The Real 2010 Pro Bowlers

AFC
Quarterbacks-

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Peyton Manning - Colts - Peyton was the best quarterback in the NFL this season, he deserves another Pro Bowl start for sure.

Phillip Rivers - Chargers - Rivers is now the unquestioned leader of the San Diego Super Chargers, the man who has never lost a game in the month of December, in his NFL. And even with having one of the softest offensive lines in the NFL and taking constant hits because of it, Rivers has the 2nd best QB rating in the NFL.

Who Should Of Made It
Ben Roethlisberger - Steelers - Even though Big Ben really is his own pass protection, he has a better yards per attempt then Tom Brady by nearly a yard, along with having the same number of picks thrown, and the most telling stat more 20 and 40 yard plus completions, at the same time taking three times as many sacks as Tom Terrific.

Who Shouldn't Of Made It
Tom Brady - Patriots - The current Golden Boy of the NFL had a good season, it just wasn't Pro Bowl worthy, especially since this was a comeback year for Brady. More so the influx of talent at the QB position in the AFC, then any real criticism of the 3-time Super Bowl Champion.

Running Backs

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Chris Johnson - Titans - Johnson is actually making an argument for something that wasn't supposed to be an argument. He may be the best back in the NFL, with apologies to Adrian Peterson. He's the fastest all purpose back I've ever seen. And of course he may be setting some MORE records by weekends end.

Maruice Jones-Drew - Jaguars - Any questions about Jones-Drew's durability and ability to handle the full load as the lead back in Jacksonville has been answered. The guy has gone over 10 plus TD's for the 3rd time in 4 years and over the 1,000 rushing mark for the first time in his already steller career, thus proving Maruice Jones-Drew is an every down back in the National Football League.

Ray Rice - Ravens - If you want a running back who can do it all, you want Ray Rice. He can run, he can block, he can catch, he can run inside and outside, and he can convert you a 3rd and short as well as break off a big home run. Any members of Willis McGahee fan club, may have to get ready for a change of scenery.

Fullback

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Le'Ron McClain - Ravens - McClain shifted back to being a full time fullback this year, and did so with flying colors. McClain has become the best FB in the NFL over the last seasons, and this season he still ran the ball occasionally and even improved on his receiving totals from last year, when he was the lead back for Baltimore. At 25 years old he will only get better which bodes very well for Ray Rice and the Ravens hard nosed offensive attack.

Wide Receivers

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Andre Johnson - Texans - Any of the Larry Fitzgerald vs. Andre Johnson chatter, has been officially put to rest by AJ this season. Most notably so in Arizona, where Johnson out did Fitzgerald (sadly AJ's Texans couldn't out do the Cards, falling 28-21) catching 8 balls for 101 yards and 2 TD's vs. Fitzgerald's 5 for 79 and 2 scores, Johnson scored his first touchdown with authority bouncing off of 2 Cardinal safeties (including Pro Bowl SS Adrian Wilson) and corner Bryan McFadden for an 18 yard catch and highlight stick. And not only did Johnson kill that particular debate, he lead the lead in receiving yards this year with over 1,500.

Brandon Marshall - Broncos - Mr. Marshall is reportedly on his way to the biggest contract in NFL history for a wide out, and with his 3rd straight season of at least 100 catches, 1,100 yards, and 6 touchdowns, it's easy to see why.

Wes Welker - Patriots - I just talked about how many balls Brandon Marshall has hauled in, in recent years. That's nothing Welker has at least 111 catches the last three seasons, one of those season was without Tom Brady (well for 15 and a half games, if you want to nit pick).

Reggie Wayne - Colts - Wayne has played so darn well this season, I forgot that WR who used to play in Indy, he's a future HOF...Marvin Hamlisch? Benjamin Harrison? Well who ever he was the Colts have certainly moved on with a vengeance, and if you remember it was Wayne not who ever that guy was who caught the only touchdown pass Peyton Manning has ever thrown in a Super Bowl.

Tight Ends

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Dallas Clark - Colts - This guy is the best TE in the AFC and maybe in the NFL. He has the best hands of any TE in the NFL. Clark had a career year, with his first ever 1,000 yard season, second season with double diget TD's and he also had a TD that went for 80 yards.

Antonio Gates - Chargers - It's funny some people thought Gates was on the decline, even though he had over 700 yards and 8 touchdowns, while playing hurt last season. Never the less Gates isn't going any where and his second ever 1,000 yard, fourth 70 catch, and sixth 7 touchdown season, goes to show it.

Offensive Tackles

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Ryan Clady - Broncos - Being the NFC guy that I am, I'm saddened that the two best OT's are in the AFC (Clady and Joe Thomas). Clady had the better year than Thomas, but seeing that Thomas is the better run blocker you could still make the argument who's the better overall player.

Joe Thomas - Browns - Thomas should have a movie made about his blind side protection, though I don't know if millions of people want to see scenes like Joe fishing with his dad, while he's being drafted by Cleveland with the 3rd overall pick. I could be wrong I mean there is a pro fishing tour so who knows?...

