The NFL season is getting ready to start after a very interesting offseason and with the Ravens and Broncos kicking off the year in 2013, Peyton Manning will get the jump on a number of players as they try to be the passing stats leaders for 2013.
The quarterback position is the most important in football in the eyes of many in the league and some feel that as long as a team has a good quarterback, there is a chance they could make the playoffs. This season as a prediction for the SWR Football Preview, here is a look at what players could lead the league in passing, including Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Matthew Stafford, Tom Brady and Tony Romo.
Last year Brees set a record with 5,177 yards passing and 43 touchdowns, two numbers that led the league and with the return of Sean Payton to the sidelines, there is a chance that could happen again. Logic says that Brees won't pass for 5,000 yards, but he easily could lead the league again and after passing for 43 scores, the team could end up putting up even more points if they can get their rushing game more consistent with Pierre Thomas and Mark Ingram.
Brees was in the top 10 in completion percentage behind Matt Ryan and Peyton Manning at the top and he also was the league leader in yards per game and there is a chance he could do that again as well. Manning was sixth in the NFL in yards with 4,659 last season and he threw for 37 touchdowns, which was good for third in the NFL. Manning should have more weapons on offense with Montee Ball and Wes Welker and that could mean even more production for the MVP candidate.
Matthew Stafford led the NFL in passing attempts by far with 727 ahead of Romo's 670 and that could continue again after the team added Reggie Bush in the backfield, since he always has a nose for catching the ball. Stafford passed for just under 5,000 yards last season with just 20 touchdowns a year after throwing for 40 and now he should be able to get things back on track, especially after completing less than 60 percent of his passes.
Aaron Rodgers, Tony Romo, Matt Ryan and Tom Brady will all play a factor this season and one dark horse option to lead the league in yardage is Sam Bradford after adding a speedy player like Tavon Austin to the mix.
Predictions:
Leaders for passing yards: Matt Stafford
Touchdowns: Drew Brees
Percentage: Aaron Rodgers
