At the crossroads: this will be a defining season for several players, including Colts quarterback Peyton Manning

Football Digest, Oct, 2003 by Barry Wilner

THE 2003 SEASON WILL BE CRITICAL for dozens of NFL players who have reached a crossroads in their careers. Will they continue the upward trend that sometimes leads to individual honors, championships, and even the Super Bowl? Or have they already peaked?

Of course, in recent years such stalwarts as Jerry Rice, Kerry Collins, Kevin Carter, and Rod Woodson were written off. Boy, were the critics wrong.

So who has reached that crucial intersection, where one road leads to more glory and riches and the other to despair and perhaps even retirement? FOOTBALL DIGEST has considered the question and come up with the following answers.

We've ignored the more aged veterans, such as Emmitt Smith or Tim Brown, guys who clearly are far beyond choosing their paths. But we have not looked past some of the twentysomethings who already have reached the point where this season could define the remainder of their pro football careers. Some of our choices might surprise you.

OFFENSE

Quarterback Peyton Manning, Colts

So you think Manning is headed for the Hall of Fame? You believe deeply in his ability to run an offense? In his arm, his head, his guts?

So do we. But now is the time for Manning to really put up.

Since he was selected first overall by Indianapolis in 1998, Manning has been entrenched as the team's starter. He's gotten the Colts into the postseason with enough regularity to remind fans of another great QB who wore No. 19 when the team played in Baltimore.

Manning, however, has not produced a single playoff victory. In fact, his post-season performances have ranged from disappointing to dismal. And that is surprising. Peyton has plenty of talent around him and a coaching staff with full faith in his abilities.

So why the meltdowns? Or are we overblowing the 0-3 playoff record, which includes last year's 41-0 debacle against the Jets in which Manning appeared confused and rattled by New York's defensive alignments?

"I'm a "pretty wide-open target," he says. "And when I don't play the way I should, I have to face the criticism and learn and grow from it."

Time to grow, Peyton.

Running Back Edgerrin James, Colts

We're not frying to pick on the Colts here, but James has gone from being dominant as soon as he came into the league to an iffy player who has difficulty staying healthy.

Critics have claimed James doesn't work hard enough off the field and is too aloof in dealing with teammates. Supporters note that James is prepared for every game and never takes off a play.

Many wonder if James ever will regain the form that made him the 1999 rookie of the year and a two-time rushing champion before the injuries hit. Once among the most versatile of backs--only Marshall Faulk was more dangerous on swing passes--James now is considered brittle. He must display the quick-hitting, aggressive style that previously defined his game.

James seems serious about returning to the top. He spent $40,000 on lifting equipment and set up his own workout facility in Miami. If that newfound dedication pays off this season, he'll be back in business.

Wide receiver Wayne Chrebet, Jets

The underdog's flag carrier after coming out of Division I-AA Hofstra as an undrafted free agent and turning into one of the best clutch receivers in football, Chrebet still can make big plays. While he wasn't the go-to guy on third downs once Chad Pennington took over as quarterback of the Jets last season, he might be this year with Laveranues Coles gone. Chrebet did, after all, lead the Jets with nine touchdown receptions in 2002.

However, Chrebet just turned 30, and his smallish frame has taken a lot of pounding. He also has become somewhat detached from his younger teammates. No longer a deep threat, Chrebet could see his role reduced if Santana Moss comes on and Curtis Conway fits in. For now, though, he is a key piece of the passing puzzle.

Tight End Freddie Jones, Cardinals

When Arizona spent free-agent money on this position, it figured Jones would be a featured receiver for Jake Plummer. While Jones led the club with 44 receptions last year, he scored only once and averaged just 8.1 yards a catch. That hardly was the type of return the Cardinals had envisioned.

Now Jones, who made his breakthrough with the San Diego Chargers and then cashed in, will work with yet another quarterback. He needs to display stronger blocking and a better knack for getting open, particularly on a team lacking quality wideouts.

Tackle Kenyatta Walker, Buccaneers

After an outstanding college career at Florida, Walker was drafted by Tampa Bay in the first round (14th overall) in 2001. The Buccaneers' plan was to plug him in at their troubled left tackle spot and let him do his stuff for the ensuing decade or so. However, Walker failed to live up to the hype--he didn't deliver the stability the team desperately needed at left tackle.

Now the left tackle position belongs to Roman Oben, and Walker is playing on the right side. While Walker has ideal size for a tackle (6'5", 302 pounds), the intangibles seem to be missing. If Walker doesn't find them soon, he may be out of a job. As great as Tampa Bay's defense is, the team won't win a second straight NFL championship unless the offense plays consistently. And we all know that a consistent offense begins on the line. It's up to Walker, then, to finally step up and perform like the player the Buccaneers thought they were drafting in 2001.