Jay Cutler and the 32 Players with the Most To Prove This Season
Jay Cutler's performance, or lack of a performance, in the NFC Championship game has put him on the map as a player on the "hot seat."
Cutler, as well as these 31 other players, must step up their game in 2011 to prove to their owners, coaches, teammates and fans that they deserve the playing time and money they are receiving.
Cutler is not alone—the NFL is littered with high-profile veterans and draft picks who must step up in 2011 or face potential loss of playing time or even their job.
Buffalo Bills: Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick
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Ryan Fitzpatrick played well enough in 2010 to warrant another season as the starter in Buffalo. In 2011 the pressure will be on Fitzpatrick to perform early and often.
Buffalo is not a playoff team, and they know this, but Fitzpatrick should be good enough to keep them from the cellar of the NFL.
A bad season in 2011 will lead to Buffalo looking elsewhere for a quarterback.
Miami Dolphins: Quarterback Chad Henne
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Chad Henne has gone from franchise savior to potential backup in one year. It's amazing what 16 games of football can change.
Henne will most likely enter the 2011 season as the starter, if not completely by default then at least partly so.
There are rumors that Miami would like to add another quarterback to challenge Henne, but with the NFL currently in the middle of a lockout it is impossible to substantiate the claims.
Henne will likely be the man in Miami next fall—and it will likely be his last chance in South Beach to show he belongs.
New England Patriots: Offensive Tackle Sebastian Vollmer
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The Patriots will hand the job of protecting Tom Brady's blindside to youngster Sebastian Vollmer in 2011, replacing veteran free agent Matt Light.
Vollmer has been very good in spot duty for the Patriots, but is he ready for the spotlight of a full-time job at left tackle?
Vollmer was excellent at right tackle in 2010, and he may remain there if Light returns or rookie Nate Solder is able to handle the starting job, but we believe the job at left tackle is Vollmer's to lose.
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New York Jets: Running Back Shonn Greene
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The New York Jets are hoping Shonn Greene can turn around what was eventually a lackluster 2010 season.
Greene was drafted with the purpose of being New York's No. 1 back, but he's taken a back seat to veteran LaDainian Tomlinson in the Jets offense.
Green needs to step up and become the man in New York this summer and allow Tomlinson to move to a true third-down/complementary role.
If Greene cannot get the job done, the Jets' focus in the 2012 draft may fall to a running back.
Baltimore Ravens: Nose Tackle Terrence Cody
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Terrence Cody was drafted as the hole-plugging clog the Ravens would use to control offenses and allow Ray Lewis to roam free and make tackle after tackle while leading Baltimore deep in the playoffs.
Cody instead showed up to camp overweight, struggled to get off blocks and was part of a defense that allowed the Panthers to torch them for 120 yards rushing.
Cody finished 2010 with just 13 tackles and one start. Not good enough for a second-round pick.
John Harbaugh and co. know they need a big (no pun intended) performance from Cody this year. And Cody should know it's time to put up or ship out.
Cincinnati Bengals: Linebacker Keith Rivers
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The Bengals thought when they spent the No. 9 overall pick on Keith Rivers that they would be getting a playmaking outside linebacker who could really dictate what the offense was able to do.
To date they have been rewarded with a very average player.
Rivers has started just 13 games each in the last two seasons, never totaling more than 77 tackles in either season. In his three seasons, Rivers has caused just three turnovers.
It's time for Rivers to flash the athleticism, speed and ability he showed at USC. Otherwise he may be without a second contract.
Cleveland Browns: Quarterback Colt McCoy
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Colt McCoy either played well enough last year to be crowned the Browns quarterback of the future, or he's a complete joke who shouldn't get another start in the NFL.
Those are the most likely comments you will see from fans around the NFL. Here in the heartland, we believe McCoy should be the Browns' starter in 2011 and beyond.
McCoy played exceedingly well against playoff teams Pittsburgh, New Orleans, New England, Baltimore and the New York Jets. He also looked good in games against lesser competition versus the Jaguars and rival Bengals.
McCoy's small frame of work is tough to really break down due to injuries around him in Cleveland and the level of competition played against.
We know this much: McCoy should be starting in Cleveland for the next decade. He'll need a big 2011 to quiet the doubters.
Pittsburgh Steelers: The Cornerbacks
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This slide could just as easily say "The Offensive Line."