Who Should Of Made It
Michael Roos - Titans - Chris Johnson didn't get every one of those 2,000 plus yards all by himself, you know? Don't you, well Roos has become the best pulling tackle in the NFL, which is a scary thought when you have the fastest running back known to man. As well as being an excellent pass blocker for once again franchise QB Vince Young.

Who Shouldn't Of Made It
Jake Long - Dolphins - Now certainly Long deserved his first Pro Bowl nod, for his amazing rookie year, but not this season. Long consistently got beaten by speed rushers all season long, but thankfully for the Dolphins they have found an excellent helper for both Long and RT Vernon Carey, in FB Lousaka Polite for such a situation.

Centers

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Nick Mangold - Jets - This was hands down the easiest bracket of position/conference for this year. Mangold is the best center in the NFL and Jeff Saturday isn't far behind.

Jeff Saturday - Colts - Saturday is the best spread system center in the NFL history. If the Colts go to a 3 wide receiver set in a singleback formation, inside the opponents 5 with a darting run right up the middle, I can almost promise you it's a Colts TD. Addai, Brown, Rhodes, Edge, the RB's names may change, just not the guy who hands Peyton the ball.

Guards

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Alan Faneca - Jets - It's amazing what a free agent signing can do for you. 3 seasons ago Thomas Jones never went over the double digit TD mark, and only once went over the 1,300 yard mark. Now Jones has had back to back 1,300 yard seasons and 12 plus TD campaigns. And this year, also thanks to the future HOF guard, the Jets are the #1 rushing team in the NFL.

Logan Mankins - Patriots - All the changes at running back the New England Patriots have had in recent years, they all have been able to run the ball. Mankins and his brothern yet again had a successfull campaign not only doing a decent job in protecting a pass happy Tom Brady for under 20 sacks this year, but also opening holes for 3 different starting running backs, all of whom had over 4 yards a carry (Fred Taylor and Sammy Morris) or 9 touchdowns (Laurence Maroney) this season.

Who Should Of Made It
Jake Scott - Titans - I'm amazed at Scott's frame, being under 300 pounds at RG in the NFL, and not only is he able to survive, he is also able to thrive (pardon the rhyme). The only weakness in his game is getting pushed around in passing situations by stronger defensive tackles, but with his great run blocking skills and decent pass blocking skills, he is certainly deserving of a Pro Bowl spot.

Who Shouldn't Of Made It
Kris Dielman - Chargers - Now granted Dielman was the best O-lineman in San Diego, that really isn't saying much. When Rivers goes back to pass, usually he needs an extra TE and or RB/FB in the box to help protect him. I can't remember how many times I saw a down and Goal at the 1 or 2 yard line, with the hand off to LT and they O-line could not get a push and could not get LT in the endzone. And LaDainian Tomlinson's 3.3 yard per carry is atrocious enough to keep any Charger lineman including Dielman from South Beach, this January.

Defensive Ends

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Dwight Freeney - Colts - Freeney has shook off injuries and double teams this season all season long, to the tune of 13 and a half sacks.

Robert Mathis - Colts - Is it now safe to say that Mathis is more then just Dwight Freeney's sidekick, even getting a sack against young and talented LT Duane Brown when Freeney missed his only game of the season. And when both are out there on the field though you still have do deal with both of them and Mathis and Freeney make the best DE tandem in the NFL.

Who Should Of Made It
Aaron Schobel - Looking at the D-line of the bashful Bills, it's actually pretty darn good. Led by Schobel and DT Marcus Stroud. Nagging injuries all across the defense limited the effectiveness of the group, but Schobel was one of the lucky Bills defenders, not missing a game, it showed with Schobel's 4th 10 sack campaign. Bouncing back from what some thought was the dead, after only playing 5 games last year registering 1 sack, and entering this season at 31 years of age.

Who Shouldn't Of Made It
Mario Williams - Texans - Williams is still a top tier DE and defensive player for that matter. Even still he wasn't spectacular or Pro Bowl worthy. The most telling game for me is week 9 @ Buffalo, where he didn't record a tackle, let alone a sack. And anyone who follows Buffalo knows the Bills have one of the worst if not the worst offensive lines in the NFL (living proof of that is the fact the Bills are now on QB #3 for the season since, their top 2 are injured).

Interior Lineman

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Casey Hampton
So much for put this season in the tank. Hampton was thought to go the way of Willie Parker being demoted at mid-season and possibly being let go at the end of it. Hampton came back with a vengeance this year, starting every game for the defending champions. Going for more total tackles then he's had since 2006 and a career high 2.5 sacks.

Who Should Of Made It
Kelly Gregg - Ravens - It was Gregg not Ngata who had the Pro Bowl season for Baltimore. Not only did Gregg have more tackles and sacks, he's come on very strong in the 2nd half of the season, having foure 4 tackle games since the Ravens week 7 bye and having a sack in each of his last 2 games being a big part of Baltimore's Playoff push. Gregg who lost for the year last October with a knee injury, is showing now immediate signs of slowing down at age 33.

