WITHOUT failure every year certain players who fight for recognition in the NFL miss out on the ultimate individual honour of a Pro Bowl selection. After the AFC and NFC rosters were officially announced for this years event, we can now address who missed out, despite their excellent season.
Eric Weddle – Baltimore Ravens
SINCE joining the Ravens in the off-season, Weddle has helped the Ravens defense immensely. He is one of only 13 players with at least four picks, and has the third highest amount of tackles from that group. The off-season gamble to sign Weddle definitely payed off for Baltimore.
Matthew Stafford – Detroit Lions
MANY expected the Detroit Lions to struggle this season, but thanks to Matthew Stafford they are poised to make the playoffs. A string of four quarter heroics has Stafford in MVP discussions and he has thrown for over 3,700 yards with 22 TD’s.
Jack Conklin – Tennessee Titans
HIS fellow lineman Taylor Lewan was deservedly selected, but Conklin deserved just as much recognition, if not more. Arguably the most impressive rookie in football this year (yes more so than Prescott and Elliot), he has helped the Titans run-heavy offense excel, while keeping Mariota upright.
Jordy Nelson – Green Bay Packers
A season removed from a lengthy knee injury, Nelson has resumed his role as Aaron Rodgers go-to target. The result? Nelson already has more than 1,000 yards receiving on the year and leads the league in touchdown catches (12), but gets no Pro Bowl nod.
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Calais Campbell – Arizona Cardinals
CAMPBELL fell short of his 3rd consecutive selection, but it wasn’t through any fault of his own. He has put forth another great season defensively against both the run and pass, despite his teams shortcomings.
LeGarrette Blount – New England Patriots
THROUGH the first four games of the year when the team was missing Tom Brady, LeGarrette Blount was called upon to shoulder a lot of the offensive load. He averaged 88 yards a game over that stretch and hasn’t taken a step backwards since his star QB returned, leading the league in total rushing touchdowns with 15.
Drew Brees – New Orleans Saints
SURELY when you lead the league in passing yards and touchdowns it equates to a Pro Bowl selection right? Not if your team is the 6-8 New Orleans Saints apparently.
Sean Lee – Dallas Cowboys
ALL the headlines linked to the Cowboys surge to the top of the standings was directed to the offense, but that doesn’t mean the defense isn’t playing well. Sean Lee ranks 2nd for total tackles leading the defense in question and his career year was deserving of his 2nd Pro Bowl berth.
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