NFL Comeback Player Of The Year 2016: Top 10 Candidates
By Neal Lynch
5. RB Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers
Bell was a First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowler in 2014, racking up 1,361 rushing yards (second highest in the league) on 290 carries (third highest league-wide) and eight touchdowns on the ground to go with 854 receiving yards, 83 receptions, and three more scores through the air.
Before the 2015 season Bell was suspended for the first two games for a violating the league’s drug policy, but he put up exceptional numbers that were on pace with his 2014 output. Then he tore his Achilles during a tackle by Vontaze Burfict in Week 8 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Sports Illustrated ranked Le’Veon Bell as the best fantasy football back…
"“If you went into a lab with the goal of engineering the perfect back for the style of offense favored in today’s league, Bell would be the end product.”"
…and the NFL’s best running back…
"“He was on an 1,800-plus-yard pace again last season before a knee injury ended his year in Week 8. Bell claims his legs are even stronger now after rehab, but if he even can get back to his ’14 form, he should again be as productive as they come.”"
Bell has stated he wants to make $15 million per year and is ranked as the 4th most coveted free agent in the 2017 offseason by USA Today.
Pro Football Focus ranked Bell as the top candidate for CPOY award, adding:
"“He is truly a three-down workhorse, and one that is a rare breed in today’s game… Though he appeared in only six games, Bell earned the highest grade of any NFL running back this past season.”"
Steelers Depot noted that Bell would be the first Steeler to win the award since Tommy Maddox in 2002.
NFL.com columnist Jeffri Chadiha noted:
"“The Steelers still have plenty of talent on offense, but Bell’s versatility allows them to play at a different level when he’s healthy. They will need him more than ever this fall and he’s likely to come back with a vengeance.”"
With Martavis Bryant suspended for the year, it’s possible we’ll see more of DeAngelo Williams to lighten the load on the workhorse Le’Veon Bell cow, but that shouldn’t hamper his chances of winning the Comeback honors.
The Steelers have a fairly weak schedule – tied for 23rd strongest in the NFL – so the offense should put up a lot of yards and points, which will only assist Bell’s campaign.
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