NFL Comeback Player of the Year: Top 5 Contenders

Sep 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Tevin Coleman (26) carries the ball as Tampa Bay Buccaneers middle linebacker Kwon Alexander (58) and outside linebacker Lavonte David (54) tackle in the third quarter at the Georgia Dome. The Buccaneers won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

One of the most hotly contested NFL honors of 2016 is going to be Comeback Player of the Year. Which players are the early favorites to hoist that title?

#5: Kwon Alexander

It was a crime that the rookie Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker went down after 12 games in 2015. Up to that point he was all over the field with 93 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions. Not bad considering he didn’t have a ton of help. Then just like that it was over and he was done for the year. Over the final month of the season as the Bucs faded into the background, people didn’t recall his exploits very much. That meant he’d have to do it again for proper recognition.

Tying for the league lead in tackles after one game with 17 is a great way to start. Alexander also registered a sack of Matt Ryan in Tampa’s 31-24 win over the Falcons. For all the love Gerald McCoy and Lavonte David get, Alexander may be their most gifted playmaker. Depending on how the Buccaneers are able to do this season, his name definitely deserves to be in the running for the award. After all, Seattle and Carolina can’t hog the spotlight on 4-3 linebackers.

Aug 12, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) in the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Miami Dolphins defeat the New York Giants 27-10. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

#4: Jason Pierre-Paul

It was one of the more shocking stories in recent memory. Jason Pierre-Paul, one of the best pass rushers in the NFL is enjoying his summer off. During a 4th of July celebration he’s entertaining friends and family with fireworks in his neighborhood. Then suddenly his life is turned upside down when an explosion badly mangles his right hand. If not for the quick work of doctors, there is a good chance he might’ve lost it. Only through extensive surgery and rehab was he able to even get back on the field.

Needless to say he was far from himself last season. He hadn’t learned how to live with his reconstructed hand and as result had one sack in eight games. Even so the Giants chose to bring him back on a one-year deal in hopes he might yet regain his old form. His performance in Dallas showed signs of life. He was in the Cowboys backfield a lot. Though he didn’t have a sack, he was harassing Dak Prescott repeatedly. This offers a sign that the sacks are right around the corner.

Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) runs the ball against the Los Angeles Rams in the second quarter at Levi

#3: Carlos Hyde

There were big expectations from the San Francisco 49ers out of Carlos Hyde in 2015. He would become the bread and butter of their offense with Frank Gore gone. Seven games into the season he was on track for over 1,000 yards when he went down with an injury. Without him the offense never gained any sort of consistency and the 49ers sank to become one of the cellar dwelling teams in the league. It took people awhile to realize things might be better once he got back.

Sure enough they got a reminder on Monday Night against Los Angeles. In a sloppy, hard-to-watch games Hyde was the big difference for San Francisco. He put up 83 yards and two touchdowns against a very good front seven. If Chip Kelly continues to feed him 20-25 times per game, he’s going to have a standout year. Based on how that defense is playing already, it’s a combination that might take them far.

Aug 18, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson (87) during warmups prior to the game against the Oakland Raiders at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 20-12. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

#2: Jordy Nelson

Aaron Rodgers must be thrilled to have Jordy Nelson back. Without him, 2015 was a nightmare for the star Green Bay Packers quarterback. He finished with the worst quarterback rating of his career and only through a series of answered Hail Mary passes were his team able to make the playoffs. Not having the bigger, sure-handed Nelson was noticeable almost from the very beginning as other targets failed to establish themselves.

Good thing he came back. If Nelson hadn’t been there to score a touchdown in the opener, there’s a strong chance the Packers would’ve lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Nelson will continue to improve as he knocks off the rust of not playing for a year. Provided Rodgers gets adequate protection, there’s no reason to think he can’t once again be the go-to guy in that offense. Given the Packers’ exposure on the national stage, that gives him a great shot at the award.

Sep 11, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) looks on in the first half against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

#1: Andrew Luck

It should be no big surprise that Andrew Luck is the #1 on this list. The Indianapolis Colts were in the AFC championship with him two years ago. After missing him for over half of last year, they were a .500 football team. More than ever their success is directly tied to him and his health. It’s why critics continued to lambaste GM Ryan Grigson and head coach Chuck Pagano for not doing a better job of building a competent roster around a once-in-a-generation talent.

He showed the NFL world why in the opener. Going against what was a pretty decent Detroit Lions defense, Luck made them look like a Division II college unit. On the day he completed over 65% of his passes for 385 yards and four touchdowns without an interception. If not for a defensive breakdown late they would’ve won the game. Truthfully the Colts wouldn’t have even been in it had he not led a comeback in the first place. That makes his winning the Comeback Player of the Year award so fitting.