2013 Sleeper Quarterbacks: Signal Callers That Could Surprise
By Loot, NFL Handicapper, Lootmeister.com
Carson Palmer: His 2-year tenure in Oakland was ho-hum, with a record of 8-16 as a starter and 35 touchdowns against 30 interceptions. This gig should give way to a better version of Carson Palmer. He may have been overrated in his heyday in Cincinnati, but he has now come full circle to join the ranks of the underrated. With more weapons, including WR Larry Fitzgerald, and a better overall organizational vibe around him, he should see at least a small revival in Arizona. At 33, it really is now or never for the two-time Pro Bowler.
Brandon Weeden: Maybe he’s no Bernie Kosar or even Brian Sipe, but there’s something that makes you hesitant to shovel dirt on this guy just yet. His rookie campaign of 2012 had its share of knocks, but he should improve in 2013 with added experience. New offensive coordinator Norv Turner certainly has his share of detractors, but quarterbacks he has worked with have generally gotten better under his direction. With RB Trent Richardson playing more of a role and other ball-catchers stepping up, look for Norv to spread the offense around to different players and take some pressure off of Weeden in 2013. With a little good direction and luck, Weeden could at least provide Cleveland with something they have lacked in recent years--a consistent presence at quarterback.
Ryan Tannehill: Losing Reggie Bush and left tackle Jake Long might not help, but maybe some other things will. Mike Wallace gives the pass game a much-needed extra dimension and an improved defense could take some of the pressure off the second-year quarterback out of A&M. In addition to Wallace, newly added pass threats like Dennis Gibson and Dustin Keller could end up paying off big. Having his ex-head coach from college in Mike Sherman is an interesting wrinkle, as well.
Ben Roethlisberger: Maybe it’s the watched water never boils theory, but the stars might be lining up for a big year from Big Ben. A lot of people have buried Roethlisberger in their mind as far as their perception of top-notch quarterbacks is concerned. That could be a rush to judgment or too much of a “what have you done for me lately” attitude. The two-time Super Bowl champion has an 87-39 career record as a starter and says his knee is better than ever. We’ll see.
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Philip Rivers: On the heels of two so-so seasons, Rivers looks to boost his career in 2013 under new head coach Mike McCoy and offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt. He had grown stale and indignant under Norv Turner, whose mojo had dissipated in his last two seasons as the Chargers’ head coach. In addition, he often played with a patchwork front line that didn’t protect him very well. Rivers might have some more wind in his sails this season.
Jay Cutler: A lot is riding on this season for Cutler, who is playing in the final year of a contract with no renewal on the table under new head coach Mark Trestman. Cutler’s old buddy from Denver, Brandon Marshall, had a huge season in 2012 and should be there for Cutler again this year. RB Matt Forte needs to be big in 2013, as well. Cutler’s 4 seasons have had some good moments and he is 34-22 as a starter, but he needs to step it up a notch and he knows it. First rounder Kyle Young should be in there at guard and with a general heightened sense of urgency, Cutler might turn the corner a bit in 2013.
Josh Freeman: Coming off his first 4000-yard season, it seems strange that a good year would be that out of the ordinary. Still, Freeman seems to have flattened out as a prospect for elite QB status. After a breakout 2010 campaign where he threw 25 touchdowns against a mere 6 picks, he has since thrown 43 touchdowns and 39 interceptions. Consequently, the Bucs went from 10-6 in 2010 to 11-21 in the next two seasons. This might be a case where an improved defense actually helps the quarterback more than anything. The “D” put Freeman in some tough spots in the past two years, where he has been forced outside of his comfort zone. A secondary that was last in the NFL last season is now a strength of Tampa’s, in addition to other improvements on that side of the ball. With coach Schiano now in his second season, look for things to line up a bit better for Freeman in 2013.
