Which NFL Rookie Quarterback Will Succeed in 2009?

• Tweet
• Email

The bar has been set high for the 2009 NFL rookie quarterbacks thanks in part to the performance of Joe Flacco and Matt Ryan during the 2008 NFL season.

Fans saw Ryan and Flacco help carry their team into the playoffs when no one expected much from the them.

Instead of the exception, fans now think feel this is a reasonable expectation.

Optimism is high for the three quarterbacks taken in the first round; Matt Stafford, Mark Sanchez, Josh Freeman.

But can this rookie class produce a playoff berth in their first season or will they fall flat in 2009?

Matt Stafford – Detroit Lions
When the Detroit Lions drafted Stafford first overall, they made him one of the highest paid quarterbacks in the NFL, despite not throwing a NFL pass. Though Stafford has not been named the starter yet, the Lions will not let this expensive investment sit on the bench long, especially if they continue their losing ways.

One thing Stafford has going for him is experience. While he was at the University of Georgia, he started 36 games in one of the most dominant college conference, the SEC.

Third year wide receiver Calvin Johnson had to be elated when the Lions drafted Stafford with their first pick instead of a defensive player. In 2008, Johnson had a Pro Bowl season despite having five different quarterbacks throw him the ball. These two players have the chance to develop something special if the Lions keep them together over the years.

The problem Stafford centers around his decision making process. At times Stafford appeared to be locked in on the first read and tried to thread the needle. He will need to remember his cannon of an arm can not do it all like he could do in college.

To succeed in the NFL, he will need to rely upon the other ten players on the field if the offense is going to be a success.

Mark Sanchez – New York Jets
The New York Jets jumped in the draft to get him and since day one, Sanchez has let it known he wants to be the guy in New York. Is Pete Carroll right about him leaving early or can this rookie quarterback who only started 16 games in college find success on the NFL level?

The key to his success during his first season will be the running game of the New York Jets. Unlike last year when the Jets running backs benefited from the presence of Brett Favre, Sanchez will need Thomas Jones and Leon Washington to force the defense into loading the box.

But who does he have to throw the ball too? If the Jets receivers do not step up in 2009, it will be a long season for Sanchez.

The biggest obstacle for Sanchez during his rookie season will be the New York media and how he handles he pressure. Yes, we know Sanchez played for the 33rd NFL team, the USC Trojans, and was under media scrutiny.

But the environment in New York is not the same. This is not California where they are laid back. The New York media can tear down anyone if they want to.

Just ask Brett Favre.

Josh Freeman – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bryon Leftwich was already pegged the starting quarterback for the start of the 2009 NFL season, you can expect Josh Freeman to be on the field before the end of the season, especially if the Buccaneers begin to lose early.

If Freeman is able to find success in 2009 it will be because of his physical aspects, specifically his arm strength and size, and the Buccaneers potentially top rated backfield.

With Derrick Ward, Ernest Graham, and Carnell Williams causing havoc running the ball, the defense will be forced to add an eighth man to the front. This will open the deep pass routes for Freeman.

One concern for Freeman at the NFL level is his accuracy and the lack of touch on the shorter passes. If Freeman is unable to improve upon his completion percentage, then the Buccaneers will be ensuring another high selection in the 2010 NFL draft.

Freeman would be best served if he was left to hold a clipboard for the length of the season. This way he can learn behind two veteran quarterbacks who have some quality experience in the NFL.

The outlook for success during the 2009 season looks bleak for these rookies. Even with the parity in the NFL, these three rookies will be lucky if they combine for 12 wins between them. In the end, look for Stafford to post better numbers because he will have Calvin Johnson on the opposite end.

[poll id="11"]