NFL Predictions Week 1: Players Who Will Bounce Back from Bad 2011 Seasons

Even the best stars are not immune to a disappointing season. The key is making up for it with a big follow-up.

These players had seasons to forget last year, and none of them can use injuries as an excuse. They played almost every game and still seemed to put up numbers unlike the rest of their career.

However, these men are not done. They still have the talent to have a great 2012 campaign and it will begin with big games in Week 1.

Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee Titans

After his 2,000-yard performance in 2009, Chris Johnson's numbers have dropped in each of the last two years. Last season, he barely topped 1,000 yards and finished with only four touchdowns. 

The problem for Johnson in 2011 was that he missed training camp while holding out. He arrived just in time for the season and out of shape, which set him back the entire season. This year he has not been great in the preseason, but he has played.

Simply being there will make a huge difference.

Tennessee also added All-Pro guard Steve Hutchinson in the offseason to help clear lanes for the running back. Against the Patriots, who was 24th in the league last year in yards per carry allowed, Johnson should get back on track.

Josh Freeman, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The story of Josh Freeman's career begins and ends with turnovers. He has solid accuracy and is one of the best rushing quarterbacks in the NFL, but none of it mattered last season when he threw 22 interceptions.

He had an incredibly efficient year in 2010. The former Kansas State star threw 25 touchdowns to only six interceptions to finish with a 95.9 quarterback rating. However, everything that went right two years ago went wrong this year.

This season should be a good chance for Freeman to show that the 2010 version is the real version. No one questions whether the talent is there. It all comes down to better decision-making when the game is on the line.

In the Week 1 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, Freeman should have enough room to find his open man and get the team off to a good start. 

DeSean Jackson, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

There were many receivers with worse seasons statistically than DeSean Jackson, but his inconsistency and his attitude were a big reason that the Eagles had a down year. In 2011, the fifth-year receiver had the lowest yards per catch and touchdown total since his rookie season and was third on the team in receptions.  

Philadelphia re-signed the troubled receiver to a five-year contract this offseason and that should help Jackson have a better attitude on the field. A healthy Michael Vick will also help improve his production. 

The Cleveland Browns do not have enough talent in the secondary to cover him, Jeremy Maclin and Brent Celek, so one or two of them is bound to go off for a big day.

Davone Bess, WR, Miami Dolphins

There were 214 receivers who had a better average yards per catch than Davone Bess last season, but that was not what hurt his campaign. The Miami receiver dropped to only 51 catches after consecutive 75-catch seasons.

It is hard to blame Bess with the inconsistent Matt Moore throwing him the football for most of the season, but he will need to increase his efforts this year. With rookie Ryan Tannehill behind center, he will need the possession receiver to become a safety net.

Bess must get open and be a consistent target who helps the youngster get acclimated to the NFL. This should help him get a lot of targets, even if he does not get the yards. With Brandon Marshall out of town, there might not be any more options.

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