Shaun Ellis - Ellis missed the first game of the season, and spent the rest of the season showing what we missed in that first game. Now I know 3-4 DE's aren't usually supposed to make the Pro Bowl, but seeing Ellis's 6 sacks at that 3-4 DE spot and his contribution especially with Pro Bowl NT Kris Jenkins going down for the season, and Ellis stepping his game up because of it. Ellis has had three 2 sack games this year. And just like with Schobel, being on the other side of 30 isn't stopping this D-lineman.

Who Shouldn't Of Made It
Vince Wilfork - Patriots - As good as Wilfork is and as tough a job he makes it for each opposing center and guards, he didn't have a spectacular year in total. He was very one-dimensional, seeing that he didn't get to the QB as often, he had no sacks (for the first time in his career) and few QB pressures. And only for the 2nd season of his career he missed a game, let alone multiple games, registering the fewest tackles since his rookie year.

Inside Linebackers

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Ray Lewis - Ravens - The future HOF had another great year. Quieting the critics, after annoying off-season for Lewis, having to deal with his own contract negotiations as well as, having to hear the questions of could his defense recover from losing fellow ILB Bart Scott and Defensive Coordinator Rex Ryan. In the end, with Suga Ray it always tastes so sweet.

Who Should Of Made It
David Harris - Jets - This is another no-brainer. Harris anchored the middle of the defense for Rex Ryan. Harris finished 2nd for AFC inside backers in combined tackles (with 126) and sacks (5.5). And with Bart Scott partnered with Harris, Ryan has his new double edged sword at inside linebacker for years to come.

Who Shouldn't Of Made It
DeMeco Ryans - Texans - Ryans is a stud no question about it. However he had a very up and down season. Especially to start off, as he was front row center of a defense that had one of the worst three game stretches in NFL history. Ryans' and the Texan defense Allowed at least 100 yards and 2 touchdowns in each of the first three games of the season.

Outside Linebackers

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Elvis Dumervil - Broncos - Dumervil had one of the greatest position changes in sports history, going from DE to OLB (as a by product of the Denver D switching to Defensive Coordinator Mike Nolan's 3-4 defense). Dumervil was always an up and down player, which you couldn't blame him for being under 6'0 and only weighing in at 250 pounds (as he got pushed around when opposing teams ran the ball, especially if the other team played power football). Now Dumervil is able to reak havoc on every down, without weakness. No better proof is his career 48 tackles and franchise high 17 sacks.

Brian Cushing - Texans - Brian Cushing is a monster. M-O-N-S-T-E-R. Monster (now all I need is one of those Sesame Street Muppet's to pop up and spell that for me). Anyways, Cushing had a remarkable rookie season, already establishing himself as one of the best coverage linebackers in the NFL. Believe it or not the rook had more pass deflections than Antonio Cromartie, Brian Dawkins, or Corey Webster. Oh and Cushing had 128 tckles and 4 sacks to boot, he's only 22 years old, by the way...

James Harrison - Steelers - The thing I love about Harrison is he can do everything. Creep up and make a stop in the run game (he has nearly 300 tackles in his last three seasons combined), drop back and defend the pass (see Super Bowl 43), and of course put a hurt on the QB (34.5 sacks and 19 forced fumbles in his three).

Cornerbacks

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Darrelle Revis - Jets - It is official Darrelle Revis is the best cornerback in the NFL, with apologies to Nnamdi Asomugha. Revis shut down star WR's all year long, as well did the thing that sets you apart from other shut down corners he made the big play with 6 interceptions, including a 67 INT return for a TD, in Tampa.

Champ Bailey - Broncos - Champ rebounded exceptionally well from an injury plagued 2008 season. He is still among the elite corners in the NFL and can still shut down your best WR, the best example of that in week 14, in Indy, where Bailey held Reggie Wayne to under 40 yards.

Who Should Of Made It
Leon Hall - Bengals - I marvel at Hall and his partner in crime Johnathan Joseph, because they rarely have adequate deep safety help, and even still they get the job done week after week. Hall proved this notion by knocking down more passes than any player in the NFL this season (other than Revis).

Who Shouldn't Of Made It
Nnamdi Asomugha - Raiders - Don't get me wrong if I had a shot at having Nnamdi (notice how everyone calls the brotha Nnami, in an effort to save them self the embarrassment of mispronouncing his last name [for future reference it's pronounced: Aso-MU-Wah, your welcome]) on my football team, I'd take em in a heartbeat. It's just that this season, wasn't his best, far from it actually. He had his moments, but early on slowed by a wrist injury for the first part of the season, he didn't show that constant shut down ability (granted a small part of that is the Raiders desire to at times play more zone coverage or put him on a the weaker or #2 WR in man to man). Even still, in his own division all three star WR's (Vincent Jackson, Brandon Marshall, and Dwayne Bowe), got the better of Asomugha and the Raiders, as the three totaled a combined, 36 catches for 446 yards, and 5 TD's, against Oakland. Coupled with all that, even though Asomugha was targeted more this season, he still wound up with only 1 pick.

Strong Safety

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Brian Dawkins - I love duel threats at the safety position, in other words a player who can excel at both the free and strong safety positions. Brian Dawkins is certainly one of those players, he starts at free safety for Denver's improved defense, but can creep up in the box and lay the wood or drop back protecting the deep ball. I don't care how old this guy is, he's still one of the best safeties in the League.

