The clipboard is in your hands. Imagine yourself on an NFL sideline with the ability to make adjustments and in game decisions. The following play-makers are guys that can go the distance for you on Sundays in order to put a W in the win/loss column.
REGGIE BUSH
You’re calling the shots in the 4th quarter. Its 3rd down and short inside your opponent’s territory. You’ve been looking for a spark for the past 54 minutes of regulation and who better than to strike the match than the once Heisman trophy winner from the University of Southern California? Reggie Bush. The electrifying tailback has brought his talents to the motor city in order to bring a resurgence to both his career, and a ‘potential based” Detroit Lions team. Despite injury, Bush still contains that same “make you say wow” speed that turned heads in the Rose Bowl years ago. His ability to catch the ball out of the backfield has made him a weapon in every offense he’s played in. Reggie is definitely a must watch player in the upcoming season with dual threat ability in an already explosive offense that contains Matt Stafford and Calvin Johnson.—Jiyon Ruffin
JOE FLACCO
Your team is down by one touchdown late in a primetime matchup. Needing to drive the length of the football field in less than two minutes, there is not enough time on the clock to rely on the running game. Who better to call on than a Super Bowl MVP who dominates in the clutch? Baltimore Ravens 6th year quarterback Joe Flacco is a must-watch player for the 2013 NFL season. His big arm ability to make throws down the field are unrivaled (the guy can throw a football ninety yards from his knees), and his cool demeanor can be seen in the most pressure packed games on the schedule. The man who had a perfect 11 TD and 0 INT ratio in last year’s playoffs is sure to pick up the slack of any offense in 2013.—Leon Bayles
CALVIN JOHNSON
The rare combination of good hands, incredible speed, rather perfect yet unusual size, undeniable strength, and highly regarded hand-eye coordination describe the characteristics of the Detroit Lions Wide receiver Calvin Johnson. Two time all American athlete out of Georgia tech and second overall draft pick in 2007 scored himself a $132 million dollar contract with the Lions and continually proves why in fact he makes $16.5 million dollars a season. Johnson, who has led the NFL in receiving, is expected this week to tear down his team’s opposing defense. Teams fear and prepare for a game against Johnson and his innate skills.—Alexandria Brennan
COLIN KAEPERNICK
This San Francisco 49ers quarterback is the next big thing in the NFL and one of the top players to watch in the 2013-2014 season. Kaepernick replaced Alex Smith in the 2012 season and never let him back into the starting role. The rookie led the 49ers to the Super Bowl and with just half a season under his belt last year he’s looking to come out strong right from the start. His supreme athletic ability allows him to run and pass with the best and makes the players around him better with every snap he takes.—Christian Lawber
DARRELLE REVIS
Tampa Bay Buccaneers new shut down cornerback, Darrelle Revis, is being watched closely across the NFL coming back from a season ending injury. Revis once wreaked havoc as a New York Jet, and is now the new number one corner for the Bucs. Revis is coming off of a season ending injury and is now looking to return to his pro bowl caliber self on “Revis Island”. Revis looks like he has not missed a step and is already putting fear into the opposing teams quarterback early in the 2013 season.—Christian Lawber; Kate Drexel