The Steelers have two pretty identifiable weaknesses on the roster along the offensive line and in the secondary.
For Pittsburgh to win a Super Bowl, and not just play in one, they will need a big push from their cornerbacks.
Ike Taylor, a free agent, may not be back in 2011, causing Pittsburgh to rely heavily on rookies Curtis Brown and Cortez Allen.
Unless this group plays well above their heads this year, the Steelers could look to make wholesale changes at cornerback.
Houston Texans: Outside Linebacker Mario Williams
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It would appear that Mario Williams peaked in his second year in the NFL with 14 sacks, followed the next season by 12 and then a steady drop off to nine and finally 8.5 sacks in 2010.
Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2006 draft, is making the move from defensive end to outside linebacker this year under Wade Phillips. Some players have done very well making this move, like Tamba Hali and Elvis Dumervil.
Others have struggled, badly.
Williams is entering a part of his career where it is time to start playing up to his draft status. The Texans' success in 2011 is largely riding on his shoulders.
Indianapolis Colts: Running Back Donald Brown
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Donald Brown was supposed to provide a knockout punch to Joseph Addai's steady play. Instead he's averaging less than four yards per carry and has yet to really breakout in the NFL.
Brown will see a bigger role in 2011, or at least he will be given the chance to take on a larger role. Joseph Addai is a free agent who may not return—leaving Brown and Mike Hart to carry the load.
Peyton Manning will do his job, this much is a given, but can Brown carry the rock well enough to keep Indianapolis in the playoff hunt all season long?
Jacksonville Jaguars: Quarterback David Garrard
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David Garrard knows the future of the franchise will be looking over his shoulder at every chance this season. With Blaine Gabbert on the roster after being selected No. 10 overall, Garrard knows his time is limited.
If Garrard and the Jaguars struggle this year, the fanbase will quickly call for Gabbert to see the field.
The pressure is on in Jacksonville for Garrard to perform well.
Tennessee Titans: Defensive End Jason Babin
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Why is a Pro Bowl defensive end on our list of the players with the most to prove in 2011?
Largely because before 2010 Jason Babin was considered a bust.
Babin was drafted by the Houston Texans in 2004, playing there and accumulating just 13 sacks. Once Babin left Houston, he bounced around the NFL, with stops in Kansas City, Seattle and Philadelphia before signing a one-year deal with the Tennessee Titans last March.
In Tennessee, Babin posted his best season yet with 12.5 sacks and 58 tackles.
So, what happened? Babin was coached up by defensive line coach Jim Washburn (now in Philadelphia), but was it all Washburn's coaching?
Babin needs to show in 2011 that he's capable of being a star defensive end in consecutive years.
Denver Broncos: Quarterback Tim Tebow
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It should be fairly obvious that one player on the Broncos roster needs to step it up in 2011 a little more than the others.
That player is quarterback Tim Tebow.
Tebow may not start in Denver next season, head coach John Fox has indicated it's an open competition, but if and when Tebow does see the field he needs to establish to the front office and the coaching staff that this is his team.
To date Tebow has not done this. Despite playing in nine games—three of which he started—Tebow looked up and down against weak competition by beating the Raiders and Texans.
Tim Tebow is talented, and from all accounts he is a wonderful person and leader—now he needs to show he's a wonderful quarterback.
Kansas City Chiefs: Defensive End Tyson Jackson
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When you are the No. 3 pick overall in the NFL draft, certain things are expected of you immediately.
Tyson Jackson has failed to live up to even the smallest of expectations.
While apologists will say that Jackson is playing in a 3-4 defense that does not allow for big statistical performances the fact of the matter is that Jackson simply hasn't shown up.
After starting 14 games in 2009 Jackson started just three games in the Chiefs' 2010 AFC West championship season.
Does this mean the Chiefs could move on from Jackson?
We believe it does.
Oakland Raiders: Cornerback Stanford Routt
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You can always count on Al Davis to do something stupid.
With All-Pro cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha's contract voided due to a failure to meet certain escalators in the deal the Raiders were faced with a huge need at cornerback.
So Davis gives a backup cornerback a three-year, $31.5 million deal to remain in Oakland. As part of the deal Routt will earn a maximum of $31.5 million during the contract with $20 million guaranteed.
Needless to say, Routt needs to show up big in 2011 to justify the massive payday.