Free Safety

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Jarius Byrd - Bills - What can you about this guy? Wow, he grabbed 9 INT's and he didn't start in 3 games and missed the last two, being on the IR with a torn labrum in his hip. Come back healthy next year Mr. Byrd, can't wait to see more!

Who Should Of Made It
Antoine Bethea - Colts - Bethea is the Colts last line of defense, and rarely do you see a ball go over this man's head off a deep ball. Not only does Bethea have immense talent in pass defense he can also deliver a punishing hit, this year to the tune of nearly 100 tackles and forcing 2 fumbles in the process.

Who Shouldn't Of Made It
Ed Reed - Ravens - Now I'm not saying Reed is done or over the hill by any stretch of the imagination, it just looked that way, because he had nagging injuries during the entire 2009 season (one of his injuries is hampering him so badly that he's seen a vaunted specialist for his problematic hip). All that being said even the injuries Reed has still had a nice year with 3 INT's, one of which Reed returned for a TD against Carson Palmer, for 52 yards in week 5. If Reed decides to play another year or two, look for him to come back with a vengeance in 2010.

Punter

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Shane Lechler - Raiders
Somebody tell me how it's possible for a 33 year old is able to improve the power in his legs? Lechler has improved off his career average punting average by 4 yards, as this year it's up to over 51 yards per punt. Not only that his net average is improved by almost 6 yards, which is now up to 44 yards per net punt. Amazingly he's ahead of any AFC punter by about 4 yards in each of the two categories.

Kick Return Specialist
Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Josh Cribbs - Browns - Up until the break out of Browns RB Jerome Harrison, Cribbs was the offense. Now all alone with the NFL record for most kick and punt returns for TD's, Cribbs (as with Revis of the Jets showing he's the best corner in the League) also all alone as the best return man in the League.

Kicker

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Nate Kaeding - Chargers - Kaeding was far and away the best kicker in the AFC this season. Hitting on three of his four 50 yard plus attempts. And knocking down 91% of his FG's. The lone smudge on Kaeding's 2009 exploits is a missed extra point, which was blocked.

Special Teamer

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Kassim Osgood - Chargers - Who needs a quick footed LB, or a hard hitting safety, San Diego has a mutant WR factory. Osgood like his WR teammates is tall and bulky, standing tall at 6-5 and weighing in at 220 pounds, Osgood has embraced his role as a hitman on special teams doubling the amount of tackles then he has catches on the season.

NFC
Quarterbacks

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Drew Brees - Saints - Only 4,400 yards? That's it? That's how high the standards are for this guy. Now sarcasm aside, Brees had only two game under 62% passing. Brees continues to amaze and defensive coordinators continue to hyperventilate at the thought of the Saints starting quarterback.

Aaron Rodgers - Packers - I think the question of the season should be how did A-Rod get sacked a league-leading 50 times and only throw 7 interceptions? He limited his mistakes and kept Green Bay in games, even being under a never ending defensive barrage and still managed to throw for 4,200 yards have 33 total TD's. One would be safe to assume the Packers use their first round pick on an offensive tackle...

Who Should Of Made It
Tony Romo - Cowboys - The one big weakness is Tony Romo's game was, he had no game in December (and January, but this is about the regular season). Well 2-1 in said month, which includes the exploits of, leading Dallas to a victory vs. the then undefeated Saints, now standing one game away from a division title, and committing only one turnover which came in a 17-0 win in Washington. Romo for the season was only one of two QB's in the NFC, to throw for more than 4,000 yards. All that being said, the next step for Romo (and Wade Phillips for that matter) is that elusive first Playoff win.

Who Shouldn't Of Made It
Brett Favre - Vikings - For whatever reason some people went into the season thinking the Packers would be better off with Favre then the currently far and away more talented Aaron Rodgers. If Favre had started the season as the Packers #1 QB he'd probably be in a coma right now from constant hits he would of taken, as a result of the Packers abysmal offensive line. Favre has played gallantly this season, but a big part of that is because he has one of the best defenses, RB's & WR cores, and coaching staffs in the NFL.

Running Backs

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Adrian Peterson - Vikings - Amazingly AP only had 3 100 rushing games this season, but he also ran the ball into the endzone 17 times this season. Even with Chris Johnson's emergence, Peterson still is one of the scariest players in the NFL.

Steven Jackson - Rams - Jackson had the greatest season in NFL history for a RB who only scored 4 touchdowns? Yeah the Rams didn't give Jackson much of opportunity to get in the endzone, but even with the constant 8 man fronts Jackson leads the NFC in rushing, going off for 4 and a half yards per. He added over 50 receptions to his 5th straight 1,000 yard rushing season. Jackson was the Ram offense, which was other wise offensive.

DeAngelo Williams - Even with mulitple handicaps, such as his Head Coach (John Fox), and former starting quarterback (Jake Delhomme), and major injuries to the offensive line, Williams still managed to rush for over 5 yards a carry, go over 1,100 yards, and score 7 touchdowns. Williams may be the most underrated RB in the NFL, and he can't do anything about it.

