Insider: Will the next star QB please stand up?
June 1, 2005
By Pete Prisco
CBS SportsLine.com Senior Writer
Tell Pete your opinion!


At this time of the year, we're always looking for the NFL team that might be ready to make the big leap, perhaps even that Super leap.

In studying potential candidates, the focus almost always moves to the quarterback. As we have said in this space for the past four years, a good one can cure a lot of ills. Without one, you're in trouble.


There have been exceptions, but those teams (see the 2002 Baltimore Ravens) had to play extraordinary defense.

The 2004 playoffs were proof of the value of having a good quarterback. The final eight teams included a who's-who of quarterbacks, New England's Tom Brady, Indianapolis' Peyton Manning, Atlanta's Michael Vick and Philadelphia's Donovan McNabb among them.

If you have issues at quarterback, postseason play is almost always a fantasy. With that in mind, we thought it a good time to take a look at five quarterbacks who must take a big step forward for their teams to have a Super chance in 2005.

The five: Aaron Brooks of the Saints, Kyle Boller of the Ravens, Byron Leftwich of the Jaguars, David Carr of the Texans and J.P. Losman of the Bills.

Every pass they throw this offseason is being scrutinized, coaches and teammates gauging how far they have come and how much work they have left to do. When training camp opens in July, fans and the media will jump in line, too -- their assessments probably a lot more biting.

The quarterback who makes the biggest leap just might get his team -- all non-playoff teams from last season -- deep into the postseason.

Those who falter could put heat on their coaching staffs and open up the chance there could be a quarterback controversy, whether it involves a capable backup or fans' outcry about blowing a high first-round draft pick.

Good passers are vital to Super Bowl success. Do these five have what it takes for that to be reality?

Check back in December. By then, we'll have our answers.

Aaron Brooks, Saints
Brooks is considered one of the most inconsistent quarterbacks in the game. He can look brilliant at times but lost at others. He can make a laser throw off his back foot for a 60-yard touchdown, then throw into four guys for an interception.

That inconsistency drives the Saints nuts. Brooks also plays with a loose attitude, projecting the demeanor that he isn't holding himself as accountable as he should for his problems. He shrugs off the interceptions instead of showing the hurt.There was a time late last season when coach Jim Haslett actually threatened Brooks with the idea he would be replaced by Todd Bouman. Brooks responded with a nice finish, and the Saints won their final four games.



Now Saints coaches are raving about Brooks this offseason. They say he is stronger in the weight room and seems more focused on bringing the offense together, perhaps a sign that this is his breakout season.

"Aaron's having a heck of an offseason," Haslett said. "He's had a positive impact on our offensive players so far. He seems ready to take a big step forward."

The Saints have changed offensive coordinators, with Mike McCarthy now in San Francisco and Mike Sheppard being promoted from quarterbacks coach. The team also changed the offensive terminology, cutting down on the verbiage. Haslett said this should make it easier for the offense to get in and out of the huddle.

Brooks threw for 3,810 yards last season, with 21 touchdown passes. But the completion percentage of 57 percent isn't good enough, and he threw 16 interceptions. His passer rating was 79.5, which is way too low.

If the Saints can carry over their 2004 finish, they have a chance to be a playoff team and a division winner. But Brooks has to get his completion percentage up to 60 percent and his passer rating into the 90s.

The talent is there. And the focus seems to be there, too. Now it's a matter of Brooks putting it all together, which could finally get the legions of Brooks bashers in New Orleans off his back.

There was a time late last season when coach Jim Haslett actually threatened Brooks with the idea he would be replaced by Todd Bouman. Brooks responded with a nice finish, and the Saints won their final four games.