The 2010 Pro Bowl roster is set and ready for the game set to be on January 31st game in Miami. If you haven't checked out the roster, click here to see if your favorite players made the list. Of course, with every Pro Bowl selection, there is always some controversy.
I looked at the roster and I saw some faces that belonged, some that should have been there but weren't, and some that made me scratch my head and ask why?
Pro Bowl Loves- This is to the players that FINALLY are getting their due props. And of course... I have to start with my favorite individual player, Philip Rivers. Rivers actually should have been a Pro Bowl selection last season, when he led the league in QB rating and TD passes. But I think Rivers new found humble mentality has allowed folks to look past his feisty attitude and see that Rivers is the real deal (what have I been saying all along???). This is Rivers 1st Pro Bowl and we should see many more.
Ravens DT Haloti Ngata FINALLY has reached Pro Bowl status, but with all of the talented NT/DT in the AFC, Ngata was always snubbed. Not this year, he is finally getting the recognition he deserves.
Bills S Jairus Byrd was a surprise to me, but after further review, it's not at all.
While I don't catch many Buffalo Bills games, my sis Pigskin Loving Lady is a huge Bills fan (pray for her, y'all). She told me he was snubbed before and that he had been injured. But now I understand her lobbying for his spot. Byrd is tied for the most league INTs in 9, along with Darren Sharper and Asante Samuel. That's more than well known DBs such as Charles Woodson and Darrelle Revis. Byrd is on a bad team, but good thing that people recognize that he deserves to be in the Pro Bowl.
DeSean Jackson as both a WR and a Kick Return Specialist is very deserving. I voted for Jackson as well as Josh Cribbs for both positions, because they both deserved to be recognized for everything they do. Jackson was the only one that received both, and he deserves it. On Twitter this morning, Jackson said the following:
I'm soooo blessed 2 be meeeh real talk... no human has ever been voted for WR and PR in NFL. History... I guess it is true I'm not HUMAN LOL
Congrats to you! You deserve it and you are AWESOME!
Pro Bowl Snubs- Vincent Jackson of the San Diego Chargers is at the top of my list, by far.
And that's no disrespect to the other AFC wide receivers that made it, because they are all great. But Jackson is a HUGE part of why San Diego can go down field. Jackson is a top 10 WR in receiving yards, average yards per catch and pass 20+ yards. Jackson is a stud and should be in Miami. Maybe he will be, the week after....
Jets RB Thomas Jones, I thought, was a shoe in. Jones is 4th in rushing in the NFL and 3rd in TDs from his position. All three RBs selected can catch in the backfield, something Jones hasn't done much of, this season (10 rec., 58 yards). My guess is that's why he's not going to Miami. But as a rusher, Jones is a punisher. He also deserves to be there.
*edit* Upon further review of this list, London Fletcher of the Redskins has to be added. This guy has been snubbed for years and it continued this year. Why this guy never gets the recognition he deserves is beyond me. This guy is 2nd in the league in total tackles. Get him in a Pro Bowl!
Pro Bowl "Huh"s- Ed Reed of the Baltimore Ravens.
I love me some Ed, but he's had a much quiet year, from a year ago when he led the league in INTs. Add that along with the fact that Reed hasn't played a game since 11/29 due to injury, and I'm sure he's in based on name alone. Not that he's not Pro Bowl worthy, just not this season.
Champ Bailey from the Broncos also gets a big "huh". I'm sure his leadership and namesake are huge reasons why he's there. But Bailey hasn't lit anyone up either. The Bengals Jonathon Joseph has played very good D this year and is just as deserving to be there as Bailey. Maybe it's just me....
Congrats to everyone that made the 2009 Pro Bowl. To those that didn't make it but should, keep ya head up and work harder for next year. While people say they hate watching the Pro Bowl, I always watch. Mainly for the sideline interviews and the goofing off of the players. Over the years, I've seen a couple of good football moments in watching the Pro Bowl and I hate having to resort to highlights to see what I missed. If the Pro Bowl is a no watch for you, just remember you'll miss plays like this:
Also, no Bengals; not a one! Maybe this is just the voters' way of preparing their fans for their upcoming wildcard round exit.
We all know the Pro Bowl's voting is a popularity contest, which is why Byrd isn't a starter. Yes, I'm bitter. After a horrible season, his play was the only bright spot.
I too watch and I don't mind that the game doesn't begin until the fourth quarter, when the money is on the line. lol
It's a crime that London Fletcher has never made it to a Pro Bowl. All the guy does is make tackles. He is as solid a linebacker as there is in the game, he should have been recognized years ago. To not have been recognized at all is just insane.
Regarding Ed Reed...I love him to death, but this seaons was not Pro Bowl caliber. Of course, a lot of guys get picked just by reputation, and that's probably what happened with him this year.
I agree on the Vincent Jackson snub. I began to really take notice of his play around mid-season. He's got breakaway speed and incredible field presence. I think he has the makings of a long-time impact receiver - especially as he plays with his now Pro Bowl QB Rivers. I like watching the tandem!
Tony Gonzalez was snubbed this year IMO. He lead his position in fan votes and I think he was more productive than Jason Witten.
I agree with the London Fletcher and Vincent Jackson snubs.