Players on the rebound: why these 11 players will turn last season's travails into triumphs in 2004

Larry Allen, LG, Cowboys, Injuries and age robbed Allen of some of his athletic gifts, and he struggled the past two years. But after spending the summer getting in excellent shape, he now can sustain his blocks longer and recover better, and his legs feel better than they have in several years.

Drew Brees, QB, Chargers. Brees was suppose to be on the way out after the team drafted Philip Rivers, but he's making the most of the second chance afforded by Rivers' holdout. Brees was 17-of-24 for 209 yards and two scores against Houston. The key stat was no turnovers. Last season, he threw more picks than TD passes and held the ball too long, but he has been more decisive throwing so far.

Ron Dayne, RB, Giants. Dayne was deep in former coach Jim Fassel's doghouse and didn't play a down last year. But he's being given every chance to succeed by coach Tom Coughlin, who wants to lessen Tiki Barber's load. Dayne scored the first TD in the opener, and if he proves reliable in short-yardage situations, he could become a go-to guy.

Hugh Douglas, DE, Eagles. Douglas had a terrible 2003 with the Jaguars, managing 3 1/2 sacks, and was cut this summer. Back in familiar surroundings and in a defense he likes, Douglas should double that sack total this season.

Mark Holds, SLB, Panthers. Fields, who missed last season because of Hodgkin's disease, is back and appears to have the same quickness he did in 2002. He is a strong pass rusher who will allow the team to blitz more than it did last season.

Eric Hicks, DE, Chiefs. The change in defensive schemes should benefit Hicks, who often was asked to play head-up on a tackle who outweighed him by 40 pounds last season. Now he frequently will line up outside the tackle, which should give him a better chance to get upfield.

Sam Madison, CB, Dolphins. The addition of safety Antuan Edwards puts more speed in the secondary, so Madison won't have to worry as much about being beaten deep. He should quiet critics who say his play has declined the past couple years.

Brock Marion, FS, Lions. Marion took a lot of heat for the Dolphins' defensive woes last season. A 34, he doesn't have the wheels he used to, but he should benefit from a speedy supporting cast and tight coverage that should yield a lot of tipped balls.

David Patten, WR, Patriots, After missing most of last season because of a knee injury, Patten remains a favorite target of Tom Brady and still has enough speed to consistently stretch defenses. Plenty of passes will be thrown his way.

Josh Reed, WR, Bills. He dropped a lot of catchable passes and struggled to get open last season, his first as a starter. But he's quicker out of his cuts and is catching everything thrown to him so far. With Lee Evans' arrival, Reed should become a reliable target on short and intermediate routes working out of the slot.

Mike Rosenthal, RT, Vikings. Rosenthal was physically overmatched at times during an up-and-down 2003 season. He has gained 10 pounds, and the added weight has helped him even out his performances. He now is strong enough to handle big defensive ends but has retained enough quickness to stay with fast ones.--TSN correspondents

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