In the NFL, there is only one certainty, and that is everything changes. One of these changes includes player performances. A player can go from superstar, to laughingstock, and back to superstar on a year to year basis. There are several factors that play into a player’s overall performance from year to year which include, but are not limited to; a new playbook scheme, new teammates, and/or injuries.
The NFL has an award for players known for playing at a high-level and finding their way back from a disappointing season. It’s known as the comeback player of the year award. Here are some NFL players who could win this award by reaching a high-level of play again in 2017.
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Cam Newton, Quarterback, Carolina Panthers
In 2015 Newton won the NFL MVP award when he completed 59.8% of his passes for 3837 yards, 35 touchdowns to 10 interceptions, and posted a 99.4 quarterback rating. He carried his team all the way to the Super Bowl that year. In 2016 Newton’s numbers took a big hit dropping to 52.9% completion rate for 3509 yards, 19 touchdowns to 14 interceptions, and a quarterback rating of 75.8. It’s unclear as to why Newton’s play fell off as his coaching staff didn’t change, he didn’t lose or gain any notable new teammates, and had no known injuries. Adding Christian McCaffrey and Curtis Samuel through the 2017 NFL draft should help Newton get the ball out of his hands faster, thus improving his play.
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J.J. Watt, Defensive Lineman, Houston Texans
Watt missed the entire 2016 NFL season due to a back injury. Before his injury Watt was known as arguably the best non-quarterback in football. Even without the help of Watt the Texans front seven was still one of the best in the league with 2014 first overall pick Jadeveon Clowney living up to his potential. If Watt can return healthy and lead this Texans defense once again his name will be in the running for NFL comeback player of the year award.
Marshawn Lynch, Running-back, Oakland Raiders
Lynch has a bit of a different reason for being on this list; he is coming out of retirement. Returning to the league at age 31, Lynch will join his home-town Oakland Raiders. Lynch is best known from his time with the Seattle Seahawks. In Seattle Lynch helped the Seahawks to a super bowl victory. The super bowl that was lost to the New England Patriots was highly controversial. While with the Seahawks Lynch earned his nickname “Beastmode”. This came from the level of difficulty it took to bring Lynch to the ground. If Lynch can recapture his youth in Oakland, don’t be surprised if he wins the comeback of the year player award.
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Justin Houston, Edge Rusher, Kansas City Chiefs
If you were to ask NFL fans who the best edge rusher in the NFL was, most would say Von Miller, but some would still tell you Justin Houston. If you had asked this question two years ago, you probably would have gotten a split answer. Houston has been dealing with a knee injury over the last two seasons. Now healthy, Houston says he’s ready to go. From 2012-2014 Houston had an astounding number of sacks (43), which includes 22 in 2014. In 2015 Houston got to the quarterback 7.5 times. 7.5 sacks is not a number to bat your eye at, but Houston is capable of more. In 2016 things went from bad to worse, as Houston only amassed 4 sacks. Houston will make to pro-bowl if he returns to 2014 form.