NFL: Quarterback Questions?

* Photo: Alex Smith, 49ers

Credit: Getty Images and nflmedia.com

From the city by the bay to the city that Eagles Management has put into disarray, many things have to be considered in-order to make a solid decision about the predictions for the upcoming NFL season. This time though, we focus on a few Quarterbacks you’ll want to pay attention to.

We start out in the city by the bay. The San Francisco 49ers have a lot at stake with 1st overall pick Alex Smith at the helm. The pretty boy Quarterback has to be given credit thus far for the way that he has handled the media as well as portrayed himself on the field with teammates. The hard part Smith, will come during the 1st week of the regular season on September 11th when they host the St. Louis Rams, who they will also meet during week 16, when they travel to the Edward Jones Dome.

Staying in California, the Oakland Raiders are a team that has a veteran Quarterback in Kerry Collins, although Collins has been hampered by injuries and never really has been a star. This season, with the addition of NFL “BAD BOY,” Randy Moss, Collins really has no excuse for failure. Look for Collins to throw around 3,600 yards and 25 TD’s.

Moving over now to Cincinnati where Quarterback Carson Palmer has to be worried at least currently with Peter Warrick being injured, Rudi Johnson, Chad Johnson, and T.J. Houshmandzaeh still provide Palmer with a solid support system. In the last four games of the 2004 season, Palmer completed 82 of 114 passes picking up 1000 yards and 11 TD’s.. During his 2004 campaign, Palmer put up 2,897 yards, and 18 TD’s. I don’t think I really have to explain what needs to happen.

Now it’s time to travel to a city where as ESPN’s Skip Bayless would say, “They are led by a guy whose name is Kyle, I should’ve been a bowler, Boller.” Well, Kyle Boller has a lot to look forward to this season, as Jim Fassel and Rick Neuheisel will be at his side all season long coaching and advising the young NFL Quarterback.

On baltimoreravens.com, Boller said the following about Clayton, Lewis and Todd Heap, “Those guys you just listed are playmakers. This year it is going to be my job to get them the ball and let them make the plays. It’s going to help us a lot. All the guys right now are doing a great job.” Boller will need Lewis back in order to open up the passing game and be able to utilize draftee Mark Clayton. Expect Boller to put up around 3,200 yards and 22 TD’s.

Last in this trip is Sophomore “BIG BEN” Roethlisberger. “BIG BEN,” has some worrying to do this season after a monstrous freshman year in the Steal City. With, Duce Staley injured and Hines Ward currently in an uproar over Steelers Management making promises and breaking them, Roethlisberger will need to count on Bettis and the semi-revamped Steeler Defense. I’ll give “BIG BEN,” the benefit of the doubt and say look for 3,400 yards and 30 TD’s.

Official Site: National Football League