(Photo by: Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
The Bottom Line: Jerry Jones has given Wade Phillips one last chance as a head coach, and if Phillips doesn't return the favor, he'll be out of chances and out of a job.
LaDainian Tomlinson, Running Back, San Diego Chargers
How could a running back the caliber of LT be on this list? Well, the reality is that many believe that Tomlinson is running out of gas. After an injury-plagued season and barely scraping 1,000 yards, people thought Tomlinson was going to be traded or released.
People believe that Darren Sproles is the future of the Chargers, and that LT is a shell of his former self. Add that he hit the terrible age of 30 (for RB's), he could be backing Sproles up.
The Bottom Line: Tomlinson can't risk an injury, or a poor season. If he doesn't do any of those, Darren "Lightning Bug" Sproles will be the starting running back for San Diego.
Jamal Lewis, Running Back, Cleveland Browns
Lewis gained 1,002 yards rushing last year, a career low since his 2,000-yard performance for the Ravens in 2004. While Lewis has no one behind him to worry about, there is the possibility that he will be released.
Like LT, people think that Jamal Lewis is running out of gas, and that someone younger and faster has to take his place. Lewis needs to disprove that.
The Bottom Line: Lewis needs to improve his numbers greatly, and needs to help the Browns to a better record, or he will be retired or on a different team.
Brad Childress, Head Coach, Minnesota Vikings
This one beats the hell out of me. The Vikings have only been improving since Childress arrived. He posted, 6-10, 8-8, 10-6, with third, second and first divisional rankings. Childress also took the Vikings to a division title, and a home playoff game.
Yet, fans were still chanting for Childress's firing at games. Now, he is on a short leash from the owners, and he has to perform well to keep his job.
The Bottom Line: Childress needs to lead the Vikings to another playoff spot, and a playoff win in order to save his team and his job.
Dick Jauron, Head Coach, Buffalo Bills
Three straight 7-9 seasons do not look good on a resume. And Jauron's resume isn't too good. Despite starting the year 4-0, the Buffalo Bills collapsed mid season, and only won three more games.
For some unknown reason, Jauron was given a last chance to coach the Bills, when everyone thought he was going to be canned.
The Bottom Line: If Jauron can't put up a winning record, he is gone for sure. However, even with the additions they made in the offseason, the Bills are still a year away from competing with their division, and Dick Jauron doesn't have until next year.
Marvin Lewis, Head Coach, Cincinnatti Bengals
Lewis is in trouble. He has had one good season in his tenure, and he needs to repeat or Mike Brown will find someone else. The Bengals were 4-11-1 last year, and having the first tie in the NFL since 2002.
Lewis's future may be bright. The Bengals have vastly improved, on offense, and more importantly on defense. They gave up 22 points a game last year, and were victims of several blowouts.
The Bottom Line: Lewis must capitalize on the teams improvements, if he is to remain with the Bengals. However, they may be in the same situation as the Bills, needed one more year to compete. Unfortunately, Marvin Lewis doesn't have another year.
If these players and coaches can't do the job, you'll see some new backup players and assistant coaches come the 2010 season.
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