Fullback

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Leonard Weaver - Eagles - The one knock on the effectiveness of the Eagle running game coming into this season was it couldn't convert in short yardage. Weaver has given Philly the final piece to that puzzle, running for a zany 4.7 yards per carry and scoring 4 total touchdowns. Though he isn't a great lead blocker, that's ok seeing Andy Reid's offense is based off big plays and running the ball is always secondary. Weaver fits perfectly in the Eagles West Coast offense.

Wide Receivers

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Larry Fitzgerald - Cardinals - Fresh off his historic Playoff stretch, Fitzgerald had another solid season. For the third straight season he reached the 90 reception, 1,000 yard and 10 touchdown plateau. And with Arizona reaching the Playoffs for the 2nd straight year, Fitzgerald just might put on another magical post-season show.

DeSean Jackson - Eagles - With Steve Smith (the Panthers Steve Smith that is) chained to the ground by Jake Delhomme, the NFL needed a new super human who breaks stop watches from anywhere from Cali to Jersey. Jackson tied the NFL record with eight 50 plus yard plays, but as the season went on proved he can be a force all game long getting open all over the field, with six 6 catch games and two 8 catch games (which were ironically back to back games on the road in San Diego and Chi-town, against two of the games better corners [Quentin Jammer and Charles Tillman]). Jackson isn't 6 feet he isn't 180 pounds, but as his ridiculous performances show, who cares?

Miles Austin - Cowboys - I have to apologize to Mr. Austin for doubting him all year. Saying such things as he's just another big WR, oh he's good he's just not a #1 WR, they still shouldn't of cut Terrell Owens. And in the end what put the Cowboys back in the Playoffs, wasn't their running game or defense, it was giving Tony Romo a full fledged passing attack. With Austin's emergence as a #1 WR, it put Roy Williams in his most comfortable place, as a #2 WR. And of course Jason Witten as the TE. Austin's storybook season puts him currently #1 in the NFC in receiving yards, and #4 in the NFL in touchdown receptions. Austin although was not drafted and not highly touted coming into the NFL, is a part of the new age, tall, big, and speedy WR. Jerry Jones can breath a little easier, because his Dallas Cowboys truely didn't need TO this season, so Miles I'm sorry, you are a full fledged #1 WR in the NFL.

Who Should Of Made It
Roddy White - Falcons - Yes his falcons are missing the Playoffs, but this is the Pro Bowl, not the MVP award. White followed up his breakout 2008 season with a stellar '09 campaign. One of only six WR's this season with 10 touchdowns, White futher established himself as a premiere WR, with his 3rd straight season with at least 75 catches. Highlighted by a week 5, 8 catch 210 yard, and 2 touchdown performance against one of the Leagues better corners (Nate Clements), White also had another 21st and Prime worthy spot with a a game winning TD catch with 26 seconds left. Michael Turner, Roddy White, Matt Ryan, and Sam Baker that's a pretty good group to build your offense around.

Who Shouldn't Of Made It
Sidney Rice - Vikings - It was certainly a surprise to many to see Sidney Rice breakout this season, but if you remember Rice was only 20 when he entered the League as a late first round pick of the Minnesota Vikings. His 77 catch, 1,200 yard, 6 touchdown season is something Vikings brass has been patiently waiting for ever since he was drafted out of South Carolina. As good of a season as Rice as had it wasn't 1st class, he was tied for 2nd on his own team for TD receptions. In only 3 of his games this season did he go over 90 yards, and in those three games he did not record a TD. And when you have a HOF QB, future HOF RB, and 2 lighting quick WR's having your back, it makes your job a lot easier.

Tight Ends

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Vernon Davis - 49ers - It's about darn time Vernon, welcome to the party, we've been saving a seat for you. Yes after a underachieving 3 years Vernon Davis has finally shown us his inner-Pro Bowler. He was already widely considered the NFL's best blocking TE, now he's in the argument for best overall TE in the NFL. With an NFC leading 12 TD receptions Davis has made good on San Francisco's 6th overall selection in the 2005 Draft, where he ran a ridiculous sub 4.4 40. It's basically impossible to cover this guy one on one, in fact the only guy who probably could in the League, is on the same team as Davis (Patrick Willis). Whoever the QB is next year for the Niners, Davis will his first option.

Jason Witten - Cowboys - With Miles Austin's breakout season in Dallas, it seems that another solid season by Witten has gotten lost in shuffle. Witten had his third 80 plus catch season to go with nearly 1,000 yards. The other reason Witten kinda got put on the backburner in football minds in Dallas and abroad, was Witten only had 1 TD this year. Never the less Witten as a good a TE as your gonna find in the NFL.

Centers

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Andre Gurode - Cowboys - The leader of the Dallas' ginormous offensive line, Guorde is also apart of the League's best division in terms of centers. Along side, Shaun O'Hara of the Giants, Jamaal Jackson of the Eagles, and Casey Rabach. Gurode has perfect size for a center at 6-4 and about 320 pounds, agile and strong, he's the anchor of the Cowboy's power run game, which averaged 4.8 yards per rush, good for third in the NFL this season.

