Making a Case For Pro Bowl Omissions

Added on Dec 27, 2012 by Scott in

NFL

The Pro Bowl has basically become a running joke in NFL circles. Most players don’t seem interested in playing in it, and Roger Goodell continues to hint about scrapping it altogether. With the exception of a trip to Hawaii, there is little appeal or reason for high paid athletes to participate in what amounts to a glorified flag football game. All that said, there were some names left off the rosters that should’ve been included.

Drew Brees (Saints) – Chalk it up to Bountygate and the Saints subpar season, but Brees and his league-leading 39 touchdowns and 4,781 yards was left off the NFC squad in favor of Robert Griffin III and Matt Ryan. RG III was a gimme considering his impact with Washington as a rookie, but Ryan made it simply because Atlanta has the best record in football. He was deserving, just not as deserving as Brees.

Dez Bryant (Cowboys) – Julio Jones made it because he was overhyped in the summer. Victor Cruz made it based on his 2011 reputation. Bryant was a flop through eight games, but when the ‘Boys needed him to shine he did exactly that. Since Week 10, he’s caught ten of his twelve touchdowns and been one of the league’s most dangerous receivers. He should’ve gotten an invite.

Chad Greenway (Vikings) – NaVorro Bowman is a solid linebacker who had a solid season. Greenway was slightly better and did so with a less talented supporting cast than Bowman. His 14 tackles and one sack against the Rams two weeks ago was one of season’s most dominating individual performances. He’s also one of the reasons why the Vikings are in the playoff hunt.

Ryan Clark (Steelers) – Ed Reed is a Hall of Famer. We all know this to be true. However, he was merely average in 2012. Meanwhile, Clark was a vital piece of Pittsburgh’s number one ranked pass defense. He’s also one of the best run support safeties in the league. Just because the Steelers failed to qualify for the playoffs doesn’t mean they suddenly have bad players.

C.J. Spiller (Bills) – If he wasn’t mired in a split backfield with Fred Jackson, Spiller would’ve posted huge numbers this seasons. In part-time duty he still managed to total over 1500 yards and score seven touchdowns for a painfully underachieving team. Jackson’s age and injury history should open the door for Spiller in 2013. Look for him to be on the roster, if there is a Pro Bowl next year.