Chemistry works in 2006

1. Head of the class: The 2006 quarterback draft class may
go down as one of the best since the Dan Marino-John Elway draft of 1983. The
three first-rounders – Vince Young (Titans), Matt Leinart (Cardinals) and Jay Cutler (Broncos) – all
look like studs. Young is emerging as the top offensive rookie and has the
Titans within a tiebreaker of the playoffs. Cutler rebounded from a tough start
and has the Broncos on the verge of locking up a playoff spot. Leinart, whose
season ended Sunday with a shoulder injury, displayed the poise and passing
skills to make the Cardinals a playoff contender next year.

10. Taking the snap: Non-quarterbacks are getting a chance to get
behind center and take shotgun snaps. This trend is partially due to the success
the Steelers had with Antwaan Randle El. It started this year with more
running backs taking direct snaps while in shotgun formations and running with
the ball. But teams are also getting receivers involved. The Broncos ran a trick
play Sunday in which wide receiver Rod Smith took a direct snap and threw a lateral to Jay Cutler, who fired a 36-yard pass to Javon Walker to setup a touchdown.

John Clayton is a senior writer for ESPN.com.