Shaun O'Hara - Giants - O'Hara, Giants RB Brandon Jacobs, and FB Madison Hedgecock probably are the most feared threesome in terms of running the football right down your throat. O'Hara is steady as she goes, like the captain of a enchanted ship, setting a course for his moving teammates, with lots of play action ahead.

Guards

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Jahri Evans - Saints - Evans is the most athletic RG in the game. He's pretty powerful too at nearly 320 pounds, helping pave the way for the best offense of 2009 in the National Football League. New Orleans gave up an NFC low 20 sacks and was 4th in the NFL in yards per rush, Evans the best of the group is one of the best in terms of getting his man into the second level, which of course gives opposing coaches fits.

Steve Hutchinson - Vikings - One of the eaiser choices this year or really any year for that matter. Hutchinson is simply the best guard in football, year after year, this season being no different.

Who Should Of Made It
Davin Joseph - Buccaneers - I don't know why the #1 RG in the NFL gets so much disrespect. Joseph is a mauler and a protector all mashed up into one. Whether it was the Cadillac Williams, Derrick Ward, or Earnest Graham, the Bucs could run the football. The only problem was they where down early and often, even with three different quarterbacks, one of them being a rookie (Freeman), the Bucs were in the bottom half of sacks given up. Because of the names LT Penn, center(Jeff) Faine, and Joseph it will be that much easier for the soon to be 2nd year quarterback to grow.

Who Shouldn't Of Made It
Leonard Davis - Cowboys - Davis may be the most one-dimensional football player in the NFL. With superior run block skills, Davis also possesses inferior pass blocking skills. Granted he has vastly improved his game since his move from Arizona to Dallas (in large part because of his move from tackle to RIGHT guard), but even with his at best average pass blocking 'skills', he has still made the Pro Bowl in each season since joining the Cowboys...

Offensive Tackles

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Jason Peters - Eagles - Peters had a rocky start to his Eagle career, but rebounded nicely as he settled in, technically protecting three QB's blindsides (Donovan McNabb, Kevin Kolb, and Michael Vick). It seems the lazy tag that followed Peters from Buffalo has been lifted, especially since if he didn't shake that tag he would of been continued to be shaken by DE's. In a pass happy offense you can't just put your hand in the dirt and maul your opponent, there's much more technique for an offensive tackle in Philadelphia, then there was in Buffalo, and Peters has responded and proving his worth for that given up 1st rounder that the Eagles paid for him along with that $60 million price tag.

Jon Stinchcomb - Saints - Consistently one of the best right tackles in football, Stinchcomb has some of the best feet of any RT tackle in football. He's talented enough to play left tackle, but it just so happens the Saints are so tackle rich they have the likes of Jammal Brown and Jermon Bushrod on the payroll. And even with his excellent pass blocking skills, Stinchcomb and RG Jahri Evans were first in the NFC for converting on short yardage runs off the right side.

Who Should Of Made It
Donald Penn - Buccaneers - Granted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers don't have a very good football team they do however have a very good offensive line. One of the leaders of that line is undrafted third year starting LT Donald Penn. Penn is one of the more quick and athletic tackles in the League, even catching a deflected pass from then QB Josh Johnson for a 15 yard gain. Unlike this season, the Bucs hope in the future Penn will only be protecting one quarterback, that being Josh Freeman's blind side, unlike this season where there was 3 different Tampa QB's.

Who Shouldn't Of Made It
Bryant McKinnie - Vikings - Before this season anything negative you had to say about Bryant McKinnie was about his off the field exploits and his maturity level. This season you can add focus on the field to that list, looking more out of shape as the season wore one. Fading down the stretch at the end of the season giving up sacks and pressures as the Vikings gave away games and home field advantage. If he doesn't get it back together soon enough, the Vikes may be looking to draft a OT to partner with youngster Phil Loadholt, this April.

Defensive Ends

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Jared Allen - Vikings - So it's official Jared Allen is a perfect football player. Ok not quite, but he's pretty close, he of course can get to the QB about as good as anyone, as well as be stout against the run, and get a hand up batting down a pass here and there. Allen had 13 and a half sacks this year, it's crazy that's his lowest total since he was a Chief and still it's one heck of a year.

Julius Peppers - Panthers - One hands or two hands, he doesn't care he just wants to make a play. Peppers played part of the season with a busted (or broken, depended who you ask) right hand, and still wreaked havoc. The $1 million a game player earned every dollar this season. Once again going over the 10 sack mark, playing in every game this season, Peppers could quite possibly get an even bigger paycheck next season, even at the age of 30 (Peppers will be 30 as of January 18, 2010).

Trent Cole - Eagles - Cole is one of the quickest defensive lineman in the League. Though as time has passed he's improved his game, adding pass rush move after pass rush move to his arsenal, keeping offensive tackles guessing and their heads spinning for 60 minutes each sunday. Amazingly at right DE Cole lead the Eagles D-line with 54 tackles, flexing his run stopping skills at well, Cole makes it achingly tough for opposing offenses to run outside on Cole. Making Cole a scary duel threat that DE spot.

