One of the reasons that Marvel's superhero movies have become so popular is that they tap into one of our most powerful emotions: anticipation. These comic book movies have become something like a mass scale event, with each one building towards something bigger. We can't wait to find out what's next and we eagerly look forward to each new installment.
We do the same thing with NFL players. It's not enough that so-and-so had a nice rookie season. We can't stop waiting for his inevitable arrival to Pro bowl status. We are always looking forward and projecting future production.
As a result, here are five offensive players that could breakout during the 2015 season.
5. Isaiah Crowell, RB, Cleveland Browns
Isaiah Crowell succeeded at two things this season. The first was ascending from undrafted free agent to Cleveland's No. 1 running back. The second was having the trickiest name to spell out of all NFL players.
Crowell had an inconsistent workload until about Week 10. From that point on, he received double digit carries in six of Cleveland's final eight games. Overall, Crowell had two multi-touchdown games on the season and finished with 607 yards on 148 carries (4.1 average) and eight scores.
"He has a burst and explosiveness other backs lack," ESPN's Pat McManamon wrote. "Now that Crowell has learned what it takes to play in the NFL, he should get better as he grows - provided he's willing to put in the work."
Crowell will likely start 2015 atop the Browns' depth chart and will have Pro Bowl center Alex Mack back healthy to block for him.
4. Jarvis Landry, WR, Miami Dolphins
Like I said before, it's not enough that Landry had an impressive rookie season. Sure, the franchise rookie record of 84 receptions for 758 yards and five touchdowns are nice. But what is he going to do next?
For one thing, Landry could develop his route running on longer pass plays. He was mostly used as a short target for quarterback Ryan Tannehill, which resulted in a low 9.0 yards per catch average. However, with rumbles that fellow wide receiver Mike Wallace could be on his way out in Miami, it's possible that Landry's role will be expanded next season.
"I expect the Dolphins to figure out how to better get Landry the ball in space in Year 2, which would increase his yardage totals and fantasy points," ESPN's James Walker wrote. "Landry is a breakout candidate for 1,000 yards in 2015 if he stays healthy."
3. Tre Mason, RB, St. Louis Rams
Mason didn't take over as the starter in St. Louis' backfield until Week 7. But when he did, the Rams' offense instantly had an explosive element in lacked during the first half of the season. Mason's 4.3 yards per carry average was the best mark for a Rams running back since 2007.
Mason uses his slight frame (5-foot-8, 207 pounds) to hide behind blockers and burst through holes as soon as they appear. His playmaking skills were on full display in a November matchup against the Oakland Raiders in which he recorded 164 total yards and three touchdowns.
"The Rams will almost certainly spend time and resources to upgrade the offensive line in the offseason, namely at right guard and center," ESPN's Nick Wagoner wrote. "That will help whoever plays quarterback, but running back Tre Mason should also benefit...Given an offseason to improve in pass protection, Mason should be on the field more and see his workload increase as well in 2015."
2. Carlos Hyde, RB, San Francisco 49ers
It's not easy being a rookie playing behind the stalwart Frank Gore. Despite being a second round pick, Hyde received just 83 carries all season as Gore took the majority of snaps for the 49ers. But the 31-year-old Gore will likely not be re-signed by the team this offseason, giving Hyde a crack at the No. 1 spot.
Hyde rushed for 333 yards and four touchdowns in his limited playing time this season.
"But with Gore likely gone via free agency, and Kendall Hunter returning from an ACL injury, the show figures to belong to Hyde next season," ESPN's Paul Gutierrez wrote.
The 49ers are expected to re-establish a power running game and play to quarterback Colin Kaepernick's strengths next season. That means plenty of opportunities for Hyde to show off his skills.
1. Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Minnesota Vikings
I've touched on Bridgewater's breakout potential before. Despite being the third quarterback taken in last year's draft, Bridgewater was easily the most impressive. The Vikings averaged 24 points and 342.5 yards per game from Week 11 on. In the final month of the season, the rookie QB ranked fourth in passer rating (99.8). His season is made even more impressive when you remember that former MVP Adrian Peterson missed all but one game this year.
"After showing significant improvement in the second half of the season, rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater could be poised to put up bigger numbers in 2015," ESPN's Ben Goessling wrote. "Bridgewater has completed at least 70 percent of his passes in each of the Vikings' past four games, and he's getting more comfortbale throwing downfield, a key element of offensive coordinator Norv Turner's offense. If the team finds a legitimate No. 1 receiver - or if Cordarrelle Patterson turns into one - Bridgewater could be set to take off in an offense that will be built around him for years to come."
