All NFL players enter each season with a different level of general expectations. Their projected output is often determined by a combination of the success of their past recent performances, as well as their expected upcoming individual role and the team’s season outlook.
Certain players will enter a particular season with more of a chip on their shoulders than others, when they feel disrespected by what’s expected of them by those around the NFL or when they face difficult circumstances related to their role being changed. Here are five players who will enter the 2022 season in this type of situation.
#1 – Ezekiel Elliott
Elliot led the NFL in rushing yards per game in each of his first three seasons, and while he has failed to do so in his last three seasons, he still totaled 3,338 rushing yards during that span. Many are calling for Tony Pollard to take over as the starting running back, but Zeke is looking to prove that he still belongs in his featured role.
#2 – Lamar Jackson
Jones has been plagued by injuries over the last two seasons, missing seven games in each of the last two years. This has led to many around the NFL claiming he’s washed up, especially after the Tennessee Titans cut him from their roster after just one season. He decided to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the 2022 season and wants to prove that he can still be a weapon.
#5 – Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield responds to the report that quoted him saying, “I’m going to fu– them up” when the #Panthers play the #Browns in Week 1. https://t.co/kFssSSELZO