5 NFL Quarterbacks Who Can Have Surprisingly Impressive 2012 Seasons

We all know that Tom Brady, Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers are going to put up incredible numbers like usual, considering that they are the elite quarterbacks heading into 2012.

However, there are some quarterbacks who have the potential to really tear things up in this upcoming NFL season.

In 2011, we saw quarterbacks Cam Newton and Matthew Stafford perform out of their minds, and no one really saw the numbers they produced coming.

With that being said, here are five quarterbacks who can have surprisingly impressive 2012 seasons. 

Alex Smith

Alex Smith really did shock us all a year ago, as he proved to be one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL when he led the San Francisco 49ers to an impressive 13-3 record and a trip to the NFC Championship.

Smith didn't really light up the sky with his arm, but he never really turned the ball over, which was ultra-impressive. 

Heading into 2012, Smith will have all the confidence in the world to continue on the path to greatness.

Smith certainly has the weapons to produce at a high level with newly added wide receivers Mario Manningham, Randy Moss and A.J. Jenkins. 

Don't be surprised if Smith comes close to reaching the 30-touchdown mark in 2012. 

Robert Griffin III

Over the past few seasons, the only place where the Washington Redskins really lacked talent was at the quarterback position.

Now they have their franchise quarterback in Robert Griffin III.

RG3 is a perfect fit into Mike Shanahan's offense with the 'Skins and has the talent around him to be successful.

He will be throwing to talented wide receivers such as Pierre Garcon, Santana Moss, Fred Davis, Chris Cooley and Josh Morgan.

Don't be surprised if RG3 runs away with the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. 

Blaine Gabbert

There's a reason why the Jacksonville Jaguars moved up to No. 10 overall in last year's draft just to grab Blaine Gabbert—it's because Gabbert is extremely talented and has the potential to be a franchise quarterback.

In 2012, Gabbert could very well take a major step forward toward achieving greatness. 

Gabbert was pretty dreadful in 2011. He was ultimately thrown to the wolves, as he had little surrounding talent on the offensive side of the ball.

Heading into 2012, Gabbert will be throwing to wide receivers Justin Blackmon and Laurent Robinson.

The talent is certainly there for Gabbert. He just needs to utilize it. 

Peyton Manning

Do not count Peyton Manning out.

If he's 100-percent healthy, he will compete at a high level.

I don't care who's playing around him with the Denver Broncos—as long as Manning has a solid offensive line, he will get the ball to his wide receivers and he will score points.

If Manning is healthy, then I will be expecting at least 30 touchdowns and a plus-95.0 quarterback rating in 2012. 

Josh Freeman

Josh Freeman had a remarkable 2010 season but was nothing short of putrid in 2011.

There's no question that the talent is there for Freeman.

It is just a matter of him getting the ball to his surrounding talent—of which there wasn't too much these past few seasons for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Now heading into 2012, Freeman will be throwing passes to Vincent Jackson, Mike Williams and Kellen Winslow while having Doug Martin and LeGarrette Blount running the ball and with newly acquired offensive guard Carl Nicks leading the way up front for the Bucs. 

The talent is there for Freeman, and the time to produce and compete at a high level is now.

There are no excuses.