2010 NFL Pro Bowl: Why You Should Vote For Darren McFadden Of The Raiders

(This slideshow includes all my picks for the 2010 Pro Bowl).

It's that time of year again.

No, not the day before Halloween, or another publicity stunt in Washington.  Not the weekend before the 2010 US elections.

It's Pro Bowl votin' time.  As Howard Dean would say, "Yeah!"

I must admit that I really should be more concerned with the election on Tuesday and reading up on the issues. 

But as I have come to realize over the years, pro football is meant to inoculate people from caring about anything else, including government and future of the country.

Eventually, I concluded that politics is analogous to a baseball game.  The maxim for winning in baseball is, "Pitching, defense, and timely hitting."  In politics, the maxim for winning is, "Rhetoric, spin, and timely scandals."

Well, if some meaningless fun is all we get as the powers that be eff everything up, then I'll take it.  I also vote for American Idol, because well, at least then I can affect change in the direction of pop-culture.

I used to care, but things have changed.

When I was 13, I couldn't wait to vote for president.  I knew the Constitution by heart.  I was upset that I would miss the 2000 election by only a few months.  Nowadays, I don't really care about that or any election, even if I follow it simply because it's what I know.

Voting for government is like picking between butter and "I can't believe it's not butter."

It's like George Carlin used to say.  We have all kinds of choices, like 31 flavors of ice cream.  Yet, when it comes to voting on election day, we only have two choices. 

I suppose you could say we have the choice between vanilla ice cream and, "vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry" ice cream.

I may be jaded by the political process, but if you're not, then by all means you should get out to vote.

Enough with my spiel.

I wanted to advocate tailback Darren McFadden of the Oakland Raiders for the 2010 Pro Bowl roster.

The AFC has a crowded group of running-backs to choose from, such as Arian Foster of the Texans, Chris Johnson of the Titans, LaDainian Tomlinson of the Jets, Peyton Hillis of the Browns and Rashard Mendenhall of the Steelers.

I would not pick Jamaal Charles or Thomas Jones of the Chiefs, because both have had nearly equal time, and both benefit from the offensive line.

You can only choose three. Foster would be an obvious No. 1, but I'm conflicted by the fact that he runs in offense where almost any running back could succeed.  Johnson would be my second pick.

And here's where things get gray.

Darren McFadden: five games, 111.4 yards per game, six total touchdowns, 34 first downs, 750 yards running and receiving, seven plays of more than 20 yards, and one fumble.

LaDainian Tomlinson: six games, 81.7 yards per game, five total touchdowns, 32 first downs, 597 yards running and receiving, five plays of more than 20 yards, and one fumble.

Rashard Mendenhall: six games, 88.7 yards per game, five total touchdowns, 28 first downs, 580 yards running and receiving, four plays of more than 20 yards, and zero fumbles.

Peyton Hillis: seven games, 65.7 yards per game, six total touchdowns, 38 first downs, 653 total yards running and receiving, four plays of more than 20 yards, and three fumbles.

My immediate thoughts were that even though LT is flipping the bird at the critics that thought he was done (not me), he has a better offensive line with D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Nick Mangold, and Damien Woody.  Hillis also runs behind Joe Thomas and Eric Steinbach.

Mendenhall basically carried the Steelers offense during the suspension of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.  At the same time, I think this is a different era for running backs.  A running back should be a dual threat.  I also consider that Mendenhall had the Pittsburgh defense to protect leads.

In the case of McFadden, he's been an explosive dual threat without consistency at quarterback or the offensive line that has been hampered by injuries. 

In that sense, I think McFadden has proved that between him and Mendenhall, McFadden is the better individual running back in 2010.

Quarterbacks

Win McNamee/Getty Images

LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 17: Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts throws a pass against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on October 17, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

AFC

Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts

Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers

Tom Brady, New England Patriots

NFC

Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons

Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles

Just Missed:

Mark Sanchez, Jets; Kyle Orton, Broncos; Matt Cassel, Chiefs; Matt Shaub, Texans, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Bills; Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers; Aaron Rodgers, Packers; Josh Freeman, Buccaneers; Sam Bradford, Rams

Halfbacks

Darren McFadden against the Denver Broncos

AFC

Arian Foster, Houston Texans

Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans

Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders

NFC

Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings

Ahmad Bradshaw, New York Giants

Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams

Just Missed:

Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers; Peyton Hillis, Browns; LaDainian Tomlinson, Jets; Thomas Jones, Chiefs; Frank Gore, 49ers; LeSean McCoy, Eagles; Michael Turner, Falcons; Jahvid Best, Lions.

