Pivotal players to watch in the NFC in 2014

[Alan]

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2014/08/07/nfc-pivotal-players/13715431/
Pivotal players to watch in the NFC in 2014
NFC WEST

Arizona Cardinals — LT Jared Veldheer: QB Carson Palmer went down a career-high 41 times in 2013. His lead feet won't make many pass rushers miss, and he also has to hang in the pocket for relatively long periods while many of Bruce Arians' deep-strike plays unfold. Veldheer struggled with the Oakland Raiders in 2013 while returning from a torn triceps. But he's armed with a healthy arm and big contract and should anchor the left side along with 2013 first-round G Jonathan Cooper. Also watch RB Andre Ellington

St. Louis Rams — WR Tavon Austin: Outside of a three-TD explosion against the Indianapolis Colts, Austin had an unexpectedly forgettable rookie season. Lacking playmakers, the Rams need a quantum leap in Year 2, and Austin sounds ready to announce his presence both out of the slot and on special teams. Expect a lot more short darts and even a few handoffs to come his way as St. Louis looks to exploit his run-after-catch gifts. Also watch LB Alec Ogletree

San Francisco 49ers — QB Colin Kaepernick: Is there a more physically talented quarterback in the league? Kaep runs like a gazelle and throws like a howitzer. But he still lacks touch and accuracy and would be wise to start relying less on his legs and more on his third and fourth reads. With a better supporting cast but potentially depleted defense, the Niners' Super Bowl hopes may rely on Kaepernick taking his game up another notch. Also watch S Eric Reid

Seattle Seahawks — WR/KR Percy Harvin: After missing most of his first year in Seattle, he's the champs' biggest de facto addition to the lineup in 2014. With Golden Taint gone, Harvin will doubtless be QB Russell Wilson's No. 1 target, and his effectiveness on jet sweeps could lighten the load (and defensive box) for RB Marshawn Lynch. A healthy Harvin should equate to a very healthy bid for a Super Bowl repeat. Also watch CB Byron Maxwell

 

[ChrisW]

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2014/08/07/nfc-pivotal-players/13715431/
Pivotal players to watch in the NFC in 2014
NFC WEST

Arizona Cardinals — LT Jared Veldheer: QB Carson Palmer went down a career-high 41 times in 2013. His lead feet won't make many pass rushers miss, and he also has to hang in the pocket for relatively long periods while many of Bruce Arians' deep-strike plays unfold. Veldheer struggled with the Oakland Raiders in 2013 while returning from a torn triceps. But he's armed with a healthy arm and big contract and should anchor the left side along with 2013 first-round G Jonathan Cooper. Also watch RB Andre Ellington

St. Louis Rams — WR Tavon Austin: Outside of a three-TD explosion against the Indianapolis Colts, Austin had an unexpectedly forgettable rookie season. Lacking playmakers, the Rams need a quantum leap in Year 2, and Austin sounds ready to announce his presence both out of the slot and on special teams. Expect a lot more short darts and even a few handoffs to come his way as St. Louis looks to exploit his run-after-catch gifts. Also watch LB Alec Ogletree

San Francisco 49ers — QB Colin Kaepernick: Is there a more physically talented quarterback in the league? Kaep runs like a gazelle and throws like a howitzer. But he still lacks touch and accuracy and would be wise to start relying less on his legs and more on his third and fourth reads. With a better supporting cast but potentially depleted defense, the Niners' Super Bowl hopes may rely on Kaepernick taking his game up another notch. Also watch S Eric Reid

Seattle Seahawks — WR/KR Percy Harvin: After missing most of his first year in Seattle, he's the champs' biggest de facto addition to the lineup in 2014. With Golden Taint gone, Harvin will doubtless be QB Russell Wilson's No. 1 target, and his effectiveness on jet sweeps could lighten the load (and defensive box) for RB Marshawn Lynch. A healthy Harvin should equate to a very healthy bid for a Super Bowl repeat. Also watch CB Byron Maxwell

All these dudes up on Kaeper's dick. I don't get it. "Throws like a howitzer"? How about "as dependable as Kim Jong's missile launches."

 

[Alan]

ChrisW misreading the quote:
All these dudes up on Kaeper's dick. I don't get it. "Throws like a howitzer"? How about "as dependable as Kim Jong's missile launches."

I don't quite understand what your point is here. There is zero doubt about his incredible atleticism. That would include his "howitzer" arm. Also, the author agrees with your take about his accuracy s he states here: "But he still lacks touch and accuracy and would be wise to start relying less on his legs and more on his third and fourth reads.".

I don't know Chris, you guys seem to be on the same page about him. Most, including me, would agree with both of you.

 

[TheDYVKX]

Is there a more physically talented quarterback in the league?

Yes. His name is Cam Newton.

Outside of a three-TD explosion against the Indianapolis Colts, Austin had an unexpectedly forgettable rookie season.

It's not like he was playing badly at all. He was doing his job, just a little bad luck. Besides the Colts game, he had a 65 yard TD run in the Bears game, and a 50+ yard run in the Cardinals game. Had 2 TDs in the Falcons game, had a punt return TD called back in the Cowboys game, had a long TD called back in the Panthers game, barely stepped out of bounds on a long punt return TD in the Titans game. And he might have gotten more, if not for a random injury. Those weren't forgettable at all. The author just wasn't paying attention. He needs to do his homework.

 

[ChrisW]

Yes. His name is Cam Newton.



It's not like he was playing badly at all. He was doing his job, just a little bad luck. Besides the Colts game, he had a 65 yard TD run in the Bears game, and a 50+ yard run in the Cardinals game. Had 2 TDs in the Falcons game, had a punt return TD called back in the Cowboys game, had a long TD called back in the Panthers game, barely stepped out of bounds on a long punt return TD in the Titans game. And he might have gotten more, if not for a random injury. Those weren't forgettable at all. The author just wasn't paying attention. He needs to do his homework.

National media can't be bothered with the details. It's all about the bigger picture, didn't you get the memo?