Atlanta's Pro Bowl Selections: Turner, White Punch Tickets, Abraham Left Out

The NFL announced its Pro Bowl teams on Tuesday, and two deserving Atlanta Falcons are on the squad.

But one is missing.

The Falcons have gotten contributions from a cast of characters this season, from injury-riddled receivers to career backups and rookies. Everyone has played a role.

But wide receiver Roddy White, the league’s second-leading receiver with 1,310 yards, and running back Michael Turner, the league’s second-leading rusher with 1,421 yards, have played the biggest roles in the emergence of the Atlanta offense this season.

Both were rewarded with the first Pro Bowl selections of their respective careers.

However, defensive end John Abraham, he of the 15.5 sacks—many which were timely and game-changing, was a notable NFC snub.

Spare the Rod, spoil the receiver

White, after being drafted in the first-round in 2005, was expected to combine with electrifying quarterback Michael Vick to continue the progression of the Falcons’ offense.

The nation’s leader in receiving yards in 2004 at UAB had a glowing scouting report heading in to the 2005 draft. Falcons’ fans would quickly wonder why it never mentioned his penchant for dropping passes.

Blessed with speed and strength, White quickly became synonymous with images of the receiver looking at his hands or down at a ball that should have been in his hands—or worse, looking at a ball on the ground that should have been in his hands.

Many wondered if this notoriously partying receiver would ever overcome the drops and realize the potential that he only rarely showed glimpses of. Others wondered if his career would end as quickly as it began.

But a funny thing happened in the 2007 season. Amidst the sorrows that emanated from Atlanta last season, White quietly put together a breakout season that saw him catch 83 passes for 1,202 yards behind the arms of three different quarterbacks.

Despite a minor controversy (sporting the “Free Mike Vick” shirt last December on Monday Night Football) and the sporadic dropped pass, it looked as if White had a future after all.

After being forced to change directions, Atlanta brought in a new general manager, a new head coach, and new offensive coordinator, a shiny new quarterback...and a new wide receivers coach.

Terry Robiskie, White’s position coach, was employed to provide some tough love in hopes that White would be able to combine his talents with crisp-route running and a penchant for the big-play.

Robiskie kept constant tabs on White and served as a mentor and the voice of reason that he seemed to lack.

White should consider bringing his coach with him to Hawaii. It’s because of Robiskie that he’s merged his immense talent with preparation and practice.

And because of this, a star is born.

Waiting patiently

Michael Turner runs over people for a living.

He doesn’t run with patience, waiting for a hole to open, dancing in the backfield. Instead, he runs to spots on the field, often creating holes on his own.

Fans in Atlanta heard a lot about the 2008 free-agent running back’s nickname, “The Burner.” Acknowledged as fast, Turner quickly showed everyone that while speed is a talent he employs, what he’s best at is bowling over would-be tacklers. He runs as tough as he does fast.

As a junior and senior at Northern Illinois, Turner finished second in rushing in the nation, but was not highly-regarded heading in to the 2004 draft.

The San Diego Chargers, who employ All-Pro running back LaDainian Tomlinson, drafted Turner in the fifth round. Turner would have to practice patience in San Diego.

Making the most of every chance he got, in his second year he came off the bench in December to run for 113 yards and the game-clinching score, an 83-yard run, against the undefeated Indianapolis Colts.

Turner made a name for himself doing a lot with a little. With limited playing time in San Diego, he still managed to gather three of the franchise’s 11 longest rushes (83, 74, and 73 yards).

Turner's chance came in the offseason of 2008 when the Falcons signed the running back to stabilize the power running style that offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey favors.

And the rest, you could say, is history, as are many of the Falcons’ rushing records.

Feeling left out

Abraham has victimized quarterbacks all season but he is perhaps the biggest Pro Bowl victim.

The NFL’s third-leading sack-artist with 15.5 was edged by the equally talented trio of Minnesota’s Jared Allen, Carolina’s Julius Peppers, and the Giants’ Justin Tuck.

All are deserving, but it’s tough to ignore what the nine-year veteran has accomplished this year.

Abraham has accounted for over half of the Falcons’ sacks this season. Playing on a line that features a heavy rotation of players to keep everyone fresh, he’s the unquestioned leader of a defense that is ranked 11th in the league in points allowed.

Unlike his counterpart’s teams, Abraham is one of the few play makers on the Falcons’ defense. Atlanta’s defense is in the bottom third of the league in yards allowed, with the likes of the Raiders, the Bengals, and the Chargers, yet the Falcons find themselves at 9-5, fighting for a playoff berth.

That stat alone justifies that Abraham’s deserving of a Pro Bowl slot.

Abraham has come up big for his team in key moments all season long. Most recently, he delivered an impressive determined-to-get-to-the quarterback sack of the Bucs’ Brian Griese in overtime to force a punt and set up the Falcons’ winning drive in a must-win game.

The three-time Pro Bowler has enjoyed a season of renewed health and a return to the dominance for which he was known as a New York Jet. He deserves to end his season in Hawaii.

This article originally appeared on the Atlanta Falcons Examiner page. To view, go here.