An All Star Snub
17 Dec
By Ryan Liss “The Sportmeister””
www.sportmeisters.com
So, yesterday the NFL released their list of the Pro Bowl Rosters, to decide who gets some fun and sun in the annual February exhibition in Hawaii. However, as is always, with a list, there are arguments, and us here at the Sportmeisters and InGameNow, we’d like to take this opportunity to list our all-star snubs.
1. Steve Slaton, Houston RB – How does someone who is 3rd in the AFC in rushing with 1,124 yards not make it in? Simply because he’s a rookie? Slaton has been unstoppable, especially since taking over the full time job after Ahman Green’s injury. He’s had 5 games with 100 or more yards rushing, with four of them coming in his last five performances. He’s in the top five in all major rushing categories in the AFC (yards, yards per game, rushing average, and touchdowns). His snub was arguably the biggest of the Pro Bowl.
Who he should replace: Ronnie Brown, Miami RB. Sure, it’s Browns first year back after tearing his ACL, but his numbers do not reflect closely to the performance of Slaton. His 827 yards is good for seventh in the AFC, and while he’s above Slaton in touchdowns (10), Slaton owns Brown in every other category. Brown has had only three games of 100+ yards, and none since week 11. While the Dolphins are winning, Brown is not the catalyst behind the success, and should be replaced by Slaton.
2. Matt Ryan, Atlanta QB – What, do I have a thing for rookies? Maybe, but there is little doubt in my mind that Ryan does not deserve a Pro Bowl nod for the work he has done in Atlanta this year as a rookie. Earlier I mentioned the win-loss record as a factor in Ronnie Brown, but I feel the work Ryan has done this year to lead the team warrants recognition. Let’s face it, he’s in the running for MVP, but he doesn’t deserve a trip to Hawaii? Now, his numbers are not outstanding (3146 yards, 14 touchdowns to 9 interceptions and 90.0 QB rating), but when you see who I remove, you’ll understand.
Who he should replace: Eli Manning, QB NYG – Yes, get rid of Eli! Despite having the best record in the NFC, the Giants are already proven winners, so I don’t play the whole record angle here. I’m looking at pure numbers between a rookie and a veteran, and Ryan wins in all of them. Passing Completion – Ryan 62.2, Manning, 60.3. Yards – Ryan 3146, Manning 2938. Interceptions – Ryan 9, Manning 10. Passer Rating, Ryan 90.0, Manning 86.4. The only statistic Manning beats Ryan in is touchdowns, but then again, three other QB have more TDs than Manning, and they’re not in. The choice is clear. Matt Ryan should be a Pro Bowler.
3. Karlos Dansby, OLB, Arizona – Dansby is a bright spot on a mediocre team in a crappy division. A fifth-year veteran, Dansby is notching a career high in tackles (102, including 83 solo), to go along with three sacks, two interceptions, and a forced fumble. He has had no less than five tackles per game, including 8 or more three out of the last four games. Both his interceptions came in key divisional victories, and has had seven tackles for loss this year.
Who he should replace: Derrick Brooks, OLB, Tampa Bay – Brooks is one of the most respected linebackers in the NFL, with good merit. However, his numbers do not warrant a Pro Bowl invite. A mere 63 tackles (51 solo) with zero sacks and only one interception, his numbers lag behind Dansby everywhere. He’s had five or more tackles in a game only seven times this year, less than half of the games played. His best performance was a 10-tackle game against KC, but that doesn’t mean much when your remaining performances equal just about half of Dansby’s.
4. Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit – When you’re the best option on a crappy team, do you still deserve the nod? I say yes, because when the names Kitna, Orlovsky, and Culpepper are throwing you the ball, the fact that you’re in the top five for receiving yards says something. Johnson has amassed 1165 yards this year, with 10 touchdowns, which is good for 2nd in the NFC. He’s had at least 80 yards receiving in seven games, to include four 100 yard performances. Despite the dismal performance of the Lions, Johnson continuously pursues perfection in himself, and the numbers don’t lie.
Who he should replace: Now this is a toughie, because of the four selections (Steve Smith, Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald, and Roddy White), all have equivalent numbers and are the top four within the categories, to include Boldin and Smith performing with two less games under their belt this year. I don’t think any of these players should be replaced, but instead, somehow, a fifth WR spot needs to be opened to allow Johnson a way in.
So there you have it, the snubs and who made them that way…
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