AFC Quarterbacks Matt Schaub, Trent Edwards and Mark Sanchez on the Rise in 2009

Heading into the NFL regular season there are always plenty of story lines across the league, and 2009 is no different. There are position battles, injuries, and surprises waiting to happen. While Peyton Manning and Tom Brady will most likely continue to lead the AFC at the quarterback position, there are a few other QBs that are looking to make a name for themselves in 2009.

First up is Matt Schaub of the Houston Texans. Schaub broke into the league in 2004 as the backup QB for then-Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick. According to ESPN.com, in Atlanta, Schaub was a very competent backup but he never attempted more than 70 passes in a single season. So, in 2007, Schaub was traded to the Houston Texans where he was installed as the starting QB. However, Schaub's play with the Texans the past two seasons has been limited due to injuries. This year, Schaub returns with explosive playmakers like WR Andre Johnson and RB Steve Slaton, which will help Schaub put up big numbers. If injury free, expect Schaub to lead the Texans to at least a winning record and possibly a playoff spot in a tough division.

Next is Buffalo Bills quarterback Trent Edwards. Edwards has been in the news a lot in the preseason because of incoming WR Terrell Owens. Owens has been known to have rocky relationships with his QBs and Edwards is probably the least experienced QB who has worked with T.O. However, the Bills are a team with a brand new offensive line and are bringing back RB Marshawn Lynch. In 2008, without as many playmakers on offense, Edwards had 11 touchdowns vs. 10 interceptions and did not have a 300-yard game to speak of, according to Sports Illustrated. While the Bills may not make the playoffs, they should be close as they battle in a very tough AFC East.

Finally, the New York Jets are set to hand the offense over to a rookie QB. That would be Mark Sanchez, the #5 pick in the draft according to NFL.com. Coming out of college football powerhouse USC, Sanchez is looking to carry on that success at the NFL level. Sanchez will likely step in and put up some large numbers with his strong arm; especially late in the season as he gets more familiar with the speed of the game and the defensive looks that opposing defenses will throw at him. While Sanchez gets settled in this season, he will be a star in the making in New York.

The 2009 season is shaping up to be one of the more exciting in recent memory as teams across the league feel that they have improved upon last season. Also, these three quarterbacks Schaub, Edwards and Sanchez will make a splash as they surprise some people with the numbers they put up as well as the number of Ws they have in the win column at the end of the year.

"Matt Schaub Stats - Houston Texans." ESPN.com.

"National Football League: NFL Draft 2009 - Mark Sanchez." NFL.com.