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NFL Comeback Player of the Year: Top 5 Contenders In 2015

By Erik Lambert

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Aug 15, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry (29) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL football game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

There are plenty of names out there anxious to regain their spot among the elite in the NFL after tough seasons a year ago, be they due to injury, suspension or just struggls on the field.  Who should rank as the favorites win the Comeback Player of the Year award in 2015?  Here are the top 5 contenders.

#5:  Victor Cruz

Injuries have really played havoc with Victor Cruz the past few seasons.  After one robbed him of a third-straight 1,000-yard season in 2013, he made it through just six games last year before landing on injured reserve with a torn pateller tendon.  After scoring 19 touchdowns in his first two seasons as a starter, he has five since.

While still not completely back healthy, expectations are for him to have a big season thanks to the arrival of superstar youngster Odell Beckham Jr.  Playing across from him should given the New York Giants a dynamic 1-2 punch and get Cruz back on track to being one of the more explosive and dangerous threats in the game.

#4:  Adrian Peterson

He left a team that was down-and-out to serve a suspension and has since return to one budding with young talent.  Adrian Peterson should be most excited about the presence of Teddy Bridgewater.  The second-year quarterback looks like the credible passer the Minnesota Vikings have sorely lacked since the departure of Brett Favre.

Peterson has not played in preseason but all reports indicate he’s healthy and in better shape than ever.  Though 30-years old, his body should be fresh and with the likelihood he won’t see constant eight-man boxes like in years past, this could be another surprise big year from A.P.

#3:  Sam Bradford

Chip Kelly has a long reputation for offensive success and has done so despite numerous changes at the quarterback position.  Sam Bradford, from a talent standpoint at least, represents the best the head coach has had since taking over the Philadelphia Eagles.  That was on display when Bradford dissected the Green Bay Packers in their third preseason game including three touchdown passes in the 1st quarter.

If that is a preview of things to come, then 2015 could finally be the vindication Bradford has sought since becoming the #1 overall pick in the 2010 draft.  All those years of coaching changes and knee injuries will be forgotten.  It’s truly a hard story to beat were it to happen.

#2:  Eric Berry

Going to Pro Bowls and being one of the best safeties in the NFL is easy in comparison to the battle Eric Berry endured trying to beat cancer over the past year.  It’s a tremendous story of perseverance and success as he prepares to resume his football career with the Kansas City Chiefs.

It’s just a question now of how long it takes for him to regain his old form.  He’ll be helped by playing on an extremely good defense but Berry is the kind of talent who should excel anyway.  If he gets off to a good start, it’s doubtful anybody else in the field will be able to catch him.

#1:  NaVorro Bowman

The images of that NFC championship game are still fresh in many minds.  NaVorro Bowman, one of the best linebackers in the NFL, making a huge play to force a turnover while suffering a gruesome knee injury.  It was a heroic moment, but also one that cost him a full season of football as he’s been rehabbing ever since.

Based on early signs from his return to the field this preseason, it was not time wasted.  Bowman looks like he was never gone, and if that holds true going into the regular season, then he immediately becomes the favorite to win the award given what he’s had to go through to get back, let alone reclaim his spot as one of the best in the game.

Next: NFL Team Predictions: The Dallas Cowboys

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