Ten NFL Players Who May Have Bounce-Back Seasons in 2016
By Loot, NFL Handicapper, Lootmeister.com
Everyone likes a redemption story and in the NFL, we've seen plenty of them. It's special when we watch a player overcome adversity to reclaim his former glory. Some players just hit a lull in their careers and others see injuries threaten to derail them. Not everyone comes back the same. A bounce-back is when a player is able to overcome at least one season of tough times to once again soar among the best in the league. Here are ten players who could have such a season in 2016.
Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts: Look for Luck to pick up where he left off when he returns healthy in 2016. Already in his fifth season, Luck missed nine games last season. In 2014, the Colts were 11-5 and looked to be a team heading in the right direction. Last season's letdown may have taken some of the attention off the Colts, but big things could be in store. With Luck trying to make up for lost time and this being his fifth season, look for a special effort from Colts' QB this season.
Le'Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers: After nearly both running and receiving for 1000 yards in 2014, Bell's 2015 season lasted only 6 games before a torn MCL ended his season. The Steelers kept the ball moving without him and Bell is stepping into an even more-potent offense than when he left. Look for Bell to get a ton of looks in the run and pass again this season and help make Pittsburgh one of the top contenders in the AFC.
Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs: After five games last season, the Chiefs' most-explosive offensive weapon went down for the season with a torn ACL. Amazingly, Charles has never averaged under 5 yards a run in his career, which is entering its ninth season. Look for the Chiefs' offense to open up more with Charles getting it done out of the backfield as a runner and ball-catcher.
Victor Cruz, New York Giants: Cruz will turn 30 this season and missed all of 2015 and missed ten games in 2014. It's been a while since we've seen his doing his little cha-cha in the end zone on a regular basis. Last season, we were teased for months about his impending return and it never happened. Maybe that was a good thing and he will have a better chance of remaining healthy this season, where he should be a big part of the Giants' still-formidable aerial attack.
Frank Gore, Indianapolis Colts: Though he wasn't hurt last season, Gore seemed a tick off his best form. And that might not be reversible at age 33 and entering his 12th NFL campaign. He did gain 967 yards last season, but his average dipped to 3.7. With Luck back in the fold and able to expand the offense, Gore could find the going a bit easier this season, as he tries to pad his Hall of Fame-worthy stats.
Eddie Lacy, Green Bay Packers: It's pretty public how Lacy was able to work himself into shape in the offseason. Over the past season or so, it was clear that his overall condition was not tip-top. His third season was well off-form from his first two campaigns in Green Bay, where he ran for over 2300 yards and 20 TDs. If his newfound commitment is genuine and not just cosmetic, Lacy may be primed to have his best season yet.
Julius Thomas, Jacksonville Jaguars: Injuries and fitting into a new system put a severe dent into Thomas' production in his first year in Jacksonville. Those expecting him to recede into anonymity might wind up being disappointed. Being hurt kept Thomas from working his way into the offense, though he showed flashes of what he could do in this system. After having 24 touchdowns the previous 2 seasons, he only had 5 in 2015 and should get closer to his prior form this season.
Jordy Nelson, Green Bay Packers: A torn ACL kept Nelson out of action all of last year. It was felt by the Green Bay Packers, whose offense was considerably muted with Nelson's absence. It's hard to believe Nelson is already 31 years old, but in the previous two seasons before the injury, he had established himself as a top-echelon ball-catcher. With any luck, we should see more of the same in 2016.
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Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys: There aren't many players who are more critical to their team's overall success than Romo. The 36-year old is no guarantee to make it through the season, as he always seems a sack away from a catastrophic injury. But the extra rest has Romo feeling as good as he ever has. And IF he can stay somewhat healthy, he should have a big season and have Dallas in good shape this year.
Mike Wallace, Baltimore Ravens: In the three seasons since Wallace, who will be 30 this season, left Pittsburgh, he hasn't really made a dent. Two seasons in Miami and one in Minnesota saw Wallace go from a top-flight receiver to an afterthought. Now back with a gunslinger quarterback with Joe Flacco, Wallace could find himself a prime target and put up stats more reminiscent of his Steelers days.
