Comeback Players of the Year

I know in my 'Chiefs Update' post, I already stated who the Chiefs Comeback Players of the Year were. But I thought, since I gave all the other award winners their own posts, I can do the same for these players. Especially since their improvements were profound.

But before I get started, I want to say two things: 1) usually there is only one Comeback Player for the entire NFL, but I had too hard of a time trying to choose between these two that I decided to just do an offensive and defensive one. 2) for the actual voting for Comeback Player of the Year, quarterback Matt Cassel actually received two votes. I didn't suspect this would happen at all, but it's kind of telling of how much that Cassel and the Chiefs improved as a whole from last season.

Now, we get started.

Offensive Comeback Player of the Year: Dwayne Bowe


Dwayne Bowe was our go-to guy on offense this season, just like many hoped he would be when he was drafted number 23 overall in 2007. He put up an encouraging rookie season, having five yards shy of a 1,000 yarder. In 2008, he put up a 1,000 yard season with seven touchdowns.

But in 2009, between injury and suspension for a NFL banned substance, he only played in 11 games and recorded just 589 yards and four touchdowns. He never seemed to develop chemistry with Cassel, and finished behind Chris Chambers in receiving yards, whom was acquired during the season. Many believed after this showing, if Bowe didn't break out this season, his time in KC was done.

Well, Bowe came through. He put up 1,162 yards and 15 touchdowns, one shy of his career total entering the season. He also was voted into the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career.

Defensive Comeback Player of the Year: Derrick Johnson


Johnson was in Todd Haley's "dog house," as many called it, all during the 2009 season. He lost his starting position to Demorrio Williams early on and rarely made a start that season. This was quite a different experience for Johnson because he had shown his value after being the 15th selection in the 2005 draft.

Johnson was making a couple of transitions. He was transitioning to a new coaching staff and general manager. But most importantly, he was transitioning to a completely new defensive style. The Chiefs had decided to make the switch from a 4-3 to a 3-4 on defense. Johnson was having difficulty with this switch, so Haley benched him (the most telling sign was his 7 point decrease in rating from Madden 10 to 11).

This season, Johnson battled all throughout training camp with Williams, but eventually earned back his starting position. The result: a near Pro Bowl season and a new contract. The contract is big because it's a sign that Johnson has bought into Romeo Crennel and the progression of the defense.

Johnson finished this season with 121 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception, and 1 touchdown. A great season for a great player.