5. Fred Taylor

Last year, he finally made the Pro Bowl after a brilliant career where he never got the proper recognition. This season, Freddie T hasn't gotten started yet. The Jags are underachieving at 3-5. Taylor has only racked up 278 yards on a lowly 3.27 yards per carry. For the Jaguars to get back to their form from a year ago they need Taylor to channel the skill sets he's exhibited throughout his career. In addition to his play, there are league-wide whispers about locker room issues in Jacksonville. Taylor is a team leader who must step forward.

6. Romeo Crennel

The Browns were the preseason darlings of a lot of pundits (not me for the record). Heck, even the league bought in, putting the Browns on national television five times. Cleveland has underachieved at 3-5. Crennel finally pulled the trigger on the quarterback change, showing desperation by moving to Brady Quinn. Will Quinn help Braylon Edwards finally catch the ball? Will Quinn help the right side of the line? Will Quinn help the pass defense?

I'm not saying I don't like Brady Quinn, but the 3-5 record is not simply because of Derek Anderson. The timing of this move showed desperation. With the young, hometown, golden boy now at quarterback, there is no turning back. Romeo's job depends on it.

7. Brett Favre

We've seen a mixed bag from Favre in the first half of the season. He was explosive against Arizona. Favre was efficient in the huge win in Buffalo. But Favre hurt the cause against New England, Buffalo, and San Diego. The Jets are now tied for first in the AFC East with New England and Buffalo. There is a legit opportunity to make the playoffs for New York. The bar was raised when the Jets traded for Favre. It's even higher now. Favre can't blow it.

8. Brad Childress

The Vikings came into this season loaded with expectations. I never bought in, but the owner did. The Vikings are 4-4. I don't believe they are going to take a step forward. Another 8-8 finish won't be considered acceptable. And Childress' hand-picked quarterback Tarvaris Jackson is glued to the pine.

9. Ben Roethlisberger

When I write that Roethlisberger is on the hot seat for the second half, I am not saying his job is in jeopardy. But Ben has rightly come under heavy scrutiny for holding onto the ball too long and taking too many sacks. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin was very complimentary of Byron Leftwich in this area after his relief performance on Monday night after Roethlisberger got hurt. It is incumbent on Roethlisberger not to be a hero and stay out of action until he is fully healthy. Tomlin cannot rush him back. When Ben is right he's a top five quarterback in this league