Fullbacks

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 10: Mike Tolbert #35 is congratulated by Jacob Hester #22 of the San Diego Chargers after he scored a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 10, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ez

AFC

Mike Tolbert, San Diego Chargers

NFC

Madison Hedgecock, New York Giants

Just Missed:

Tony Richardson, Jets; Marcel Reece, Raiders

Wideouts

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 24: Kenny Britt #18 of the Tennessee Titans catches a touchdown pass while defended by Ellis Hobbs #31 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFL game at LP Field on October 24, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans won 37-19.

AFC

Austin Collie, Indianapolis Colts

Kenny Britt, Tennessee Titans

Anquan Boldin, Baltimore Ravens

Terrell Owens, Cincinnati Bengals

NFC:

Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons

Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions

Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia Eagles

Santana Moss, Washington Redskins

Just Missed:

Reggie Wayne, Colts; Brandon Lloyd, Broncos; Hakeem Nicks, Giants; Greg Jennings, Packers

Tight Ends

Donald Miralle/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 24: Tight-end Antonio Gates #85 of the San Diego Chargers hauls in a reception against the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter of their NFL game on October 24, 2010 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Do

AFC

Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers

Zach Miller, Oakland Raiders

Marcedes Lewis, Jacksonville Jaguars

NFC

Vernon Davis, San Francisco 49ers

Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta Falcons

Chris Cooley, Washington Redskins

Just Missed:

Dustin Keller, Jets; Todd Heap, Ravens; Ben Watson, Browns; Visanthe Shiancoe, Vikings

Offensive Tackles

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

DENVER - OCTOBER 05: Offensive tackle Ryan Clady #78 of the Denver Broncos blocks the rush of Gaines Adams #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during NFL action on October 5, 2008 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Buccaneers 16-13. (Photo by Dou

AFC

Ryan Clady, Denver Broncos

Damien Woody, New York Jets

Michael Oher, Baltimore Ravens

NFC

Jason Peters, Philadelphia Eagles

Kareem McKenzie, New York Giants

Chad Clifton, Green Bay Packers

Just Missed:

Matt Light, Patriots; Michael Roos, Titans; Russell Okung, Seahawks

Offensive Guards

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 03: Quarterback Philip Rivers of the San Diego Chargers throws a pass as guard Kris Dielman #68 blocks defensive end Calais Campbell #93 of the Arizona Cardinals at Qualcomm Stadium on October 3, 2010 in San Diego, California. The C

AFC

Kris Dielman, San Diego Chargers

Brian Waters, Kansas City Chiefs

Eric Steinbach, Cleveland Browns

NFC

Steve Hutchinson, Minnesota Vikings

Jahri Evans, New Orleans Saints

Carl Nicks, New Orleans Saints

Just Missed:

Ben Grubbs, Ravens; Chris Chester, Ravens; Ryan Lilja, Chiefs; Justin Smiley, Jaguars; Wade Smith, Dolphins; Chris Snee, Giants; Harvey Dahl, Falcons; Ben Hamilton, Seahawks; Mike Iupati, 49ers; Leonard Davis, Cowboys

Centers

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 11: (L-R) Nick Mangold #74, Mark Sanchez #6 and Santonio Holmes #10 of the New York Jets walk on the field against the Minnesota Vikings at New Meadowlands Stadium on October 11, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets

AFC

Nick Mangold, New York Jets

Dan Koppen, New England Patriots

NFC

Andre Gurode, Dallas Cowboys

Jason Brown, St. Louis Rams

Just Missed:

Jeff Saturday, Colts, Matt Birk, Ravens; Brad Meester, Jaguars; Chris Myers, Texans; Maurkice Pouncey, Steelers; Scott Wells, Packers, Chris Spencer, Seahawks

Defensive Tackles

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 07: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers tries to escape from Kelly Gregg #97 of the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field on December 7, 2009 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Ravens 27-17. (Photo by Jonathan Da

