Pro Bowl snubs: Who got the short end this season?
As yet another NFL season comes to a conclusion, the majority of Americans will look away in anguish, remembering what could have been for their hometown team. Until that day once again becomes a reality, let's appreciate the limitless talent around the league as the 2016 Pro Bowl list was announced on Tuesday. At first glance it's quite evident that this league is becoming tremendously balanced. With future Hall of Fame players staggered throughout the list, it's tough to argue that any one player was snubbed, but these following players were also deserving of the Pro Bowl honor.
Allen Robinson (WR, Jacksonville Jaguars)
After browsing the list of wide receivers that made the Pro Bowl, the average fan would agree completely with those that made it, but they fail to realize how well this man has played. With two weeks left Robinson has accumulated 1,171 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. It's hard to believe this up and coming superstar was left off the list despite scoring a touchdown in 10 of 14 games, but I guess there is a reason he's undervalued.
Paul Posluszny (MLB, Jacksonville Jaguars)
Breaking his hand in three places in Week 10 against the Titans, Posluszny illustrated his toughness by playing through the injury the following week and recording 11 tackles. This workhorse has not only proven he is nearly invincible, but his stats are also worthy for consideration of making the Pro Bowl. Currently ranked sixth in total tackles (114) and tied for second among linebackers in interceptions (3), "Poz" is downright scary, especially considering he has missed two games this season.
Jason Verrett (CB, San Diego Chargers)
This fierce corner was built to take on No. 1 receivers. A physical player drafted in the first round by the Chargers, Verrett knew that he was going to be lined up against superstars each week. After limiting a combination of explosive receivers including Jeremy Maclin, Emmanuel Sanders, AJ Green, and Antonio Brown, the Chargers knew they had found a shutdown corner. In Week 9 Verrett had the chance to showcase his talent on national television against the Bears' top receiver Alshon Jeffery. After causing Jeffery issues all night, Verrett came away with a 68-yard interception that he returned for a touchdown, letting America know of his capability.
Andy Dalton (QB, Cincinnati Bengals)
After leading his team to an 8-0 start, it was astonishing not to see the Red Rocket break the list of quarterbacks to make the Pro Bowl. Although the media has fallen in love with Aaron Rodgers, it was time for him to take a backseat to Dalton in the Pro Bowl. Rodgers has not been the same with Jordy Nelson out for the season, and it has shown every week as he seems to continuously struggle to move the ball the way we are all accustomed to. The number breakdown is simple and Dalton outperforms the Packer QB statistically, even after missing two games.
Gary Barnidge (TE, Cleveland Browns)
There wasn't much for Browns fans to cheer about this year, but Barnidge was by far the best offensive player on the team. Catching passes from Josh McCown, Johnny Manziel, and even Austin Davis, the 6'6, 250 lb tight end statistically competed with the elite tight ends in the league. As the focal point of the offense, Barnidge is currently third in receiving touchdowns (9), and fourth in receiving yards per game (66) within the position. Travis Kelce trails Barnidge in each category, but surprisingly he has made the Pro Bowl.
DeAngelo Williams (RB, Pittsburgh Steelers)
Who knew that the 32-year-old would be tied for second in rushing touchdowns after Week 15? The answer is nobody, because Williams was a backup RB, but since taking over for the injured Le'Veon Bell the Steelers have had the luxury of a veteran running like a young player. Not only has he contributed nine rushing touchdowns to the team, but he has more than 300 yards receiving, and has done a fine job protecting Ben in recent weeks. LeSean McCoy may have been the only AFC RB to make the Pro Bowl officially, but Williams has shown he is also deserving of this honor.
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