Pro Bowl Rosters Unveiled

Added on Dec 28, 2011 by Scott in

NFL

The 2012 Pro Bowl rosters for the AFC and NFC were released yesterday. Of course the teams with the best records were well represented as the 12-3 Patriots and 12-3 49ers lead the way with eight selections apiece. Not to be outdone, the defending champion and 14-1 Packers boast seven players as do the 11-4 Ravens. Four teams failed to have a representative voted in: Washington, St. Louis, Buffalo and Tennessee.

Noticeable by their absence were Panthers rookie quarterback Cam Newton, Lions behaviorally challenged tackle Ndamukong Suh and Quarterback Jesus himself, Tim Tebow. None were really deserving, but that hasn’t stopped scribes and bloggers from complaining about their omissions.

Some general observation about the picks.

Eli Manning (Giants) – You could make a case for Cam over Eli, but Big Blue’s man under center bounced back nicely after a 25-interception campaign in 2010. Although, he’s been pretty terrible the last two games.

Ray Rice (Ravens) – Rice will start for the AFC due in large to his 13 total touchdowns. He scored 14 times in 2009 and 2010 combined. No Willis McGahee means more trips for six.

Mike Wallace (Steelers) – Wallace really tailed off after a torrid start. He was better in 2010 but still deserving of a spot on this year’s team.

A.J. Green (Bengals) – A star is born in of all places, Cincinnati. Expect at least seven more of these before Green calls it a career.

Von Miller (Broncos) – Nice to see the young stud get recognized. 64 tackles, 11.5 sacks and a pair of forced fumbles are legit numbers for the pass rushing specialist.

LeSean McCoy (Eagles) – An Andy Reid running back with 20 touchdowns and a shot at a rushing title? Say it ain’t so. Unlike most of the Eagles in 2011, the man known as Shady brought his A game week in and week out. Plus, he plays hurt.

Jimmy Graham (Saints) – Along with new England’s Rob Gronkowski, Graham is ushering in a new era of tight ends who post wide receiver-like stats. Impressive.

Ryan Kalil (Panthers) – Third straight appearance is well-earned. He made Cam Newton’s job a little easier this season.

Jason Pierre-Paul (Giants) – This freak is the real deal. Exploded for 15.5 sacks in his second pro season. And he’s stout versus the run too.

Carlos Rogers (49ers) – Was very underwhelming with the Redskins, but the 30-year-old corner has found a home in the Niners stifling defense. Had eight picks in six seasons in D.C. Notched six in 2011.

Earl Thomas (Seahawks) – It was only a matter of time before the Texas alum punched a ticket to Hawaii. Sound tackler with great instincts. A budding star at the free safety position.

Source: NFL.com