AFC

Richard Seymour, Oakland Raiders

Jason Jones, Tennessee Titans

Kelly Gregg, Baltimore Ravens

NFC

Nndamukong Suh, Detroit Lions

Colin Cole, Seattle Seahawks

BJ Raji, Green Bay Packers

Just Missed:

Tommy Kelly, Raiders, Ahtyba Rubin, Browns; Vince Wilfork, Patriots; Kyle Williams, Bills, Sedrick Ellis, Saints, Barry Cofield, Giants

Defensive Ends

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

HOUSTON - OCTOBER 10: Mario Williams #90 of the Houston Texans in action during the game against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

AFC

Mario Williams, Houston Texans

Robert Mathis, Indianapolis Colts

Jason Babin, Tennessee Titans

NFC

Trent Cole, Philadelphia Eagles

Osi Umenyiora, New York Giants

James Hall, St. Louis Rams

Just Missed:

Matt Shaughnessy, Raiders; Dave Ball, Titans; Darnell Dockett, Cardinals; John Abraham, Falcons; Justin Smith, 49ers

Outside Linebackers

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH - OCTOBER 03: James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the game against the Baltimore Ravens on October 3, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

AFC

James Harrison, Pittsburgh Steelers

Shaun Phillips, San Diego Chargers

Tamba Hali, Kansas City Chiefs

NFC

Clay Matthews, Green Bay Packers

Brian Orakpo, Washington Redskins

DeMarcus Ware, Dallas Cowboys

Just Missed:

LaMarr Woodley, Steelers; Cameron Wake, Dolphins; DJ Williams, Broncos; Chad Greenway, Vikings; Michael Boley, Giants

Cornerbacks

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

SAN FRANCISCO - OCTOBER 17: Nnamdi Asomugha #21 of the Oakland Raiders breaks up a pass intended for Michael Crabtree #15 of the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on October 17, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

AFC

Nnamdi Asomugha, Oakland Raiders

Darelle Revis, New York Jets

Leon Hall, Cincinnati Bengals

NFC

Charles Woodson, Green Bay Packers

DeAngelo Hall, Washington Redskins

Charles Tillman, Chicago Bears

Just Missed:

Antonio Cromartie, Jets; Asante Samuel, Eagles; Aqib Talib, Buccaneers

Free Safety

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 24: Michael Griffin #33 of the Tennessee Titans runs with the ball after intercepting a pass while defended by Brent Celek #87 of the Philadelphia Eagles at LP Field on October 24, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans won 37-19

AFC

Brian Dawkins, Denver Broncos

Michael Griffin, Tennessee Titans

NFC

Nate Allen, Philadelphia Eagles

Earl Thomas, Seattle Seahawks

Just Missed:

Chris Crocker, Bengals; Antoine Bethea, Colts

Strong Safety

Grant Halverson/Getty Images

NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 19: Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steelers intercepts a pass in the end zone intended for Nate Washington #85 of the Tennessee Titans during the first half at LP Field on September 19, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Phot

AFC

Troy Polamalu, Pitssburgh Steelers

NFC
LaRon Landry, Washington Redskins

Just Missed:

Eric Berry, Chiefs; TJ Ward, Browns; Donte Whitner, Bills; Tyvon Branch, Raiders

Inside Linebackers

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 17: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts before a game with the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 17, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

AFC

Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens

Lawrence Timmons, Pittsburgh Steelers

NFC

Patrick Willis, San Francisco 49ers

Curtis Lofton, Atlanta Falcons

Just Missed:

Stephen Tulloch, Titans; Jerod Mayo, Patriots; Derrick Johnson, Chiefs; James Laurinaitis, Rams; AJ Hawk, Packers; Jonathan Goff, Giants

Special Teams

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - NOVEMBER 21: Danny Woodhead #39 of the New England Patriots scores a touchdown in the second half despite the defense of Kelvin Hayden #26 of the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium on November 21, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Pat

AFC

Sebastian Janikowski, kicker, Oakland Raiders

Shane Lechler, punter, Oakland Raiders

Marc Mariani, return specialist, Tennessee Titans

Danny Woodhead, special teams, New England Patriots

Jeremy Cain, long snapper, Jacksonville Jaguars

NFC

John Kasay, kicker, Carolina Panthers

Donnie Jones, punter, St. Louis Rams

Devin Hester, return specialist, Chicago Bears

Kerry Rhodes, special teams, Arizona Cardinals

Don Muhlbach, long snapper, Detroit Lions