Player Primed for the Most Impressive Statistical Season on Each NFL Team

They are the players you love, the guys that run the best, catch the best, throw the best, and even tackle the best.

We're talking about one player from each of the 32 NFL teams primed for the most impressive statistical season on his given roster.

We're just about halfway through the preseason now, so we have a good idea about who is going to steal the spotlight on each team.

Some may surprise, but none will disappoint during the 2011 season. 

Baltimore Ravens: Ray Rice, RB

2010 Stats: 1,220 yards rushing, 556 yards receiving, six touchdowns

This is an easy selection. It's Ray Rice all the way here.

Rice has been a stud running back the past two seasons—on the ground and through the air.

In the past two seasons, Rice has rushed for a combined 2,559 yards and accounted for 1,258 yards receiving.

This year could prove to be Rice's most productive season on the ground to date, with the signing of Pro Bowl fullback Vonta Leach.  

Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR

2010 Stats: N/A (Rookie)

With the departures of receivers Chad Ochocino and Terrell Owens (1,814 yards receiving combined), somebody has to catch the ball for the Cincinnati Bengals. 

Rookie A.J. Green will be a starter from Week 1, has all the potential in the world to have a good rookie year, and should lead the team in receiving.

Not many players stand out on the Bengals in terms of having big statistical years—running back Cedric Benson is a headcase, and rookie quarterback Andy Dalton is still a question mark.

It might take A.J. Green a few games to get in a rhythm, but once he does Bengals fans will have someone to cheer for. 

Cleveland Browns: Joe Haden, CB

2010 Stats: 64 tackles, six interceptions

Petyon Hillis had serious consideration here, but his numbers dropped towards the end of the season in 2010, and a healthy Montario Hardesty will take some of the carries.

Enter Joe Haden.

Hayden will look to build upon a stellar rookie campaign, and the young corner should emerge as one of the top corners in the league by season's end.  

Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Wallace, WR

2010 Stats: 60 receptions, 1,257 yards, 10 touchdowns

Mike Wallace emerged as Ben Rothlesburger's favorite receiving target in 2010 after the departure of Santonio Holmes, and nothing should change this season. 

Williams is an elite mix of size—6'0'', 200 pounds—and speed—4.33 40-yard dash—making him a tough cover for defenses.

Wallace getting behind secondaries for big gains through the air will continue to be a common site for Steelers fans in 2011. 

Houston Texans: Arian Foster, RB

2010 Stats: 1,616 yards, 16 touchdowns

There is a lot to like about the Houston Texans offense, and Arian Foster is one of the main reasons why. 

Foster was an unstoppable force in 2010. Expect a repeat performance in 2011, even with the departure of Pro Bowl fullback Vonta Leach. 

Indianapolis Colts: Peyton Manning, QB

2010 Stats: 4,700 yards, 33 touchdowns

This is all Peyton Manning here. Do I even need to explain this selection?

As long as No.18 is healthy during the 2011 season, he will put up the usual Peyton Manning numbers.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Maurice Jones-Drew, RB

2010 Stats: 1,324 yards, five touchdowns

There is not to much worth getting excited about for the Jacksonville Jaguars other than Maurice Jones-Drew. 

Jones-Drew has been the workhorse for the Jaguars the past five years, and it should be business as usual throughout the 2011 season.

The Jaguars have said they plan on lessening the workload on Jone-Drew this season, though whatever the case, he is still the best and most-productive player by far on the Jaguars roster. 

Tennessee Titans: Chris Johnson, RB

2010 Stats: 1,364 yards, 11 touchdowns

The only thing that may keep Chris Johnson from being the most electrifying running back in the NFL is his ongoing contract holdout.

As long as Chris Johnson (or "Every Coach's Dream" as he is now referring to himself) is on the field in 2011, he will without question have the most impressive statistical year for the Titans—by far.  

Buffalo Bills: Stevie Johnson, WR

2010 Stats: 82 receptions, 1,073 yards, 10 touchdowns

After accumulating only 112 yards receiving during his first two NFL seasons, Stevie Johnson came on in a big way in 2011. 

Lee Evans, who was second on the Bills in receiving yards in 2010, is now a member of the Baltimore Ravens, so the stage is set for Johnson in 2011. 

Miami Dolphins: Brandon Marshall, WR

2010 Stats: 86 receptions, 1,014 yards, three touchdowns

Brand Marshall's numbers took a hit in nearly every category during his first year as a Dolphin in 2010.

Most of that can be attributed to inconsistent play at the quarterback position, so don't think Brandon Marshall doesn't have "it" anymore. 

Marshall's numbers should improve from last year, and, at the very least, his touchdown total almost has to go up.

The Dolphins don't have much going for them in terms of players that are going to impress you statistically other then Marshall.   

