5 Players Who Will Have Big Comeback Seasons in 2012

Move over Matthew Stafford, because the 2012 NFL season has a number of star players who are aching to dominate in their "comeback" season.

Houston Texans receiver Andre Johnson is arguably the most notable player, but just like everyone else on this list, he'll need a big year to get his career back on track. Last season some of these athletes played more than others; however, all finished in disappointing fashion.

On the bright side, that ending presents an opportunity for the upcoming season, a chance to prove skeptics and cynics alike that the talent still rests within (not to mention these players also need to re-prove their ability to themselves).

Now, whether any eventually get into the Comeback Player of the Year discussion obviously remains to be seen. Nevertheless, a strong season in returning to prime form only helps the cause.

Jay Cutler: QB, Bears

Last season, Jay Cutler wasn't exempt from the Chicago Bears getting blitzed with injuries.

The quarterback only played in 10 games—his lowest total since his rookie year in 2006—and the Bears unsurprisingly fell apart down the stretch.

Still, Cutler had 13 touchdowns to only seven picks and an 85.7 rating.

Fortunately, Cutler has been reunited with Brandon Marshall, and Chicago also selected standout receiver Alshon Jeffery in the 2012 NFL Draft. That's two impressive targets for Cutler to rely on as well as the Bears' ground game.

Orchestrating a balanced offense in a division that significantly lacked defense a year ago, Cutler is ready to blow up the stat sheet.

Lest we forget, his best NFL seasons came in Denver when he was teamed up with Marshall (Cutler had a 62.95 completion percentage, an 87.05 rating, 8,023 yards and 45 touchdowns between 2007 and 2008).

Jamaal Charles: RB, Chiefs

Jamaal Charles was expected to have a stupendous 2011 campaign and rightfully so, because the Kansas City running back collected 1,935 total yards the year before.

Charles' season then came to an abrupt halt during the second game.

Interestingly enough, the Chiefs remained in the postseason hunt until the bitter end, which shows how wide open the AFC West still is. Heading into the 2012 season, K.C. is in a position to challenge Denver for the division.

We know he'll do work on the ground; however, more will be needed from Charles in the passing game. Regardless of what happens with Dwayne Bowe, the Chiefs face some sound defenses and high-powered offenses this fall.

So after reestablishing himself between the tackles, Charles must effectively pass block and get impressive yards after the catch. Dexter McCluster's versatility will widen defenses in zone coverage and limit some blitzing, therefore allowing Charles to produce against more vulnerable fronts.

Plus, if Kansas City wants any shot at being in the postseason race, Charles has to perform consistently anyway.

Andre Johnson: WR, Texans

It's been a rough past two seasons for Andre Johnson.

Two years ago, Johnson managed to have a great season with 1,216 yards on 86 receptions and eight scores, but that's still nowhere near his true ability.

As for 2011, the only reason it got somewhat salvaged was courtesy of the Houston Texans making the postseason. Though only playing in seven regular-season games, Johnson schooled defenses in the playoffs with 201 yards on 13 catches and one touchdown though two contests.

This season the expectations in Houston are higher than ever before.

Coming off a heartbreaking loss to Baltimore in the AFC Division, the Texans have the stellar defense and offensive balance to make even more noise. Johnson enjoying a career-year is arguably a foregone conclusion.

Arian Foster will control on the ground, forcing defenses to load the box. In turn, the play-action pass becomes that much more dangerous. There's no secret to how Houston's offense can dice up defenses in 2012.

It's just a matter of Johnson playing the entire regular season, as opposed to just 20 combined games between 2010 and 2011.

Jon Beason: LB, Panthers

From 2007 through 2010, Carolina Panthers linebacker Jon Beason never missed a game.

That unfortunately ended one game into the 2011 season.

From an optimistic perspective, it is an advantage to have a season cut short during the beginning. This simply allows for more recovery time before the next season, whereas an injury towards the end does not.

And you can count on Beason playing with a great level of motivation this year. Carolina finished last season strong at 4-2 and followed that up with a solid draft in April. 

Offensively, there are any concerns, but the defense needed some major upgrades. This season Beason is teamed up at linebacker with Luke Kuechly, who enters the pros as arguably the best rookie in the draft.

Elsewhere, defensive end Charles Johnson proved his talent in 2011, and with Beason back in the middle, the Cats' front seven has a lot of potential. Viewing Beason autonomously, we see a 'backer who is capable of recording 150-plus tackles this season.

Mario Williams: DE/LB, Bills

Mario Williams can take a deep breath and relax.

He's getting a fresh start with a new team and the Buffalo Bills are positioned to have one great season.

Despite only playing in five games during 2011, Williams still recorded five sacks and 11 tackles. He was on pace for a personal best in sacks and the Texans defense was quickly moving up the ranks.

In Buffalo, Williams is part of a rebuilding team that began last season 5-2, but took a nosedive because of injuries. The upcoming season has high hopes, though, as the Bills bring in Mark Anderson and rookie defensive back Stephon Gilmore.

Anderson is an excellent sack-master complement in the front seven, so don't expect Williams to see many double-teams. On occasion he'll receive a chip block from a running back delaying his release, but that also creates turnover opportunities.

Williams has outstanding instincts and when that blocking back delays, he'll have some chances at a few interceptions. Include his typical sack/tackle contributions and Buffalo will see glimpses of Bruce Smith.

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