Atlanta Falcons Are Underrated or Overachieving? Ranking Potential Pro Bowlers
I'm not a sports fan who locks onto individual players and performances. Team results are what matter to me, which bodes well for my sanity considering my Falcons are 12-2 and all alone atop the NFC standings.
But, just as their season continues to go unnoticed, the players' accomplishments have seemingly gotten lost. The Falcons, despite advancing their winning streak to eight with their 34-18 win in Seattle, never make headlines.
Pro Bowl voting has apparently suffered, and I'm coming in to police the nonsense. The Dirty Birds have had a slew of fantastic individual statistics flood through their locker room, and should have at least five Pro Bowl players this year.
I would be surprised if three got voted in.
Here is what might be, to you, a surprisingly long list of Falcon Pro Bowl candidates.
Quarterback Matt Ryan
1 of 11
2010 Statistics
QB Rating: 90.5
Completion Percentage: 62.7
Touchdowns/Ints: 25/9
YPG: 226.7
Matt Ryan is the second best quarterback in the NFC, behind former Falcons quarterback Michael Vick.
Not only are his statistics impressive, but he has led countless game winning drives through his hatching three year career in Atlanta.
He has four game winning drives, or multiple possession comebacks this year alone.
Tailback Michael Turner
2 of 11
2010 Statisics
RYPG: 89.7
YPC: 4.2
Touchdowns: 11
Fumbles/Lost: 0/0
Michael Turner hasn't been dazzling, but his overall statistics are worthy. Turner has carried 300 times this year for 1256 yards, and hasn't fumbled once.
A more pass happy offense and the emergence of Jason Snelling has limited Turner's output by a slight margin.
But, Turner is still the primary focus of opponent game plans, which opens up the Falcons' easily executed passing game.
Fullback Ovie Mughelli
3 of 11
2010 Statistics
Rec/Targets: 11/15
Yards rec: 106
It's difficult to keep stats on fullbacks, but Falcons' fullback Ovie Mughelli is more than deserving of Pro Bowl consideration. He's lead a rushing attack that gains 122.6 yards a game, which includes the NFC's best runner in Michael Turner.
Mughelli also has contributed to the Falcons unbelievable blitz pick ups. The Falcons have only surrendered five sacks on blitz all season.
Plus, Mughelli's receptions have all come in impact moments.
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Wide Receiver Roddy White
4 of 11
2010 Statistics
REC: 106
Yards: 1,284
Touchdowns: Eight
Roddy is obviously a lock for the Pro Bowl. He's leading the NFL in receiving on the same team that boasts a Hall of Fame tight end and the NFC's leading rusher.
He's also been virtually un-coverable. The closest wide receiver on the roster in receptions is Michael Jenkins with just 31 grabs. Tony Gonzalez is far behind with 62 catches.
No matter what teams do, Roddy still finds ways to get open and catch passes. He's also made a few hand full's worth of circus grabs as well.
Not to mention his game saving strip in the San Francisco game.
Tight End Tony Gonzalez
5 of 11
2010 Statistics
Rec: 62
Yards: 591
Touchdowns: Five
The future Hall of Famer has been a major part of the Falcons' recent success. Tony Gonzalez has caught 62 passes on 100 targets, 36 of which went for first downs.
He's been a valuable third down receiver, and has no doubt made life easier for quarterback Matt Ryan.
Center Todd McClure
6 of 11
2010 Statistics
Games: 14
It's hard to find reasons to give a center a Pro Bowl vote, but Falcons snapper Todd McClure has not missed a start for Atlanta since the 2001 season.
Plus, he's been the anchor of an offensive line that is the best in the league at preventing pre-snap illegal procedures.
Defensive End John Abraham
7 of 11
2010 Statistics
Tackles: 35
Sacks: 12
Pass Deflections: Three
The Predator, John Abraham, might be the only defender for the Falcons who is a lock for the Pro Bowl.
He came into the year saying he was back to his youthful form, and he proved it.
He ranks second in the NFC in sacks, and leads all defensive ends.
Linebacker Curtis Lofton
8 of 11
2010 Statistics
Tackles: 107
Solo: 87
Sacks: Two
Int: One
Curtis Lofton, the quarterback of the Falcons defense, might be the most overlooked defensive player in the NFC.
He's been a dominating tackler and fundamental expert since arriving with Matt Ryan in the 2008 draft class.
Lofton doesn't make highlights on SportsCenter, but he rarely, if ever, makes a mistake.
Cornerback Brent Grimes
9 of 11
2010 Statistics
Tackles: 73
Solo: 65
Int: Five
PD: 22
All of the talk this offseason was the signing of former Texans star Dunta Robinson to sure up the Falcons pass defense. However, tenured scout team player and former Shippensburg student Brent Grimes has been the star of the defense.
He might also be the most athletic player on the team. At just 5'8", Grimes has quited critics who said he was a vulnerable and temporary cornerback. He has five interceptions, included a clutch pick against Tampa.
Quarterbacks continue to try to pick on him, and all Grimes has done is shut down his half of the field.
Kicker Matt Bryant
10 of 11
2010 Statistics
FG Made/Att: 27/30
GW kicks: Three
Long: 51
Matt Bryant has been clutch for the Falcons. He's responsible for three game winning field goals.
Kick Returner Eric Weems
11 of 11
2010 Statistics
KOTD: One
YPR: 28.5
Eric Weems has been an electric returner, recording clutch kick off returns to win games in at least three occasions.
Falcons fans saw Weems as a placeholder while Jerious Norwood (out for season) and Harry Douglas returned to their old return duties, but Weems was so productive he never relinquished his spots in both areas.
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