NFL Players in Need of a Comeback: A Quarter-Season Review

As the 2025 NFL season reaches its quarter mark, several high-profile players are struggling to meet expectations. While slow starts are not uncommon in professional sports, the urgency for these athletes to regain their form is palpable. Coaches and analysts alike are scrutinizing performance metrics, looking for signs of improvement. This article delves into the challenges faced by seven key players who must turn their seasons around to help their teams succeed.

Derrick Henry: The King in a Slump

Derrick Henry, the Baltimore Ravens‘ star running back, has had a mixed bag of performances this season. Despite leading the NFL with four runs of over 20 yards and accumulating 284 rushing yards and three touchdowns, Henry’s fumbling issues have raised concerns. At 31, the two-time rushing champion is experiencing a decline in his once-dominant style. His recent timidness on the field has resulted in three consecutive games with fewer than 50 rushing yards. The Ravens, who rely heavily on Henry’s power running, are feeling the impact of his struggles. As he works to regain his confidence, the team hopes to see the return of the “King” who once bulldozed through defenses with ease.

Geno Smith: A Disappointing Transition

Geno Smith, the Las Vegas Raiders‘ quarterback, was expected to bring stability to a position that has seen its fair share of turmoil. However, his performance has been far from reassuring. With seven interceptions in just four games, Smith leads the league in turnovers, and his passer rating of 79.1 places him near the bottom of the rankings. The Raiders, who had hoped for a playoff push, find themselves in a precarious position. If Smith can channel the form that earned him a Pro Bowl nod in the past, the Raiders could still salvage their season. The pressure is mounting for him to minimize mistakes and elevate his game.

Sauce Gardner: A Defensive Dilemma

New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner, an All-Pro talent, has been underwhelming since the start of the 2024 season. His technique has faltered, leading to a staggering number of penalties-10 last season and four already this year. Gardner’s struggles have raised eyebrows, especially given the Jets’ significant investment in him. While he attributes some of the penalties to referee bias, the reality is that his inability to cover effectively without resorting to holding has put the Jets’ defense in a tough spot. As the team looks to turn its fortunes around, Gardner must refine his skills to justify the four-year, $120 million contract he signed.

Brian Thomas Jr.: The Jaguars’ Underperforming Star

In Jacksonville, wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. was anticipated to emerge as a top target in a dynamic offense. However, his performance has been disappointing, with only 12 catches through four games and a catch rate of just 37.5%. As the most targeted receiver on the team, Thomas’s struggles with drops have hindered the Jaguars’ offensive flow. The pressure is on him to break out of this slump and fulfill the expectations that come with being a potential All-Pro candidate. The Jaguars need him to step up if they hope to compete in a challenging AFC South.

Jawaan Taylor: Penalties Plaguing the Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor has been a liability on the field, leading the league in penalties with seven. His penchant for pre-snap infractions and holding calls has overshadowed his abilities as a pass protector. Since joining the Chiefs, Taylor has amassed an alarming 42 penalties, which have derailed offensive drives and frustrated both coaches and fans. Head coach Andy Reid remains committed to Taylor, but the veteran must address these issues to help the Chiefs regain their status as one of the league’s most potent offenses.

Chris Olave: A Focal Point in Need of Spark

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave has struggled to make an impact in Kellen Moore’s offensive scheme. Despite being targeted 43 times, he has only managed to catch 26 passes, averaging a mere 7.1 yards per reception. Olave’s inability to stretch the field has stifled the Saints’ offensive potential, making it easier for defenses to focus on other players. For the Saints to find success, Moore must devise strategies to unlock Olave’s talents and make him a more significant threat on the field.

Elgton Jenkins: A Center in Crisis

Green Bay Packers center Elgton Jenkins was expected to transition smoothly into his role, but his performance has been disappointing. After allowing two sacks and five pressures this season, Jenkins’s struggles have become a focal point of concern for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. His previous season’s performance was far superior, making this decline all the more alarming. With the bye week approaching, Jenkins has an opportunity to regroup and improve, but the Packers need him to elevate his game to remain competitive in a tough NFC North.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

As the NFL season progresses, these seven players find themselves at a crossroads. Each has the talent and potential to turn their seasons around, but the pressure is mounting. Coaches, teammates, and fans are watching closely, hoping for a resurgence that could change the trajectory of their respective teams. With the right adjustments and renewed focus, these athletes can reclaim their positions as key contributors and help their teams achieve their goals. The coming weeks will be crucial for their careers and the fortunes of their franchises.