Interior Linemen

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Darnell Dockett - Cardinals - Dockett is quite possibly the best 3-4 DE in the business. He was astoudning this year with over 50 tackles, 7 sacks, and a INT. Dockett came into the season wanting a new contract, hey I'm not gonna argue with him, pay the man Zona!

Jay Ratliff - Cowboys - At just over 300 pounds Ratliff is supposedly undersized as a nose tackle in the Cowboys 3-4 look. Really??? Because I can't tell. Ratliff has become one of the elite 3-4 NT's, and Dallas defense has noticeably improved because of it (Dallas had the 5th best run D this season with just under 95 yards given up per game). With 40 tackles and his 2nd straight year with at least 6 sacks, Ratliff not only possesses a rare fire to rush the passer from that 3-4 NT spot, he also holds and pushes his ground backwards to stop the run.

Who Should Of Made It
Calais Campbell - Cardinals - Only 23 years old, in his first season starting in the NFL Campbell exploded on to the scene. Right from the get go Campbell proved his coaching staff right for putting him in the starting lineup, with 6 tackles against the rival 49ers, he helped stop Pro Bowl RB Frank Gore for a horrific 1.4 yards per carry on 22 carries for 30 yards rushing. And in week 13 Campbell gave another picture perfect performance as the Cards upset the Vikings and shut down the incomparable Adrian Peterson for only 19 yards off 13 carries, in the process. On the season Campbell put up nearly 50 tackles to go along with 7 sacks, and 5 pass deflections. With Campbell and Dockett as their anchors in the Cardinals 3-4 look, Frank Gore and Steven Jackson better get ready for next season, seeing the 49ers and Rams play the Cards twice a year.

Who Shouldn't Of Made It
Kevin Williams - Vikings - Ok so that's 3 Vikes I wanted yanked out of the Pro Bowl, nothing personal, I promise you. That being said K-Will is still on top of his game even with a minor drop off from last years menace to society tour (60 tackles 8 and half sacks in '08).

Inside Linebackers

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Patrick Willis - 49ers - Patrick Willis is the best player in football. It seems the words mistake is not in his vocabulary. 8 double digit tackle games, 4 sacks, 7 knocked down passes, 3 picks, and 3 forced fumbles, oh and he leads the NFL in tackles. You'd think Willis was from another planet, Titans Head Coach Jeff Fisher talked commented on Willis after the week 9 Titans-49ers game, on how Willis was the only guy that could who get a handle on the NFL's leader and rushing and yards from scrimmage (Chris Johnson), ""I think he knew once 52 (Willis) was nowhere in the vicinity that no one was going to catch him," Fisher said. "Willis on the field yesterday was the only one that could catch him. I have not seen an effort out of a linebacker like I've seen out of the effort out of him. "C.J. would have had three more touchdowns yesterday had he not been on the field. " Oh did I forget to mention he's only 24 years old?

Who Should Of Made It
London Fletcher - Washington - London Fletcher has never made a Pro Bowl even though he's never had a season with less than 116 tackles, and has reached the 2 INT mark four times, and had 9 seasons with over 2 sacks. He had a pretty darn good season this too with 134 tackles (tied for 2nd in the League), he had at least 6 tackles in ever game this season, to go along with 2 sacks, 6 knocked down passes, and a pick. Go figure...

Who Shouldn't Of Made It
Johnathan Vilma - Saints - This is just another case of a player having a very good year, but not a great year. Vilma was as solid as they come this season, but only had three 10+ tackle games and had two games with only 4. Not even in the top 5 in the League for total tackles, Vilma still had a very good year with 110 tackles, 2 sacks, and was a monster in coverage with 3 picks and 8 pass deflections.

Outside Linebackers -

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Lance Briggs - Bears - Still one of the if not the best coverage linebackers in the League. Briggs didn't miss a beat with future HOF Brian Urlacher being lost for the season after week 1. Briggs mind as well of played every linebacker spot, I say that because his play, his stats, and his abilities would make you think so. He went over the 100 tackle mark for the sixth straight season, as well as still showing his pass rushing talent when needed with 2 and a half sacks, as well as going into coverage knocking down 5 passes and picking off one. Earning the big nearly $40 million contract he got last off-season, Briggs was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise average Bears defense.

DeMarcus Ware - Cowboys - One minute you think he's out for the year the next, he's taking down the NFL's most exciting offense and it's quarterback, in New Orleans. Ware once again proved he's still the best pass rusher in the League. After going 0-fer in his first 4 games (mainly because of the short comings of his teammate and partner in crime OLB Anthony Spencer, seeing Ware double teamed week after week), Ware unloaded on the Falcons, Seahawks, and Packers, totaling 7 sacks in his next 3 out of 4 games. He's finished up '09 with 11 sacks, 5 forced fumbles. He showed off the rest of his game as well with nearly 60 tackles and 6 pass deflections. With Jerry Jones finally extending his contract (through 2015), the Cowboys are making sure their best player is going no where.