New England Patriots: Tom Brady, QB

2010 Stats: 3,900 yards, 36 touchdowns, four interceptions

Tom Brady, like Peyton Manning, goes pretty much without saying.

Brady has the stats, the rings, the hair, and the wife—why would anything change in 2011?  

New York Jets: Santonio Holmes, WR

2010 Stats (12 games): 52 receptions, 746 yards, six touchdowns

Santonio Holmes was huge for the Jets in 2010, despite being suspended for the first four games of the season. 

Holmes signed a monster, $50-million contract over the summer, so he will be expected to continue to play at a high level. 

Quarterback Mark Sanchez and Santonio Holmes have had time now to develop on-field chemistry—2011 should be the year they breakout.

Denver Broncos: Knowshon Moreno, RB

2010 Stats: 779 yards, five touchdowns

Receiver Brandon Lloyd got some consideration here, but when Bronco's head coach Jon Fox came out and told the Denver Post he wants "less Kyle Orton-Brandon Lloyd," Knowshon Moreno had to be the man for this list. 

Moreno has had two good years in the NFL with the Denver Broncos, but if he can stay healthy, 2011 could finally be the year Moreno makes the transition from good to great running back.  

Kansas City Chiefs: Jamaal Charles, RB

2010 Stats: 1,467 yards rushing, 468 yards receiving, eight total touchdowns

Jamaal Charles shredded defenses on the ground in 2010, and we should see an encore performance during the 2011 season. 

Charles will have the luxury of an offense that will have a better passing game in 2011, with the additions of rookie Jon Baldwin and free agent Steve Breaston. 

Though the Chiefs have not looked all that good in the preseason, to say the least, when Jamaal Charles and this offense get clicking, they will be hard to stop.

Oakland Raiders: Darren McFadden, RB

2010 Stats (13 games): 1,157 yards rushing, 507 yards receiving, 10 total touchdowns

Darren McFadden came on in a big way last season for the Raiders.

After compiling just 856 yards during his first two NFL seasons, McFadden showed the world what he is capable of when healthy. 

Could this be the year McFadden plays in a full 16 game season? If so, watch out. 

San Diego Chargers: Phillip Rivers, QB

2010 Stats: 4,710 yards, 30 touchdowns

Phillip Rivers is coming off the best season of his career, despite not having the services of Pro Bowl wide receiver Vincent Jackson at his disposal for 11 games in 2010.

This season, Rivers will have Vincent Jackson from the start and a healthy Ryan Matthews to bolster the running game, which should make the passing game even more efficient. 

Chicago Bears: Jay Cutler, QB

2010 Stats: 3,274 yards, 23 touchdowns, 232 yards rushing

Jay Cutler has had an up-and-down two years with the Chicago Bears, but he showed improvement from 2009 to 2010, increasing his quarterback rating by nearly 10 points. 

Cutler will have a new weapon at his disposal in receiver Roy Williams, and with the emergence of Johnny Knox, 2011 should be a good year for No.6.

Detroit Lions: Ndamukong Suh, DT

2010 Stats: 66 tackles, 10 sacks, one forced fumble

This was a toss up here for the Detroit Lions. Wide receiver Calvin Johnson will continue to dominate defenses, but if Suh can account for 10 sacks in his rookie year, how many can he notch during his sophomore campaign?

The punishment Suh dished out last season was evident every game, and when Ndamukong Suh made contact with a quarterback, he went down—hard. 

Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers, QB

2010 Stats: 3,922 yards, 28 touchdowns, 356 yards rushing, four touchdowns

Brett who?

I'm kidding of course, but Aaron Rodgers silenced any and all doubters after leading the Packers to a victory in Super Bowl XLV, solidifying himself as a top-five NFL quarterback in the process.

He's cool, calm, and collected at all times. What more could you want out of your franchise quarterback?  

Minnesota Vikings: Adrian Peterson, RB

2010 Stats: 1,298 yards, 12 touchdowns, 341 yards receiving

Another easy choice here. This is Adrian Peterson's team, and the Vikings will go as far as he can carry them.

Sure, Minnesota brought in a proven veteran quarterback in Donovan McNabb to help lead the offense, but at the end of day, it will be up to Peterson to lead the Vikings.  

Atlanta Falcons: Roddy White, WR

2010 Stats: 115 receptions, 1,389 yards, 10 touchdowns

Roddy White has now had at least 1,100 yards receiving in his past four NFL seasons. Expect more of the same in 2011. 

The Falcons are as balanced a team as you will find in the NFL, and with the addition of Julio Jones, who will be lining up across from White, defenses will no longer be able to focus solely on No.84. 

 

Carolina Panthers: Charles Johnson, DE

2010 Stats: 62 tackles, 11.5 sacks, one forced fumble

Charles Johnson was one of the few bright spots on the Carolina Panthers last year after nearly tripling his sack total from the previous season. 

