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Players on the decline

Ten veterans whose production will continue to slide

Posted: Thursday June 14, 2007 12:22PM; Updated: Thursday June 14, 2007 5:00PM
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Newly acquired Dolphins QB Trent Green struggled when he came back from a head injury last season in Kansas City.
Newly acquired Dolphins QB Trent Green struggled when he came back from a head injury last season in Kansas City.
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TRENT GREEN, QB, MIAMI
After an impressive four-year run that included three consecutive 4,000-yard seasons, the two-time Pro Bowler struggled when he came back from a major head injury last season. He just didn't seem to have the same rhythm and timing, and his indecisiveness in the pocket resulted in several poor throws and interceptions.

Now in Miami and surrounded by a weaker offensive cast, he may not have enough weapons to return to the elite level he was at a few years ago.

JEREMIAH TROTTER, LB, PHILADELPHIA
The heart and soul of the Eagles defense has shown significant signs of slowing down. Despite leading the team in tackles last season, Trotter has clearly lost some of the speed and quickness that allowed him to be a disruptive force in the middle. His inability to avoid blockers and slip through trash weakened the Eagles' run defense, and his limited athleticism makes him a liability on passing downs.

SAMARI ROLLE, CB, BALTIMORE
After being one of the game's top corners, Rolle's cover skills suddenly disappeared last season. Teams aggressively went after him and had success on double moves and vertical routes. Always known as an aggressive intermediate defender, he lacked the recovery speed to prevent the big play.

JAMAL LEWIS, RB, CLEVELAND
After rushing for over 2,000 yards in 2003, Lewis hasn't been nearly as productive. Injuries have robbed him of the burst and elusiveness that made him a special player for the Ravens. The Browns are hoping he can bolster their weak running game, but he has not shown anything in the past two seasons to justify that idea.

KABEER GBAJA-BIAMILA, DE, GREEN BAY
Gbaja-Biamila has struggled to regain the form that propelled him into four consecutive double-digit sack years between 2001 and 2004. Slightly undersized, he used his speed and relentless motor to get to the quarterback. But offensive tackles have started to catch up to his quickness. As a result, his sack totals have decreased the past two seasons.

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