Top Five 2009 NFL Rebound / Comeback Seasons

5. Chicago Bears Defense - The Chicago Bears Defense will rebound from relative in obscurity of late. One of the keys to the Bears Defense having a comeback season in 2009 is head coach Lovie Smith, who will return to his roots of defensive play calling and have a rebound season of his own. Rod Marinelli will be working with the defensive line, in what must be called a demotion, of sorts. Rod Marinelli is the only head coach to ever lead an NFL team to a winless season, which he did last season with the Lions, so you bet he'll be motivated to rebound. The acquisition of Jay Cutler will also help the Bears defense rebound because they'll actually get to rest now, instead of constantly having to save an often inept offense.

4. Shawne Merriman - Like Tom Brady, Shawne Merriman had plenty of time to get healthy for the 2009 NFL season and is bound for a breakout rebound season. After missing 2008 to injury, linebacker Shawne Merriman is poised for a comeback season because he's in the prime of his career, he's on a playoff team with a quality defense and he'll do whatever is necessary to make it happen - even if it involves taking steroids and getting suspended for a quarter of the regular season. Of course, it helps that Shawne Merriman plays in the AFC West Division.

3. Seattle Seahawks - The Seattle Seahawks finished 4-12 last NFL season, but they were decimated by injuries including that of quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. In 2007, the Seahawks went 10-6; in 2006, 9-7; in 2005, 13-3. Last year was an anomaly, which helped the Seahawks acquire Aaron Curry with the 4^th pick in the 2009 NFL draft. The linebacker should have an immediate impact as the Seattle Seahawks rebound in the 2009 NFL season. The Seattle Seahawks will have a comeback of nearly epic proportions, turning their 4-12 season in 2008 into a winning record in 2009. Of course, it won't top the biggest NFL comeback season of 2008, when the Miami Dolphins went 11-5 after winning just one game the prior year.

2. Chad Ocho Cinco - Or, if you're reading the back of Chad's Cincinnati Bengals jersey, Ochocinco, since that's the way Chad Ocho Cinco wrote his name on the NFL forms regarding his jerseys. Remember when Chad changed his name? That may not have worked out so well productivity-wise. The Cincinnati Bengals' wide receiver's production was low last year, comparatively. Then again, the health of quarterback Carson Palmer was a huge factor. Now, Chad is set for an NFL comeback. This offseason on the NFL Network, Ocho Cinco admitted to not giving his best effort in the offseason leading up to the 2008 NFL Season. This offseason, leading up to the 2009 NFL season, Chad re-dedicated himself. And, it will pay off in the numbers. If not, maybe HBO's "Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Cincinnati Bengals" is too much of a distraction. Or Twitter. Or those entertaining touchdown end zone celebrations.

1. Tom Brady and the New England Patriots - Without Tom Brady last NFL season, the New England Patriots went 11-5. And missed the playoffs. The year before, they were undefeated in the regular season. While the Patriots won't go undefeated in 2009, they will have a comeback season and prove to be the perennial AFC Super Bowl contender with a healthy Tom Brady at the helm. The two-time Super Bowl MVP had plenty of time to rebound and recover from his knee injury, since he was hurt in week 1 last year. Tom Brady and the New England Patriots actually have something to prove in the 2009 NFL season - no need for humble pie. Tom Brady and the New England Patriots will have the number one comeback season of 2009.