5 Players Set To Bounce Back In 2021

Last season, we had so many high-profile players that spent significant time on the sidelines. Players that would have changed their team’s fortunes had they been healthy and on the field. The beauty of this sport is that it is always ‘next man up’ and someone always has the chance to step up and make a name for themselves. Some of the players in this list weren’t necessarily out for injury purposes, some of them just weren’t in the right environment for them to succeed and I think their current situations are better and will allow them to ‘bounce back’ even though they played last year.

Carson Wentz – Indianapolis Colts

Carson Wentz was not a good quarterback last year, and that’s putting it in the kindest possible way. Wentz led the league in interceptions (15) and lost his starting spot during the season to rookie Jalen Hurts. It is safe to say the only way is up for Wentz. Wentz got his trade, and it couldn’t have been to a better spot, he is reunited with his old offensive coordinator Frank Reich in Indianapolis. Reich was the OC in Philadelphia when Wentz had his best season and was the front runner for MVP before his injury.

Wentz has not been the same since partly because of the nature of the injury he sustained but also because of all the variables that were going against him. Lack of receivers, offensive line constantly changing due to injury, bad play calling at times. He is not absolved of blame in any way, shape, or form — but Wentz was unlucky. He is now in the perfect situation, with an amazing line that will protect him, a very capable run game, and a solid receiver core. Wentz has all the tools around him to recapture his fire.

Von Miller – Denver Broncos

When you mention names like Aaron Donald, JJ Watt, Khalil Mack, and all the others that spring to mind when you think about dominant defensive players, make sure you remember the name, Von Miller. The former Super Bowl MVP sat out the entire 2020 season out due to an ankle injury that occurred prior to the Broncos season opener.

Von Miller is still an elite player.

He would instantly make any team better. Miller, coupled with Bradley Chubb could form one of the more frightening defensive lines in the league next season. If Chubb continues his ascension by playing at a high level will take the pressure off Miller and allow him to bounce back and have a pro bowl caliber season.

Saquon Barkley – New York Giants

Barkley played 1 game and a bit during the 2020 season. He had a total of 19 carries for only 34 yards. Even before he was hurt, he had started off the season slowly. The Giants retooled on offense with an improved offensive line and guys like Kenny Golladay or Kyle Rudolph to attract attention. Saquon is set to build on his rookie season and take the league by storm once again. When healthy, he is one of the most complete backs in the entire league. He will single-handedly win you games.

Dak Prescott – Dallas Cowboys

Dak finally got paid. Prescott has shown flashes of being an elite quarterback but always seems to fall just short. This could be the year that the Cowboys and Dak make a real run in the playoffs. Before Dak got injured last season, he played 5 games, he accumulated 1856 passing yards and 9 touchdowns. He was on pace for over 5000 passing yards and 45 touchdowns if he had carried on that season. Provided that he makes a full recovery from his injury and is available in week one against the reigning Super Bowl champions, he will have a great season and finish with top 5 passing numbers.

Odell Beckham – Cleveland Browns

You can’t make a ‘bounce back’ list without Odell. Odell has struggled since joining the Browns. Each year, since 2018, he seems to be tagged with the bounce-back label because he has struggled with injuries and other things. Even before his injury last season Odell was underwhelming, to say the least. 319 receiving yards in 7 games (45 yards a game), is terrible considering the level of player Odell is. Some people attribute that to Baker Mayfield not being able to connect with him. On many occasions, Odell was wide open and Baker either didn’t look his way or missed him completely. A healthy Odell Beckham is one of the best receivers in the NFL and amoung some of the most talented of all time. If he can stay healthy there is no doubt he can get back to his best.