6. Eagles QB Donovan McNabb
As of now, a positive vibe exists between the Eagles, McNabb and the never-bashful fan base.

McNabb got the raise he wanted, and the team devoted plenty of time and money in the offseason to upgrading the offense.

But the atmosphere will change quickly if the Eagles fall behind the NFC playoff field come November. It's what happened last November, culminating in McNabb's stunning benching in a road loss to the Ravens.

If the team hadn't turned things around, both McNabb and coach Andy Reid could have been gone after the '08 season. If McNabb doesn't deliver in '09, this could be the year it all ends.

7. Saints RB Reggie Bush
The second-overall pick in the '06 draft hasn't been terrible during his three NFL seasons, but he hasn't fulfilled his potential, either. Frankly, he hasn't come close to it.

So with the question of whether he's the next Gale Sayers long since resolved with a resounding and decisive "are you freakin' kidding me?", the next question is whether he can become a good-to-very-good pro.

The clock is ticking. Loudly.

If it's ever going to happen, it's going to happen this year. He supposedly has committed himself to working out in the hopes of maximizing his abilities. Even so, the bottom line is the best of his abilities never will come close to the promise he showed at USC.

8. Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger
Even without last week's bizarre civil suit alleging sexual assault, Roethlisberger was facing plenty of pressure. His passer rating in '08 was pedestrian (80.1), and his habit of holding the ball for too long drives coach Mike Tomlin crazy.

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Though he was just good enough to win Super Bowl 43, Roethlisberger must be smarter with the ball — and with where he throws it. Working behind a mediocre line, he'll eventually get hurt.

And by "hurt" I mean truly injured, not the laundry list of boo-boos he often hypes as being worse than they really are.

Roethlisberger must block out the mental stress arising from the lawsuit he faces in Nevada. If he did what he's accused of doing, he has every reason to be distracted. If he didn't do it, he could spend too much time fretting over whether a jury will believe his accuser's version of events.

Yes, this could be a long, trying season for Roethlisberger.

9. Texans QB Matt Schaub
In September '07, the Falcons likely wished that they hadn't traded Vick's backup — Matt Schaub — to the Texans. (Today, the Falcons probably have no regrets.)

By September '09, the Texans might be wishing they hadn't traded Schaub's backup — Sage Rosenfels — to the Vikings.

Schaub has been far less than durable in his two Houston seasons, missing five games each year. This year, his backup is Dan Orlovsky, best known for running out of the back of the end zone while being chased by Jared Allen.

Schaub must avoid guys like Allen, who sprained Schaub's knee last year with a low hit, and be more effective. If he isn't, and if the Texans don't make the playoffs, Houston could have a new coach, new general manager and new starting quarterback next year.

10. Redskins DT Albert Haynesworth
I couldn't devote this list to offensive players exclusively. There's one defensive player who should feel plenty of pressure. Regardless of whether he actually is.

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On the surface, Haynesworth should be happy. After two years of sprinting after that golden carrot, he scored a long-term deal with more than $40 million guaranteed.

Now he has to prove wrong the folks who think that once he gets paid he'll relax.

He claims he is motivated by the doubters.

Whether he can continue to perform at a high level now that he's achieved financial security for himself and the next generation or two of Haynesworth progeny remains to be seen.

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