ESPN ran a story that the career of Carolina Panthers linebacker Jon Beason might be winding down. He had microfracture knee surgery in the offseason. Through three games, he's played more like a player near the end of his career than the dynamite, veteran linebacker that he has been. I think that it's a little early to be writing off Jon Beason. I think that he'll be back. He just has to get some football in him.
Sometimes, it takes a little time to come back from any surgical procedure. Sometimes it just takes time to get back to football shape and football routines. It has to be frustrating. The body feels fine but the timing, the reactions just aren't quite there. In football, seconds and inches might as well be hours and miles. Sometimes, it's just a matter of trusting the joint again. Minnesota Vikings center John Sullivan also had that microfracture knee surgery this past offseason. He seems a bit off too. Ndamukong Suh's ridiculous hit on Sullivan's knee in week one certainly didn't help matters. As a result, the entire Vikings offensive line has been a bit off through three games. An 0-3 record is really no surprise when a very good offensive line is playing at a level a good deal below that. I've yet to see an article speculating the end of John Sullivan's career. It just takes some time. Sometimes, a player needs to play his way back. Not everyone bounces back like Adrian Peterson.
I've enjoyed watching Jon Beason play football since they drafted him with the 25th pick of the 2007 NFL Draft. That draft was remarkable. Joe Thomas, Calvin Johnson, Adrian Peterson, LaRon Landry, Patrick Willis, Marshawn Lynch, Darrelle Revis, Dwayne Bowe, Anthony Spencer, Beason and Joe Staley were all taken in the first round. Eric Weddle, LaMarr Woodley, Sidney Rice, Ryan Kalil, Marshall Yanda, and Paul Soliai were taken later. All among the best at their positions in the league today. If JaMarcus Russell hadn't been the first pick, the draft might be considered one of the best. Even with Russell, it's among the best. Thomas, Johnson, Peterson, Willis, and Revis will likely be honored in Canton one day. Beason helped make that draft great. If not for Willis, he would have easily walked away with the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. He played like a great rookie. Willis played like a great 8-year veteran. Beason got even better each of his next three seasons. He was selected to three Pro Bowls. He was one of the best middle linebackers in the game. Injuries have kept him off of the field for much of the past couple of seasons. Even beyond the microfracture surgery, he's got a lot of rust to shake off. When the Panthers selected Boston College middle linebacker Luke Kuechly in the 2012 NFL Draft, Beason moved to weakside linebacker. Thomas Davis, Kuechly, and a healthy Beason make up a terrific linebacker group. Beason is only 28 years old. Even with his recent injury troubles, it's far too soon to write of his retirement. Maybe he doesn't make it completely back but give him the chance. He's earned at least that.
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