San Diego Chargers: Running Back Ryan Mathews
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After being drafted in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft, Ryan Mathews was supposed to be the replacement for LaDainian Tomlinson and Mike Turner that the Chargers were missing.
Instead Mathews disappointed while Mike Tolbert, a converted fullback, was the bright spot in the San Diego backfield.
Mathews will have another chance to impress in 2011, but this time he will have competition from Tolbert and draftee Jordan Todman.
The combination of Mathews, Todman and Tolbert should give San Diego a powerful punch in the backfield—but Mathews needs to prove his worth or risk losing carries.
Dallas Cowboys: Wide Receiver Dez Bryant
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Dez Bryant has as much talent as any wide receiver in the NFL—it's how he uses that talent and what he does off the field that will ultimately define him.
Bryant's rookie season and the offseason that followed are by now legendary.
1. Bryant wears Hall of Famer Michael Irvin's No. 88 jersey
2. Bryant refuses to carry the pads of veteran Roy Williams
3. Bryant dazzles fans and media before a season-ending fractured ankle injury
4. Bryant is sued for $861,350, plus legal fees and the cost of jewelry he allegedly took without payment
Cowboys fans and Bryant need him to hit the field running this year to make us all forget about his largely forgettable rookie season.
New York Giants: Quarterback Eli Manning
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Ask yourself, objectively, what has Eli Manning done in the NFL?
He "won" a Super Bowl on a once-in-a-million-years play that was more mistake by New England Patriots defenders than anything Manning did himself.
If Eli's last name were "Smith," would he still have a job starting for the New York Giants?
I say no, not at all. Manning's career completion percentage (58 percent), quarterback rating (80.4) and TD/INT ratio (146/104) are all on par with a middle of the road quarterback in the NFL.
So why is Manning given the credit and attention he is? Because his brother is a damn fine quarterback.
Manning may not have to prove himself to keep his starting job in New York, but we feel he should have to prove that he deserves to be the starting quarterback of the Giants.
Philadelphia Eagles: Quarterback Michael Vick
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There are two things we can tell you without a doubt about Eagles head coach Andy Reid:
1. He wouldn't look good in a bathing suit
2. He's not afraid to make changes at quarterback
If you don't believe us, about the quarterback thing at least, ask Donovan McNabb, A.J. Feeley, Jeff Garcia, Kevin Kolb and Michael Vick.
Vick had a great 2010 season but needs to continue to improve to keep Reid satisfied throughout the year.
Washington Redskins: Running Back Ryan Torain
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Ryan Torain made his entrance to the NFL with Mike Shanahan as a member of the 2008 Denver Broncos. During his rookie season, Torain started one game—during which he tore his ACL and missed the rest of the season.
Torain re-surfaced under Shanahan in Washington, where he quickly picked up where he left off. By Week 5 of the season Torain was the starting running back.
Torain has the talent to do well under Shanahan, but the pressure is on for him to put up huge numbers in the run-heavy Redskins offense.
Chicago Bears: Quarterback Jay Cutler
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Quarterback Jay Cutler's entire 2011 season will be built around rehabilitating the image of him missing the second half of the NFC Championship game.
It seemed half the nation was divided over whether Cutler was truly too hurt to return to the game or simply didn't want to, although Bears head coach Lovie Smith did vouch for Cutler, stating the quarterback had injured his MCL.
Whatever the reason, Cutler has work to do as he tries to build on what was a very good 2010 season. He'll be under pressure from the fans and media to prove the NFC Championship game was truly due to injury.
Detroit Lions: Quarterback Matthew Stafford
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The No. 1 overall pick from the 2009 NFL draft has played in just 13 games over the first two years of his career due to injury.
Stafford is quickly becoming labeled as injury prone.
While most would agree that when healthy Stafford looks very good, it's simply a fact that he cannot stay healthy right now.
Stafford needs to prove in 2011 that he can stay healthy for a full 17-week season.
Green Bay Packers: Running Back James Starks
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Playing in his first full-season without injury in 2011, Starks has a chance to unseat another player returning from injury—Ryan Grant.
Starks' play during the playoffs helped push the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl title in 2010.
His play in 2011 must be more consistent.
Minnesota Vikings: Wide Receiver Percy Harvin
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Percy Harvin may have only missed two full games due to injury in the 2010 season, but the impact of lingering migraine issues are hovering over the team.
