NFL: Each Team’s Biggest 2015 X-Factor

Aug 28, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict (55) against the Indianapolis Colts at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Cincinnati Bengals OLB Vontaze Burfict

After taking 1,102 snaps in the 2013 season, Vontaze Burfict was limited to just 223 snaps last season due to a knee injury that limited him to five games and required microfracture surgery. It’s a scary situation for Burfict, whose future success in the NFL is now in doubt after this injury, and it’s crazy to think that a player who recorded 170 tackles, eight passes defended, and three sacks in 2013 while looking like one of the NFL’s best all-around linebackers could be a future non-factor as a worst-case.

Already placed on the reserve/PUP list to start the season, Burfict’s contributions in 2015 can’t be counted on, but if he is able to return to his 2013 form, then the Bengals defense will get a massive boost. Geno Atkins already looks back on form after struggling to recover from an ACL tear in 2014, so all that’s missing is a big return from Burfict.

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