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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...

2009 NFL Pro Bowl: Which Players Deserve Our Votes the Most?

by Angel Navedo (Senior Writer)

53

5477 reads

Rankings/List

October 15, 2008


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.

Author Poll

Should the NFL put an end to the Pro Bowl?

  • Yes! Give the guys an award and don't waste time.
  • No way! It's the only day salary caps don't matter.
  • Maybe. I like watching the challenges, but the game sucks.
vote to see results
Author Poll Results

Should the NFL put an end to the Pro Bowl?

  • Yes! Give the guys an award and don't waste time.

    20.3%

  • No way! It's the only day salary caps don't matter.

    60.5%

  • Maybe. I like watching the challenges, but the game sucks.

    19.2%
  • Total votes: 354
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53 comments Last one added 6 months ago — Leave a Comment

  1. Nick Condit 8 months ago

    Yeah nice article Angel. What about Favre as an AFC Pro-bowler? That would be interesting but I don't know if it could happen.

    I like Coles and Cotchery as Pro Bowl wideouts. Probably not both of them, but it would be nice if on of them went.

    A lot of Jets defensive players have a legit shot at it too.

    And I don't know man, LT played well against the Pats. I think he got off to a slow start because of his toe injury. It's too soon to say he's not the best player on the field.

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    • Angel Navedo 8 months ago

      I think Favre is a definite by default. Picking him would've been a bit too easy, and I guess expected. And if I had to think like someone who's not a Jets' fan, I'd have to be honest and say that of Favre's TD passes, 6 came in one game. For the most part, he's been steady. He'll definitely earn it by the end of the season, though.

      I went with Cotchery as someone to watch before final votes go in. He's on pace to be one of the most consistent guys in the NFL.

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  2. Mike Dussault 8 months ago

    Nice job Angel. I have to throw Pats kicker Stephen Gostkowski into the mix (shocking I know), he just missed his first field goal last weekend, until then he had hit 18 straight. I'm not sure where they keep touchback stats but Gostkowski has has consistently been putting the ball deep in the end zone and taking away the threat of dangerous return men.

    Other than that it looks like a wide open year, and would probably be even more wide open if the voting wasn't so biased toward stars who might not be having great years.

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    • Angel Navedo 8 months ago

      I credit Gostkowski for the win against the Jets. I wanted to include Special Teams, but the separation between the deserving players and the guys on the bubble is pretty far apart. He's great though. He's doing things 31 other teams use two roster spots for.

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  3. daniel cox 8 months ago

    angel, this is so sound.

    your research for this piece is fantastic.

    i think at nfc wr, roddy white is someone to consider, not just saying that because i'm a homer.

    i think the most exciting thing about this is all the young guys emerging in the nfl, which i think you make great cases for.

    you mention harrison from pittsburgh, but what about lb woodley? he's having a monster season.

    great job!

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    • Angel Navedo 8 months ago

      Roddy White has been excellent. I can't tell if he's making Ryan look better or if it's the other way around. Either way, he's doing a good job.

      Woodley is a given, so I felt he was a bit too easy of a choice.

      But yeah, I love how we're on the verge of all new NFL stars. Retirement will do that, but there's just so much talent around that I think we're going to see a lot of "He got robbed!" articles springing up when it's all said and done.

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  4. Joe Willett 8 months ago

    Nice article Angel and I like how you found a perennial Pro Bowler who doesn't deserve it at each position.

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  5. Paul Smythe 8 months ago

    Beautiful picks. Right on with Pennington and Brown. You know your stuff!

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    • Angel Navedo 8 months ago

      I try. I wanted to include Yeremiah Bell and Joey Porter too, but competition is thick, and Porter should be a given. 6.5 sacks from a guy almost everyone is guilty of writing off is exceptional.

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  6. Bruce Dickenson 8 months ago

    Kris Jenkins!

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    • Angel Navedo 8 months ago

      Oh, most definitely! This article would've gone on for even longer if I listed everyone. Jenkins would be listed, along with Nick Mangold and Alan Faneca. Bryan Thomas and Calvin Pace are having phenomenal years too.

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    • Bruce Dickenson 8 months ago

      Angel, we would totally be homers if we started listing all the JETS players that are showing up this year.

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  7. Kenny Stein 8 months ago

    Raiders fans forgive me, but Namdi Asomouga (I never have or never will know how to spell it) is most likely the best corner in the league. Like Bailey, he'll never put up huge numbers because no smart QB would ever throw that way.

    I second Roddy White. There is no reason for him to be putting up numbers and he could have flopped like so many other WR after their first 1000 yard season but he's still doing it despite all the reasons he shouldn't be.

    Andre Johnson is now the best WR in the AFC. Better than Reggie Wayne or anyone else.