The Panthers will rely on their defense to win them games, which means Charles Johnson will need to once again be a monster off the edge. 

New Orleans Saints: Drew Brees, QB

2010 Stats: 4,620 yards, 33 touchdowns

Predictable, I know, but it's Drew Brees.

The man has thrown for at least 4,300 yards and 26 touchdowns in each of his past five seasons with the Saints—not bad for a guy who has been unappreciated his whole career due to his size. 

Drew Brees has become more then just a great statistical player for the New Orleans; he is their leader and seemingly the engine powering the success of the entire team. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LeGarrette Blount, RB

2010 Stats: 1,007 yards, six touchdowns

For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, you can take your pick of either running back LeGarrette Blount, receiver Mike Williams, or quarterback Josh Freeman. 

I went with Blount mainly because the Bucs are going to rely on him heavily in 2011, especially with the loss of Cadillac Williams. 

Despite not playing in three games and not receiving over 11 carries until week eight, Blount still managed to hit the 1,000-yard mark, setting him up nicely for the 2011 season.

Dallas Cowboys: Dez Bryant, WR

2010 Stats: 45 receptions, 561 yards, six touchdowns

The Dallas Cowboys were one of the toughest teams to pick a player for from of all 32 NFL teams, though I finally settled with Dez Bryant.

Dez flashed potential last season, and he appears on the brink of a breakout season.

Miles Austin had a breakout season last year for the Cowboys, so it could be Dez's turn in Dallas.

I have a lot of confidence that Dez Bryant will put together a statistically great year for the Cowboys, and so does quarterback Tony Romo, who said these few words about his young receiver to FS Southwest:

"Dez is going to have a really good season."

If Romo says it, why not go with him?

New York Giants: Hakeem Nicks, WR

2010 Stats (13 games): 79 receptions, 1,052 yards, 11 touchdowns

Both Eli Manning and Ahmad Bradshaw received consideration here, though I ended up going with Hakeem Nicks. 

Nicks will have sole possession of the No.1-receiving duties for the Giants with the departures of Steve Smith and Kevin Boss. 

Smith is another one of those players who put up impressive stats despite missing multiple games throughout the season, so you have to love his upside if he plays in a full 16 games. 

Phillidelphia Eagles: Michael Vick, QB

2010 Stats: 3,018 yards passing, 676 yards rushing, 30 total touchdowns

I don't care how many players the Eagles signed this offseason, their most important signing came two years ago when they picked up Michael Vick. 

Vick's numbers do all the talking, and if you dive deeper into his stats, they only get better.

Vick completed 62 percent of his passes in 2010, which was by far the best completion percentage of his career. Also, Vick's quarterback rating of 100.2 beat out his previous career best by seven points.

Michael Vick truly is one of a kind. Enjoy it, Eagles fans.

Washington Redskins: Brian Orakpo, LB

2010 Stats: 56 tackles, one forced fumble, 8.5 sacks

Brain Orakpo has quietly put together two solid years for the Redskins, despite playing a different position than he played in college (defensive end).

Orakpo has been able to adjust to the position change without missing a beat so far, and he should once again put up big numbers at the linebacker position. 

Arizona Cardinals: Beanie Wells, RB

2010 Stats: 397 yards, two touchdowns

Beanie Wells has shown Cardinal fans the potential for greatness—the only problem is that it's been in short, spaced-out bursts. 

With Tim Hightower traded away and rookie running back Ryan Williams appearing to be done with a serious knee injury, this is finally Beanie's chance to shine. 

St. Louis Rams: Sam Bradford, QB

2010 Stats: 3,512 yards, 18 touchdowns

Sam Bradford showed last season from Week 1 that he is going to be a great quarterback in this league, it's just a short matter of time.

Bradford set the NFL rookie record for most completions (354) and was second all-time in yards passing.

With a solid rushing attack and capable receivers, Bradford looks to be in store for a statistically big year for the up-and-coming St. Louis Rams.  

Seattle Seahawks: Sidney Rice, WR

2010 Stats (six games): 17 receptions, 280 yards, two touchdowns

Sidney Rice has only had one good year in the NFL, and it came in 2009 when Rice was paired with Brett Favre. In that season, Rice accounted for 1,312 yards receiving while grabbing eight touchdowns. 

Rice is a bit of a gamble, but if he is healthy and can get on the same page with quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, Rice could mimic his success from 2009 this season.

Rice and Tarvaris played together in Minnesota, so they have history working with each other.  

San Fransisco 49ers: Michael Crabtree, WR

2010 Stats: 55 receptions, 741 yards, six touchdowns

Michael Crabtree has been an average receiver to this point in his career, but entering his third year in the NFL, I think this is the season we see Crabtree prove his worth and take it to the next level. 

The 49ers have weapons on offense; the big question lies with quarterback Alex Smith. If Smith can get the ball to Crabtree early and often, a big year could be in store.