It's voting season! The air is thick with smug opinions and gaseous rhetoric, and the NFL is doing their part to contribute.
Earlier this week, NFL.com opened the polls for their annual popularity contest, and excitement is at a—whatever; no one watches the whole game anyway.
It's a wonderful accolade for an NFL player to receive, though. And it's a nice bragging right for the fans, as well. Honestly, who doesn't love having multiple Pro Bowl selections on their favorite team?
While the game may not be worth watching, the rosters do deserve careful consideration.
It's still early in the season, but given their performances, there are a number of players that appear to be shoo-ins for the trip to Honolulu. In the same vein, there are even more players that have had slow starts but still deserve thorough consideration.
More importantly, perennial Pro Bowl selections from previous seasons aren't as impressive in 2008.
But will the voting actually reflect that? Can the NFL expect the majority of fans to be honest and admit that their favorite player is unworthy of the honor?
Offense
AFC QB: San Diego's Philip Rivers is having a phenomenal year. He's single-handedly keeping the Chargers competitive while the team struggles with the fact that LaDainian Tomlinson is no longer the best player on the field.
NFC QB: No quarterback in the NFL is having a better year than Drew Brees. He will be in the Pro Bowl and will deserve every snap.
Before you vote: Chad Pennington and his Miami Dolphins are having a surprising year. Historically, Pennington's had great starts to a season, but would eventually succumb to injury, or lose steam. Can his teammates keep making him look good?
If Aaron Rodgers heals from his shoulder injury, expect him to make a strong push for a spot in Honolulu. The NFC is filled with some strong quarterbacks, but Rodgers deserves thorough consideration for being so effective as the Packers make the transition from a Hall of Fame quarterback.
Time to be honest? Indianapolis Colts' QB, Peyton Manning, will likely be voted in, but does he deserve it? He looked to be himself again when he lit up the Baltimore Ravens' defense for three touchdowns. But one game doesn't eradicate the memory of his mediocre play throughout the first quarter of 2008.
AFC RB: The Miami Dolphins' Ronnie Brown has been a one-man wrecking crew. Defenses are having difficulty preparing for him. Even when they focus on stopping him, they still can't. Brown is having an excellent season, uncontested by no one.
NFC RB: He doesn't turn the ball over, he can run between the tackles, and he can break away for 20-yard gains. Clinton Portis' play is the secret behind Jason Campbell's success.
Before you vote: Jacksonville's Maurice Jones-Drew has been all over the field. He's been consistently praised since entering the NFL, and 2008 is no different. He doesn't just split-carries with Fred Taylor—he changes the pace of a game.
With the NFC being so loaded with talent at running back, it's a rookie that sticks out the most as someone that will only get better as the season progresses. Matt Forte of the Chicago Bears has been the workhorse that offense needed after trading away Thomas Jones and releasing Cedric Benson.
Time to be honest? There should be no surprises here. LaDainian Tomlinson should not be voted into the Pro Bowl. Not this year. The field has not been his playground in 2008, and it's time accept that there are a number of players better suited for the honor.
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