Prove It To Me – 9 NFL Players With A Lot To Prove In 2019
Coming into the 2019 season, as like any other season, almost all players still have something to prove. With the exception of a few of the elite, everyone has to prove their worth. Whether it be playing for a new contract, justifying a recently signed contract, showing they still belong in the NFL, or simply proving they can be a winner. Everyone has something. But these guys have a little extra.
Quarterbacks
Derek Carr – Having been a starting QB for 5 years now, Carr has put up some very impressive statistics, including a 122-54 TD to INT ratio, and a career Passer Rating of 88.8. Very respectable. However, those numbers have not equaled wins on the field. He has a career record of 32-46, with just 1 winning season. He has not been the beneficiary of a good team around him, so he does get a little leeway there. But with the additions of Antonio Brown and Tyrell Williams, and a $125 million contract in tow, it’s time to start winning. Now.
Kirk Cousins – Since becoming a full-time starter back in 2015, Kirk Cousins has statistically been one of the better QBs in the league. But he has never had a 10+ win season, even with Minnesota last year, where their defense was one of the best in the NFL. Coming into this season, their offense has a healthy Dalvin Cook coming back, and has arguably the best WR duo in the NFL with Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs. Expectations are high in Minnesota. Like Carr, it’s time to start justifying that $25+ million salary. Hate to become a bust in 2nd year of a contract.
Jameis Winston – Although Winston may not be as accomplished as the 2 QBs listed above, he absolutely does have the talent to be. Talent that many believe has been untapped due to his character issues. Or lack thereof. He is coming into his 4th season, and while he has put up slightly above-average numbers, his lack of development has prevented him from being a leader. If you’re not putting up top tier QB numbers, AND you’re not being the leader of your team…you are destined to be a backup somewhere. Especially when you were the 1st pick in the Draft just a handful of years ago. This may be his last season to prove himself worthy of a starting job.
Running Backs
Le’Veon Bell – From 2014 to 2017, Le’Veon was one of the most dangerous weapons in football. He was as dangerous as a pass-catcher as he was as a runner, averaging 137 yards from scrimmage per game. But he sat out all of the 2018 season due to a contract dispute with Pittsburgh. He signed a 4 year, $52.5 million contract ($35 million guaranteed) with the Jets this past off-season. With a full season away from football (rest or rust?) and a big, big contract, the pressure is on.
Leonard Fournette – Despite missing 3 games his 2017 rookie campaign, Fournette still rushed for over 1,000 yards and added 33 receptions. The Jaguars made the AFC Championship Game that season, in which Fournette was a huge part of. But his 2018 season was marred by injury (he missed 7 games), plus a 1 game suspension for fighting. He missed half of last season, rushing for less than 500 yards. Just 2 years in, he has already missed 10 games due to injury. He may be one of the more talented RBs in football, but if he can’t stay healthy, the Jaguars may have no choice but to move on from him. And the market for oft-injured Running Backs is not a large one.
Ezekiel Elliott – With the possible exception of Saquon Barkley, Zeke is the best RB in the NFL. In his 1st 3 years, he has averaged 1,349 yards and 9+ TDs. Averaged. One of the best starts in NFL history. So you ask why does he have a lot to prove? Well, I can think of 90 million reasons why. Whenever you publicly say you’re the best in the League, then become the highest paid at your position…you better be worth it. And prove it.
Wide Receivers / Tight Ends
Josh Gordon – How good is Josh Gordon? Well, he’s been suspended by the NFL 5 times for substance abuse. FIVE TIMES! And he yet again has a team to play on when he comes back. I want to keep this article to less than 1,000 words, so I don’t have near the capacity to go into all the suspensions. But I will say, eventually, his talent will not outweigh his drug problems. If he can’t keep his shit together with the Patriots of all teams, will any other team give him a chance?
Jimmy Graham – Remember when Jimmy Graham believed he should be paid like a WR? Well, at that time, he may have deserved it. His last 4 years in New Orleans, he averaged almost 89 receptions, 1,100 yards, & 11 TDs per season. But since leaving the Saints (to the Seahawks, then Packers), his production has dropped significantly. Averaging 56 receptions, 671 yards, & 5 TDs. He’s freakishly talented and is still above average for a TE, but just a shadow of what he used to be. At 32 years old, his clock may be ticking. We will see if Matt LaFleur’s new offense in Green Bay will help.
Antonio Brown – This one doesn’t need much explanation. Forced his way out of Pittsburgh last year. Signed a contract with Oakland, couldn’t practice due to frostbite, the helmet controversy, the posted letter from team management, and the blatant disrespect of GM Mike Mayock. Got released before he even played a game…and signed with the Patriots the same day. Question – How long until there are tempering allegations? Wait, the Patriots would never do something shady like that, would they? Either way, if he can’t make it work in New England, “The Patriot Way”, can it work anywhere? With all the noise from this guy, it’s time to put up or shut up.
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