Pro Bowl 2011: Atlanta Falcons Make Their Presence Known in Hawaii

I mean, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love the Pro Bowl right!?

There is nothing better than a bunch of professional athletes getting together at one of the world’s most beautiful destinations and showing off their skills for all of us to see, at half speed.

With that being said, there was one city that really came to “represent” in this year’s Pro Bowl and they represented in a big way.

The “Dirty Birds” of Atlanta came to play with nine of their players and the entire coaching staff on the NFC squad.

Let’s take a look at how each of those players and staff did.

 

FB Ovie Mughelli

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ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 19: Ovie Mughelli #34 of the Atlanta Falcons enters the field to face the Arizona Cardinals at Georgia Dome on September 19, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The NFC got off to what some would call a good start, and Mughelli was the guy to kick the scoring off on the right foot. Mughelli punched in the first score with a one-yard rushing touchdown.

He also had two catches for 23 yards.

WR Roddy White

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: Roddy White #84 of the Atlanta Falcons smiles during warm ups against the Green Bay Packers during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty I

White continued his great play into the Pro Bowl racking up a team high five catches for 69 yards.

Not too shabby for a day at the beach!

RT Tyson Clabo

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ATLANTA - DECEMBER 14: Tackle Tyson Clabo #77 of the Atlanta Falcons lines up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Georgia Dome on December 14, 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Offensive linemen often times get the shaft as far as recognition is concerned. The only time we ever hear about them is when they screw beautiful drives up with holding calls or false starts.

It’s kind of unfair all that negative press.

Apparently, Tyson Clabo was doing some work down at the right tackle spot though. He not only started the game, but he must have been doing something right considering the NFC’s 42-0 lead before the half.

CB Brent Grimes

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: Brent Grimes #20 of the Atlanta Falcons returns a fumble by Greg Jenning #85 of the Green Bay Packers in the first quarter during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (

Brent Grimes really came to play amongst the NFL’s best and greatest. He made a handful of very good plays at the cornerback position.

Oh, and he picked off this relatively unknown quarterback. I’m not sure if you’ve heard of him, but I guess he’s pretty good: Peyton Manning

Note: Sarcasm

DE John Abraham

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ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 13: John Abraham #55 of the Atlanta Falcons sacks quarterback Chad Pennington #10 of the Miami Dolphins at Georgia Dome on September 13, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Pro Bowl is not necessarily known for its defense. The Pro Bowl is especially not known for providing jarring defensive hits and incredible sacks on the quarterbacks.

I think you can probably figure out why.

Abraham made one tackle on the day, but the fact that he was even out there and trying makes him a winner in my book!

RB Michael Turner

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ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 11: Michael Turner #33 of the Atlanta Falcons waits to enter the field during player introductions before facing the Baltimore Ravens at Georgia Dome on November 11, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Personally, I love watching this guy run. Seeing him in the Pro Bowl really did my heart well. Turner churned out 53 yards on just eight attempts.

That’s a solid Pro Bowl in my book.

ST/WR Eric Weems

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 02: Eric Weems #14 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates after his 55-yard punt return for a first quarter touchdown during the game against the Carolina Panthers at the Georgia Dome on January 2, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Sc

Hey, if I could go to Hawaii for a week just to play football, I would do it in a heartbeat. Eric Weems got to live the dream, and he played admirably on the special teams.

Come on, who doesn’t love Pro Bowl special teams play!?

QB Matt Ryan

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons gestures against the Green Bay Packers during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Ryan continued to show us why many consider him to be one of the NFL’s best young quarterbacks. He was the NFC’s top gun at quarterback and came through with two touchdowns and 118 yards on the day.

He did get picked off once, but let’s be honest, does anybody really care?

Coaching Staff

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 02: Head coach Mike Smith of the Atlanta Falcons against the Carolina Panthers at Georgia Dome on January 2, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The NFC raced out to a demanding 42-0 lead, but then allowed the AFC to make a pretty big comeback in the second half.

With that being said, they did manage to pull out a 55-41 Pro Bowl victory.

I’m sure that capped off a great week for the Falcons staff.