Harvin has become a talented, electric option in the Minnesota offense, but he struggles to stay healthy enough to practice and play.
Harvin could be among the best in the business, if he can stay healthy. He doesn't have to prove he has the talent, just that he can stay on the field.
Atlanta Falcons: Strong Safety William Moore
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William Moore's five interceptions in 2010 seem like a lot, and they are, but something is missing from his game.
Moore can be victimized at times, while other times he's a lockdown strong safety with excellent cover-tackle skills.
Moore needs to prove himself in 2011 by showcasing his all-around talents. Otherwise the Falcons could be looking for a new strong safety.
Carolina Panthers: Quarterback Jimmy Clausen
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I actually feel bad for Jimmy Clausen. No, really.
Drafted in the second round to be the Panthers franchise quarterback, Clausen was thrown to the wolves on one of the worst rosters assembled since the Houston Texans' first year as an NFL franchise.
Clausen had bad protection, no receivers or tight ends and a defense that was routinely out of place and slow to react.
How could anyone have played well under the circumstances?
Here's hoping Clausen gets another chance in 2011 and in a perfect twist of fate plays out of his mind and keeps No. 1 pick Cam Newton on the bench.
New Orleans Saints: Running Back Reggie Bush
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The chance of Reggie Bush returning to New Orleans in 2011 seemed small once the team drafted Mark Ingram in the first round of the NFL draft.
Especially when Bush tweeted, "It's been fun, New Orleans" after the Mark Ingram pick was announced.
Reggie Bush has never lived up to his billing, or draft status. Facing a possible pay cut in 2011, or outright release from the team, Bush is definitely on the hot seat.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cornerback Aqib Talib
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In March 2011, Aqib Talib was arrested on felony charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after being accused of firing a gun at his sister's boyfriend.
While Aqib is out on bond, his status in Tampa Bay remains shaky.
Had there been a CBA in place when Talib was arrested, it is very likely the Buccaneers would have cut him on the spot.
Without a CBA in place, things have been allowed to cool down, and it's becoming more likely that Talib will return to Tampa for the 2011 season.
And he'd better be ready for a firestorm from the media and opposing fans.
Arizona Cardinals: Running Back Beanie Wells
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Beanie Wells entered the NFL as the future for the Arizona Cardinals at running back, but then things just kind of stalled out.
Wells battled Tim Hightower for carries and playing time as a rookie but ultimately finished with the second most rushing yards by a rookie—behind Knowshon Moreno.
Wells' sophomore campaign was less exciting.
In just two starts, Wells put up a meager 397 yards rushing and looked out of shape and overweight, while finding himself in coach Ken Whisenhunt's dog house.
The Cardinals answer was to draft Ryan Williams in the second round of the draft to help at running back.
The pressure on Wells starts now. He needs to be on his best behavior through camp, otherwise he may find himself out of a job.
St. Louis Rams: Offensive Tackle Jason Smith
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After missing part of his rookie season with a very serious concussion and being beaten out for the left tackle job by a second-round draft pick in 2010, Jason Smith is ready to turn it up a notch.
And he needs to.
The No. 2 overall pick from the 2009 NFL draft needs to realize that his second contract is coming sooner rather than later, and his play over the next two years will determine how large that contact is.
Smith has the talent to dominate at right tackle. He just needs to prove he wants it.
San Francisco 49ers: Quarterback Alex Smith
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Count me as one of the people least excited about the prospect of Alex Smith returning to the 49ers in 2011.
To me this is like watching The Godfather III over and over again, while knowing The Godfather and The Godfather II are out there for me to watch.
Alex Smith has done nothing in his NFL career to show he deserves to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. However, it looks like that will happen in 2011.
Smith will be given one shot at this, and if he fails, in comes rookie Colin Kaepernick.
Seattle Seahawks: Quarterback Charlie Whitehurst
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If Matt Hasselbeck leaves Seattle as a free agent this summer, Charlie Whitehurst will be the man thrust in to position as the starter.
He may even be if Hasselbeck chooses to return.
Whitehurst was hand selected by Pete Carroll as his quarterback of the future, and Whitehurst did look promising in two starts last year.
The pressure will be on Whitehurst to prove he's the man in Seattle and that a new quarterback does not need brought in.
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