Bust-Out Seasons

QUINCY CARTER has been turning heads with his play this season,
but here are three other players who have also found their games.

DEXTER MCCLEON
CHIEFS cornerback
"No corner in football is playing better," says his coach, Dick
Vermeil, who's impressed not only with McCleon's four
interceptions but also with his clinging, aggressive man
coverage. A free-agent pickup last March, McCleon is playing with
much more confidence than he did in six years with the Rams.

SHAUN ELLIS
JETS defensive end
Picked one spot ahead of fellow New York defensive end John
Abraham in the first round of the 2000 draft, Ellis had only
nine sacks in 35 regular-and postseason games the last two years
while Abraham went to the Pro Bowl both seasons. This year Ellis
is tied for the NFL lead with eight sacks.

LAMAR GORDON
RAMS running back
Subbing for banged-up Marshall Faulk last year, Gordon, a rookie
third-round pick out of North Dakota State, averaged 3.5 yards a
carry. But when Faulk was sidelined on Sept. 21 with a broken
left hand, Gordon came more prepared. Stronger and reading his
blocks better, Gordon, who left Sunday's game with a sprained
left ankle, has averaged 4.6 yards per rush.

--Peter King

COLOR PHOTO: RICH KANE/ICON SMI (ELLIS)