Real deal? Passing fancy? Young QBs under scrutiny

When the pads go on and the hitting begins next month, look for the young guns to draw the most fire.
If quarterback is the most demanding position in any team sport, inexperienced passers face the toughest challenge of all — especially if the franchises they represent are poised to make some noise.
Oakland’s JaMarcus Russell and Kansas City’s Brodie Croyle won’t be under that degree of pressure because the Raiders and Chiefs are afterthoughts behind San Diego in the AFC West.
But for Trent Edwards, Jason Campbell, Matt Leinart and Tarvaris Jackson, fans and teammates are ready to analyze every training camp snap to judge whether these young quarterbacks are the real deal or merely a passing fancy.
The Vikings are already a trendy pick as a potential NFC power, and the 25-year-old Jackson is determined to be a better caretaker in his second year as a starter.
Led by rookie sensation Adrian Peterson, Minnesota topped the NFL in rushing in 2007. The Vikes also finished No. 1 in rushing defense and the pass rush is now led by feisty end Jared Allen, who registered 15.5 sacks for Kansas City last season.
By trading premium draft picks for Allen, Minnesota made a statement to its fan base that the organization is ready to challenge Green Bay in the NFC North.
Jackson was 8-4 as a starter in 2007, but with a playoff berth on the line in Week 16, the Vikings fell behind Washington 25-0 at home en route to a 32-21 setback as the former Alabama State standout threw two interceptions.
“I want Tarvaris to make a big jump this year, and I think he can,” Vikings coach Brad Childress said. “He needs to take care of the football, learn how to throw the ball away and play for another down. It’s an art.”
If Leinart wants to regain his starting job from veteran Kurt Warner, Arizona’s 25-year-old southpaw needs to improve his decision-making and maintain a new approach.
“From my experience with Matt, he’s been a hard worker,” Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt said, “but last year he didn’t understand how to work. He wasn’t smart about how he studied film and how he prepared for games. Matt came into our offseason program in very good shape. I think he understands this is a big year for him.”
Warner, who just turned 37, was a revelation with 27 touchdown passes last year as the Cardinals won their final two games to finish 8-8.
Leinart, a former Heisman Trophy winner from USC, remains the future of a franchise that hasn’t posted a 10-win season since Jimmy Carter was shelling peanuts in the Oval Office. Leinart’s rehab from a broken left collarbone is complete, and few clubs can match Arizona’s wide receiver tandem of Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. Factor in rookie target Early Doucet and a weak NFC West, and there’s no excuse for Leinart not to improve markedly from his career totals of 13 TD passes and 16 picks.
The Redskins made the playoffs last year as Todd Collins filled in effectively while Campbell was sidelined with a dislocated left kneecap. New coach Jim Zorn has big plans for Campbell, who will break in talented rookie WRs Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas.
“Jason’s in for a lot of different thoughts of how to get rid of the ball in rhythm, how to understand how fast the game is played,” Zorn said. “He’s going to get to the point where he meets the tempo of the game.”
Buffalo fans have renewed hope the Bills will end an eight-year playoff drought.
Edwards, 24, has a new coordinator in Turk Schonert and a new target in 6-foot-6 rookie James Hardy, who will relieve some of the burden on WR Lee Evans in the red zone.
Schonert promises to open up the passing game downfield and the Bills should improve on defense with the addition of massive tackle Marcus Stroud and the return of injured linebacker Paul Posluszny. Coach Dick Jauron is counting on Edwards to raise the ante after starting nine games as a rookie.
“To insert him as our No. 1 is a big step for us and for him,” Jauron said. “We’ve put a lot of faith in this young guy and Trent is very bright.”
In banking on young blood under center, the Redskins, Vikings, Cardinals and Bills are taking a leap of faith.
We’ll know in six months whether the kids are all right.