    No, 1 game doesn't excuse the first 4, but the rest of the season will show why Peyton Manning won't miss the Pro Bowl this year. Everything Pennington does will be downgraded because of the Wildcat offense. All the credit now goes to the coaching staff and Ronnie Brown because its one thing to be a phenomenal QB making excellent throws. Its another thing to just be able to heave it to a wide open Patrick Cobbs.

    If Forte goes for the NFC, then Steve Slaton should represent the AFC.

    I think its funny that at the end of last season Randy Moss was getting MVP votes. Now (despite still being on pace for over 1000 yards) he's chop liver. Did he lose a leg and I just haven't noticed it? He's still the same player right? Is it only about numbers or should be the best players get credit too for putting up numbers in situations where they shouldn't be putting up any numbers. Only a handful of WR in the league can be productive no matter where they play. Randy Moss is still one of those guys.

    Anyway, nice read. Its still way too early and many of your picks will change by the end of the year (as will mine) or even by the end of the week. (Tony Romo anyone?)

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    • Angel Navedo 8 months ago

      I definitely hope my picks do change by the end of the year. I agree with everything you wrote though. And Slaton, I believe, is good enough to be thoroughly considered. He just has the misfortune of playing in a conference with Ronnie Brown, Larry Johnson, LT, Maurice Jones-Drew, et cetera.

      But regarding Moss, the pace he's at comes courtesy of an explosion against San Francisco. He's still a top WR, without a doubt—but there are so many players that mean much more to their teams right now.

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  8. James Welch 8 months ago

    Another dark horse candidate for MVP is one we all had pretty much written off for dead, and that's Kurt Warner.

    Through 6 games, he has the Cards at 4-2, and looks to be leading them towards a playoff berth. His numbers look pretty good too:

    1708 Yards (2nd)
    102.8 Rating (5th)
    70.0 Comp% (3rd)
    12 Tds (T-4th) against 6 pics

    Its crazy to think it, but if he keeps going, and the Cards keep winning, he has a legitimate shot.

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    • Angel Navedo 8 months ago

      Yeah, Kurt Warner has been lights out. Drew Brees is going to run away with the Pro Bowl voting, but I'm certain Warner will be right behind him.

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  9. Steven Resnick 8 months ago

    Disagree with you on Clinton Portis. The one who should be going to the pro bowl even though his team doesn't have a winning record is Frank Gore. He's leading the league in yards from scrimmage if only 49ers could actually utilize him once they have a lead.

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    • Angel Navedo 8 months ago

      You're right. Frank Gore has been incredible, and he deserves the recognition. But again, I felt like it'd be too easy. You have to remember that I only named potential starters—there are at least three or four guys that make it in. I wasn't going to go through and name everyone, because, well.. that'd be a little obnoxious.

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  10. Jarrod Seybolt 8 months ago

    This to me is crap. The NFL should not even open up voting until ate least week 12. Talking about this is all senseless junk as we are not even half way through the season. Wait and see who emerges instead of putting great players down and then giving in to the media hype.

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    • Angel Navedo 8 months ago

      Well, it's not like the polls are only open for one day, or like we're forced to vote just once. I know I didn't make it clear in the article, but I've had an "early" theme going for a lot of things this season. I named 5 potential Comeback Players of the Year after Week Three, and picked some early favorites for the NFL's awards.

      I'm not so arrogant as to say that nothing can change between now and Week 17. But if the season ended today, these are the guys I believe should be thoroughly considered.

      I do appreciate the read and response though, Jarrod. Hopefully you won't hate my articles forever and ever.

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    • Jarrod Seybolt 8 months ago

      I think reading this article with an early theme wouldve changed my whole view of it. I can see publishing this as an early based article.

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  11. Ian Zymarakis 8 months ago

    No Warner? No Fitzgerald? No Brandon Jacobs? I can argue with you that Brees is not having the best season in the NFL so far at the QB spot, his team is actually underperforming, I feel Warner deserves the starting nod based on what he is doing at his age and given that people are writing him off

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    • Angel Navedo 8 months ago

      Hey Ian,

      Thanks for checking out the article!

      I don't disagree with you. There are a lot more players having excellent years, but it would've been gratuitous to name them all. It's the fun part of the Pro Bowl. It sends a lot of fans into a quick frenzy, because there are always deserving players that are snubbed. Warner is not someone that I think will be snubbed.

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    • Joshua Joffrion 8 months ago

      Under the circumstances, Drew Brees in the best QB in the NFC, put him with a better team like the Cowboys or someone and they're in the Super Bowl. The reason for the three losses by the Saints are not Brees' fault. Most of his interceptions aren't his fault either, at least three of them were intercepted because of Saints' receivers tipping them up. They lost those games because of missed field goals and such.

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    • Joshua Joffrion 8 months ago

      Oh and actually, Brees leads the NFL in passing

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  12. Chris Radez 8 months ago

    Nice work as usual Angel. You've always got some nice ideas for your articles.

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    • Angel Navedo 8 months ago

      Thanks, Chris. I try to be somewhat unique with what I write about. There's so much talent on b/r that I've gotta try and find a little niche, y'know?

