The third year is usually crucial for NFL players.
Sometimes it's because they're looking to come back from a sophomore slump.
Sometimes it's because of injuries.
Sometimes it's because they haven't been able to put everything together.
Occasionally, some players will dispel all doubts after their first two years, but that is a rarity. Regardless of why, most players find themselves getting told to put up or shut up going into year No. 3.
So, who's on the proverbial "hot seat" this year? Who will step up? Who will fail?
I'll go over my top-five "Make-Or-Break" players, in no particular order, going into 2008, along with a prediction and an explanation.
Let's get started:
1. Matt Leinart, QB, Arizona Cardinals
Analysis: Matt Leinart is an enigma. The man stayed for five years at USC, even passing on the opportunity to be a surefire No. 1 overall pick and sign that rich contract in 2005 to return to school.
So he must love the game, right? We still don't know.
In his first two seasons Leinart has started a combined 16 games. If you try to find a picture of him on Google, you'll find one of him with a beer bong before you find one of him in a football uniform. That's saying something about his image.
He seems to be a lot like David Terrell to this point in his career: more interested in living the life of a football player than actually playing football.
So, will Leinart step up this year and show everyone why he was a Heisman winner and potential No. 1 overall pick?
Make or Break? Make. Leinart is a smart guy, and he has to know that the Cardinals aren't happy with him right now. If he can stay healthy and put it all together on the field, he'll be a great leader for the frighteningly good air attack down in Arizona.
2. Reggie Bush, RB, New Orleans Saints
Analysis: Who would've thought that Reggie Bush would make this list when he was drafted? Instantly hailed as the next Gale Sayers, I even twisted my ankle jumping on his bandwagon.
To this point, it seems like we had it all wrong.
Bush has been given every opportunity to shine, playing all 16 games in 2006 and getting an opportunity to be a full-time back in 2007.
How has he responded? 1,146 rush yard and 3.7 yards per carry.
Now, things aren't all bad for Bush. He showed flashes of his brilliant versatility his rookie year, notching 742 receiving yards.
Bush is in the perfect situation for success: A great QB, a prolific passing game, including a newly added Jeremy Shockey, and an offensive line that sports a dominant left tackle in Jammal Brown and a Pro-Bowl snub in right guard Jahri Evans.
But Bush has had all of these things (except Shockey) in both of his first two years, so what makes this year different?
He can finally combine what he did his first two years.
In his rookie season, he was healthy, playing in all 16 games, but did not get as big of an opportunity to show what he could do, starting only half of those games.
In his sophomore season, he was constantly battling injuries without running mate Deuce McAllister to lighten the load.
This year, he will have both.
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4 months ago
Good job Greg. Agree with every make or break even though I like Vernon Davis.
I don't know if you heard this yet but Anquan Bolden said he won't resign with the Cardinals after '10.
from 4 months ago
Thanks Angelo!
I did hear that, and kudos to Boldin for honoring his contract.
That's rough news for the Cardinals, but I'm not sure why he announced it this soon. It would have been more dramatic if his deal ended after this year, but I suppose it still holds the same significance.
4 months ago
very nice article...I like your bit on leinart but do you think he returned to school for the love of the game or because he was basically a rockstar on that beautiful southern california campus?
from 4 months ago
Very good point. I'm hoping that's what well find out this year
4 months ago
Great article, The NFL has seen some big bust in the past, and there will always be more, some players shine in college, and tank when they make it to the big show. While others, had to fight their way on the roster, and made the best of a situation and are now big stars. (Tom Brady). Thats just how it will be.
Reggie better "Make" this year or else.
Go Saints!!
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