Pittsburgh Steelers: Predicting 2011 Pro Bowlers
As we look ahead to what will hopefully be a full 2011 season for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the other 31 NFL squads, it's time to ask who currently on the roster might be Pro Bowl material when the chips are finally down in January and February.
The Steelers roster has a lot of old favorites as well as some fresh possibilities. There's a ton of potential on both sides of the ball for breakout performances, so it shouldn't be a surprise that there are a lot of names to pick from.
Here's a look at the players who could be in Hawaii representing Pittsburgh after the 2011 season.
The Old Standbys
1 of 5
Troy Polamalu (Six Appearances)
Polamalu's reputation as one of the best, if not the best, playmaking safeties in the NFL always seems to carry him through to the Pro Bowl. He's only not been selected twice in his NFL career (once being his rookie year, in which he was rarely on the field).
He figures to be, if healthy, in the mix again to be on the roster. He figures to be healthier in 2011 than he was in 2010. As long as he can stay healthy, he'll probably do enough to be selected once again.
James Harrison (Four Appearances)
Harrison has,coincidentally, been a starter in the Pro Bowl for each season that he's been a starter in Pittsburgh. His play is special, and he's among the best linebackers in the NFL. Last year, he put together another stellar season.
Harrison, if healthy, will likely make it five for five this year. The Steelers' style of defense plays to his strengths, and there's no reason to think he won't have another top-notch year in 2011. Look for him to be on the team and starting once again.
Offensive Candidates
2 of 5
Roethlisberger had a Pro Bowl caliber season last year, but was not rewarded with a Pro Bowl nod. With four more games in which to play this season, he figures to make his case for a spot on the annual team air-tight.
He's a playmaker, he's put up excellent numbers that would be the envy of any quarterback and he's one of the most valuable players on his team (he'd likely be that kind of player for any team). He also wins a lot, something that might be more important than any other individual statistic.
Mike Wallace
I was more surprised that he didn't make it last year than anything else. He had an amazing season, his second in a row. He made plays that most NFL receivers only dream about. He thrived. But in the end, he didn't get a Pro Bowl nod.
The problem with the Pro Bowl (and this includes some selections from Pittsburgh in years past) is that the best-known names get in sometimes over more talented youngsters. Wallace should have a better shot this year because everyone will know who he is now.
Maurkice Pouncey
He was amazing in his rookie season and earned a Pro Bowl nod the first time he could. He proved himself to be among the best players at his position and seems poised to continue that success in his second season with an improved supporting cast.
Pouncey doesn't seem like the type of player positioned for a sophomore slump. If last year represents his rookie effort, he might be starting Pro Bowls for a long, long time.
Rashard Mendenhall
Why not? He's put together back-to-back 1,200-plus yard seasons, tied the team's record for rushing touchdowns in a season and become one of the more reliable backs in the NFL. He's also done this behind and offensive line that is patchwork at best.
Last year was his best season thus far behind the worst (or at least the most banged up line he's played with. If he can perform better behind a better line, he will make it hard to ignore him when the ballots come out.
Defensive Candidates
3 of 5
Lamarr Woodley
Woodley has become one of the best linebackers in the game. He's giving James Harrison a run for his money on this team. Woodley will likely sign a contract extension at some point this year worth as much as any of the other top players at his position.
His play should soon be rewarded by Pro Bowl voters. A relative unknown outside Pittsburgh, he quietly became a household name last year, playing spectacular ball while James Harrison drew the headlines. He narrowly missed a starting spot last year and should get one with another big push this year.
Lawrence Timmons
He played like a Pro Bowler last season. He solidified the middle of the defense and proved every bit as good against the run as he was against the pass. He piled up some impressive statistics and led the team in some places.
He'll likely do it again as he continues to grow and become comfortable in this system. Now that he's settled in as a starter, watch for a Woodley-type breakout year for him on the national stage. He'll likely do more blitzing and be involved in more plays, which should only increase his resume.
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Breakout Candidates
4 of 5
Ziggy Hood
Hood played excellent ball in place of injured Aaron Smith last year and, despite Smith's return, should continue to get the bulk of the playing time. At worst, he'll platoon with the aging star. Hood could, with some great play, turn in a Pro Bowl season.
He's got all the tools. He just needs to step up his game slightly and prove he's one of the best 3-4 ends in the game. He can do that. He just needs to live up to his potential.
Emmanuel Sanders
Sanders had a Mike Wallace-type rookie season and quickly became a favorite target for Big Ben. He could build on that and emerge as a top target this season in the slot. He could take some time from an aging Hines Ward if he continues to improve.
Sanders will likely eventually replace Ward as the team's starter opposite Wallace, and he can go a long way toward that goal by putting together a breakout, Pro Bowl season this year.
Dark Horse Candidates
5 of 5
Hines Ward
One more time for the four time Pro Bowler? It could be. Ward isn't what he used to be, but he still is an impact player and could revert to old form and surprise people who think he's on the wrong side of the hill. He'll likely make his 1,000th reception this season.
Ward looked great on Dancing With the Stars, but this is football again. He can channel that positive energy and become a Pro Bowl receiver once again, but it won't be a sure thing. One thing everyone should know, however, is to never count him out.
James Farrior
Veteran of two Pro Bowls, Farrior is nearing the end of the line too. He put together a nice year last year and should have received more Pro Bowl votes, but the linebacker ballot was deep and full of talented players. He has another chance this year.
He made it in 2008, so there's not much slow-down in his game. He looked healthy last season, and if he puts together a strong campaign this year and stays healthy and spry, he could find himself rewarded at the end. He won't have many more opportunities.
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