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    • Chris Radez 8 months ago

      I know exactly what you mean... and you're doing a great job of that. Keep the good stuff coming.

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  13. Michoel Botwinick 8 months ago

    I think Juqua Parker of the Philadelphia Eagles deserves a mention at DE. Check up on his stats so far -- tell me what you think!

    Nice article!

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    • Angel Navedo 8 months ago

      Oh, most definitely! I'll be honest with you—I wouldn't be surprised if he has a better season than John Abraham when it's all said and done. He's only gotten better through the weeks. But I want to see how he plays when more teams are really preparing for him.

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  14. Lauren Mortenson 8 months ago

    Forte is my man

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  15. J R 8 months ago

    Clinton Portis deserves the spot at NFC RB
    but what about Chris Samuels for his blocking up front

    and what about Chris Horton even if hes a rookie hes had 3 pic's and a fumble revovery

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  1. Buddy Smith 8 months ago

    Aaron Rodgers has been playing great in Green Bay. I'd like to see him make the team, even if I won't be watching the game.

    I'd love to see Favre get a pro bowl selection in each conference.

    Kerry Collins...could maybe get the "Everyone's a little bit racist" award...and a nod this year.

    Steve Slaton would be fun.

    So many options...

    Nice conversation starter.

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  2. Joshua Joffrion 8 months ago

    Check out my article, "The Case For Drew Brees"

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  3. Mike Sullivan 8 months ago

    Angel,

    Great article. I agree with most of your picks but I question Ronnie Brown. Once he gets back into a traditional offense I think he will be just another back. One game shouldn't put you in a Pro Bowl.

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    • Angel Navedo 8 months ago

      Hey Mike,

      I absolutely agree. But I give Ronnie a lot of credit for his ability to make that unorthodox offense work. It's his ability as a running back that defenses respect that make it so effective. Before he really turned it on in Week Three, the Dolphins looked to be on pace for another slow, abysmal start. His presence alone should probably earn him Pro Bowl honors, I think. We'll definitely learn more as the season progresses, that's for sure.

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  4. David Yankana 8 months ago

    TOM BRADY!!!

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  5. Eddie Rossell 8 months ago

    Lamarr Woodley for the Steelers wouldn't be a bad choice either. He has really stepped up this season.

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    • Angel Navedo 8 months ago

      Woodley's been an absolute monster. I liked him a lot coming out of college, and I'm glad to see he's doing so well in the pros.

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  6. Eddie Rossell 8 months ago

    Lamarr Woodley for the Steelers wouldn't be a bad choice either. He has really stepped up this season.

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  7. Victor Harris 8 months ago

    I WOULD DEFINITELY PT JUQUA BE4 BERRY BUT EVERYTHING ELSE IS COOL. I C WUT U WERE TRYIN 2 DO AND I LIKED IT.

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  8. Raider D Richardson 8 months ago

    Who I see as a Raider fan...
    1(most probable):Nnamdi
    2(probable if voters are smart):Janakowski
    3(probably not, but its early):Morrison
    4(half and half): Zach Miller
    We'll see what happens!

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  9. James Williamson 8 months ago

    Definitely DeMarcus Ware, Jay Ratliff, and Zach Thomas for the Cowboys. Maybe Anthony Henry too

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  10. Glenn Franco Simmons 8 months ago

    Angel, sorry for the delay in responding. Been a bit busy and hardly had time to write what I've had. I liked this.

    I love Patrick Willis.

    Thanks for mentioning Dhani Jones. I think he is often overlooked because of the team he stars for. He's a great talent.

    You've done your homework.

    You mention that many people think the Pro Bowl is a joke, but I agree with you, it's the Pro Bowl, nonetheless.

    Great read, which is the case with all your writing.

    Thanks for letting me know about it. Keep me posted on what you write. I'll always read it.

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  11. Andres Sanchez 8 months ago

    Thats great that Rashean Mathis is getting balls thrown his way to make plays, but nnamdi isn't. In fact, he's seen 6 come his way a season. Thats less then a ball a game, even with DeAngelo Hall on the other side. Do you know many it was last year? 17 balls thrown his way. Ask any quarterback or coach in the league, they would throw to any corner opposite of Nnamdi.

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  12. Cody Swartz 8 months ago

    I can't believe you didn't include Corteland Finnegan of the Titans - he may be the best corner in the NFL in 2008... Great article though. I agree that simply being a big name (Randy Moss, Peyton Manning, LT) should not be enough to get you into the Pro Bowl. As an Eagles fan, I would like to see our DE Juqua Parker get voted in. He is having a monster season.

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  13. bobby stofko 6 months ago

    How about Big Ben For a Quarterback, He is also good in the NFC.

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  14. bobby stofko 6 months ago

    Personally, I think that Hines Ward should be one of the most voted on for one who starts at the Wide Receiver position for the Pro Bowl and have respect from all of the NFL.

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