Pro Bowl Roster 2012: Philip Rivers and More Undeserving Pro Bowlers

The NFL Pro Bowl is known for its trick plays, top-notch talents making exciting plays and, of course, having players suit up who are nowhere near deserving of the opportunity.

QB Philip Rivers of the San Diego Chargers is not only undeserving as a Pro Bowler, but also is a player that made it solely on his reputation as a top player at the position in the league.

So let's take a look at Philip Rivers and some others in this 2012 Pro Bowl that the league should have reconsidered bringing to Hawaii.

Philip Rivers, QB, San Diego Chargers

There is no doubt the league knows what this talent is made of.

Rivers has thrown for four-consecutive 4,000-yard seasons and continues to make his living off of his ability to be successful throwing deep.

Yet, what fans and the league forgets is that the Pro Bowl is based on the play of a player during the course of the season—it is an award that must not take into account an entire career of a player.

In 2011, Rivers threw a career-high 20 interceptions and ultimately would cost his team a chance at playing in the NFL Playoffs. Eight of the 16 games Rivers played he either threw an equal number of or more interceptions than touchdowns.

If Rivers deserves a Pro Bowl entry, so do a handful of other QBs in the AFC.

Andy Dalton, QB, Cincinnati Bengals

Considering it was his rookie season, Andy Dalton had a remarkable first season in the NFL.

Yet, was it Pro Bowl worthy? Not a chance.

This season, Dalton threw for 3,398 yards, 20 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. After a hot start to the regular season, Dalton would finish with just six touchdowns in seven games to go along with four interceptions.

As impressive as Dalton was for the Bengals in his rookie season, it is important to understand that Dalton cannot be an exception. If his numbers and production were not where they had to be, regardless if he is a rookie or not, Dalton is an undeserving 2012 Pro Bowler.

Greg Jennings, WR, Green Bay Packers

How is it that the receiver with the third-most yards in the NFL will be sitting at home watching the Pro Bowl?

New York Giants WR Victor Cruz was outright robbed of a spot in the NFL Pro Bowl.

Meanwhile, star Packers WR Greg Jennings failed to reach 1,000 yards and will be playing in the Pro Bowl.

Cruz had 1,536 yards and nine touchdowns on the season, while Jennings had just 949 yards and nine touchdowns on the year. Jennings is known as a big-time receiver in the league, while Cruz has just burst onto the scene.

Another case of reputation over production, an undeserving Jennings finds himself a spot in the Pro Bowl in 2012.