2012 NFL Season Predictions – Top 5 Comeback Players: The NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award is given to the player that best overcomes adversity from the previous season or seasons. While many of the players that win the award are coming back from severe injuries, players that have overcome off-field issues and general poor performance have also earned the honor. Offensive players have had won or shared nine of the last 11 Comeback Player of the Year Awards, including four straight. In fact, quarterbacks have won the award in each of the last four years. Players on the offensive side of the ball definitely have an edge, but nothing is set in stone. With that in mind, here is a look at the top contenders for the 2012 NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award.
2012 NFL Picks and Predictions: Top 5 Comeback Players
1. Peyton Manning, Quarterback, Denver Broncos
If there was anyone that doubted how valuable Manning truly is to a football team prior to last year, the complete collapse of the Indianapolis Colts without him under center should have quieted every last critic. The same core of players that had been winning division titles and competing for Super Bowl ended up with the top pick in the draft, and Manning was the only major piece of the puzzle that was missing. Coming off multiple neck surgeries, it is fair to say that he might not be the same player he used to be. However, the future Hall of Famer wouldn’t have bothered to come back if he was physically unable to play and play well. Manning will have solid weapons and a solid offensive line around him in Denver, and the AFC West isn’t exactly a tough place to play these days. Pencil in 4,000-plus yards, 25-plus touchdowns and a division title and give Manning the Comeback Player of the Year Award.
2. Jamaal Charles, Running Back, Kansas City Chiefs
In 2010, Charles rushed for more than 1,400 yards on an incredible 6.4 yards per carry. He was finally the unquestioned top back for the Chiefs heading into 2011, only to tear his ACL after just one game. If there is such a thing as a silver lining to a knee injury, at least Charles had a full year to recover and get ready for 2012. It may still take him a few games to get a feel for the speed of the game, but with a 6.1 yards per carry average for his career, the big plays will start coming sooner rather than later. Charles should only get stronger as the season progresses and his explosiveness returns. His ability to make an impact in the receiving game, as well, should allow him to pile up plenty of yards from scrimmage and be a contender for Comeback Player of the Year honors.
3. Chris Johnson, Running Back, Tennessee Titans
Since rushing for 2,006 yards in 2009, Johnson has seen his rushing totals decline in back-to-back seasons. Last year, he barely cracked 1,000 yards and averaged just 4.0 yards per carry. The numbers are mediocre for any back, and for a player that was once considered the fastest and most explosive in the game, they are embarrassing. Still, a lengthy holdout probably had a lot to do with his poor output in 2011, and now that Johnson has been paid and has had a real offseason and training camp to prepare, he should be in for a bounce back season. That being said, it won’t help his chances that his struggles were caused by a self-inflicted holdout. Johnson will likely have to lead the NFL in rushing if he wants to get recognized as the Comeback Player of the Year.
4. Mario Williams, Defensive End, Buffalo Bills
As with many awards, offensive players tend to be the typical recipients of the Comeback Player of the Year. Williams is definitely facing an uphill fight, but he does have the talent to make some noise. After all, he averaged 11.0 sacks a year from 2007 to 2010 and had five sacks in five games last year before going down for the season with a torn muscle. Williams signed with Buffalo in the offseason where he will move back to his natural position of defensive end and join a defensive line loaded with talent. The Bills’ pass rush has been awful in recent years so Williams will be asked to mainly rush the passer early and often. With his combination of strength, size and speed, rushing QBs in what Williams does best. If he logs 15 or more sacks in 2012, voters will have to strongly consider giving him the nod for Comeback Player of the Year.
5. DeSean Jackson, Wide Receiver, Philadelphia Eagles
Like the rest of the Eagles, Jackson underachieved in 2011. He caught just four touchdowns, failed to reach 1,000 yards receiving, and didn’t have a special teams score for the first time in his career. Chemistry issues likely played a role, but contract issues were the real problem. Jackson didn’t really seem to care or even try at times last year, but a new five-year contract should fix that. He is now in a position where he has to start playing well if he ever wants a big contract beyond the one he just signed. Money is a big motivator, which should mean big things for one of the fastest and electrifying players in the NFL. Voters might not have much sympathy for Jackson, but enough highlight reel plays should win some people over and give a shot.
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