Kurt Warner came out of nowhere to lead the Rams' remarkable championship run last season. Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison established themselves as the top passing TD connection in the league. Who'll be making a similar breakthrough in 2000? We asked the experts at Bristol University.
Who will be the breakthrough player in 2000?
Mike Golic |
Brian Griese
He has the genes, and he got the experience last year. The return of Terrell Davis will give the Broncos a running game and help Griese continue to progress. There will be more play-action passing opportunities. Griese is a smart kid, and I like his presence in the pocket. I'm still a fan of the drop-back paser. He can read defenses and throw it to the right spot. | |
Mark Malone |
Tony Banks
Last year I said Fred Taylor would be the next 2,000-yard back in the NFL, but with his injury and the offensive line problems in Jacksonville, that's unlikely. This year, Tony Banks should have a breakthrough year. He's got a big strong arm and he started to play a little better last year in Brian Billick's system. The Ravens acquired a few more weapons for him: They picked up Shannon Sharpe and Ben Coates, drafted a running back and have one of the best defenses in the league. If he's ever going to make a breakthrough and live up to the expectations people had of him coming out of college, he should do it this year with this team. | |
John Clayton |
Donovan McNabb
He's the most advanced of the six rookie quarterbacks from a year ago. McNabb has enough of a surrounding cast in Philadelphia, and he will make them better with the work he did in the offseason. He worked every route with every receiver. McNabb should have a great year with Charles Johnson. His three- and five-step drops are sound. He gets the ball off quickly and with touch. | |
Andrea Kremer |
Donovan McNabb
I think he has quality coaching, good chemistry with the receivers and a solid offensive line. He worked hard in the
offseason. He's ready to break out in his second season. | |
Sean Salisbury |
Rob Johnson
The Bills quarterback has had his bouts with injuries, but he is confident now and has talented players as targets. I believe Johnson is a gifted player. Of the rookies, kicker Sebastian Janikowski was a huge addition. He probably won't be the Rookie of the Year, but he will have a big impact on the Raiders. He will be the difference in them winning the division and being a wild-card team. | |
Merril Hoge |
Tony Banks
Familiarity is a great asset to a player. Being in Baltimore for his second year under Brian Billick will pay great dividends for quarterback Tony Banks. | |
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