. Great.

Wait, only three touchdowns as the number one wideout? Bad.

T.O will demand double teams. Great.

Wait, T.O will demand passes. Bad.

Pierre Thomas

NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 21:  Quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints congratulates running back Pierre Thomas #23 after Thomas scored against the Atlanta Falcons at the Superdome on October 21, 2007 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints defeated

Strengths—Speed, strength, agility, can run inside or outside, great hands, and he's a tough gritty runner willing to fight for the extra yard.

Weaknesses—Great Hands, Sean Payton, and Drew Brees

Tony Romo

IRVING, TX - DECEMBER 20:  Linebacker Terrell Suggs #55 of the Baltimore Ravens sacks Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first quarter at Texas Stadium on December 20, 2008 in Irving, Texas.  (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

As much as getting rid of T.O. will help the team, it won't help Tony Romo.

Just T.O's presence on the field made it that much easier for Romo to work, and we all know Roy Williams is not T.O.

At least he has a good stable of running backs to help the transition.

Conclusion

DETROIT - FEBRUARY 05:  Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers listens to back-up quarterback Tommy Maddox #8 on the sideline in the first half against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XL at Ford Field on February 5, 2006 in Detroi

As a fan of football, I wish all players could have great seasons, but we all know it won't happen.

Chances are my predictions won't come true, but that's the point of opinion articles; they're just opinions.

Good luck to all these players, and I hope they don't end up like this guy.

-Isaiah Peart

Let me hear your voices in the comments because I know there are players I may have missed.

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written on June 22, 2009 Opinion

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