Brian Orakpo - Washington - So much for just being an athletic freak. No Vernon Gholston remix here folks, Orakpo has already established himself as one of the League's better pass rushers with 11 sacks on the season. The highlight of his great freshman year in the pros coming in Oakland, where he went off for 4 sacks, a forced fumble, and 6 tackles. With more tackles then his NFC East counterpart DeMarcus Ware, Orakpo is proving he's already coming full circle.

Cornerbacks

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Asante Samuel - Eagles - Samuel again did what he does best this season, get interceptions, 9 to be exact (tied for the League lead). Samuel had two multi pick games this season he also improved his physicality from last season, getting an extra 8 solo tackles (39 total). Samuel's partnership with fellow corner Sheldon Brown gives the Eagles one of the best corner tandems in the League.

Charles Woodson - Packers - Was Woodson trying to win the Heisman again this year? I mean he did everything on defense he forced fumbles (4), he picked off passes (8), he scored touchdowns (2), he made tackles (three games with 9), and he even got to the QB twice. With Al Harris' decline, Woodson's continued refusal to get old, is music to Packers defensive backs coach Darren Perry's ears.

Chris Gamble - Panthers - Gamble has leaped into the rare of air of being a shut down corner. Which makes his 4 INT's on the year even more of an accomplishment. Gamble and the Panthers only allowed one 100 yard effort all year by a #1 WR (A. Bryant 5 catches for 116 yards in week 13). The two marquee blackouts for opposing star wideouts were in week 1 vs. DeSean 'Fraction' Jackson who only caught two passes for 9 yards. And in week 14 in New England vs. Randy Moss, who Gamble held to only 1 catch for 16 yards, which Moss fumbled (Gamble also had a INT in that game, while covering Moss). Gamble's 6'1, 200 pound frame makes him bigger then most corners, but still being a former college WR he has blazing speed.

Who Shouldn't Of Made It
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie - Cardinals - DRC is basically a poor mans version of his cousin (Charger Antonio Cromartie), an athletic who you better not give an oppourtunity to, because he will pick you off, but at the same time DRC is a poor cover corner. The star witness of that this season anyway, is a Sunday Night game against the Colts, while covering Indy WR Pierre Garcon, DRC crashed to the Earth like a Russian satellite, while Garcon went right by him for a 53 yard TD. Arizona has the 22nd worst pass defenses in the NFL, and his lack of cover ability is a big part of that. Even though DRC is 6'2 he's barely over 180 pounds, and having four games in which he only had 1 tackle shows. Though to be fair to the Cardinals, again like DRC's cousin, his team is a very opportunistic defense, which prides itself on forcing turnovers and getting sacks (well the pre-08 Chargers that is), which is why at times Zona can get away with DRC being their #1 corner.

Strong Safety

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Adrian Wilson - Cardinals - Wilson's in the box mentality was never in question this season, his coverage skills however were the first half of the season. After a slow start Wilson caught fire caught fire the second half of the season, with 4 of his 5 INT's coming after week 9. He has 2 sacks and over 70 tackles on the season. Thus proving he's still among the elite as far as strong safeties go in the NFL. Thankfully for Wilson he's one of the few Cardinals to get actually get that elusive new contract, signing a 5 year deal worth over 35 million last off-season.

Free Safeties

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Darren Sharper - Saints - Though he did fade in the 2nd half of the year going pick-less in 5 out of his last 7 games, give him a break! He's having a remarkable year at age 34. He was a TD machine early in the year getting 3 of them returned by week 7. Finishing up the year with 71 tackles and 9 picks and raking up nearly 400 return yards off INT's. Sharper and Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams have undoubtedly been the Free Agent signings of 2009. With Sharper having a career year age 34, all I got to say is wow.

Nick Collins - Packers - I kind of feel bad for Mr. Collins, because unless your name was Sharper or Byrd and your a free safety, you were put aside this year. Even still having a stellar season with 6 INT's, even having one if four straight games, getting one from Alex Smith, Daunte Culpepper, Joe Flacco, and of course Jay Cutler. Collins has 6 picks on the year to go with double diget pass deflections. So all that being said, Mr. Ted Thompson (Packers GM) are you gonna get pay this man (Collins is a FA after the season)?

Punter

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Andy Lee - 49ers - The second best punter by the Bay. Outside of Frank Gore Lee mind as well of been the offensive MVP for San Francisco the past 3 years, averaging over 47 yards per punt during those seasons, Lee was 2nd in the NFL in net average (1st being of course Shane Lechler). At least with names like Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree now to go with Gore, Lee can ease up on the ice on the knees, and those 10 plus punt games, and relax a little.

Kick Return Specialist

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
DeSean Jackson - Eagles - Going back to the need for another Steve Smith, just like Smith early in his career, Jackson is an out of this world punt returner. Only getting 27 opportunities Jackson took 2 back to the house, 1 in every 4 was at least a 20 yard gain, 3 of which were returned for over 40 yards. 'Fraction Jackson' like Smith is writing his own legacy even at the young age of 23 years.

Placekicker

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
David Akers - Eagles - With field goal kickers rarely do you find somebody who's automatic (case and point Gary Anderson), the closest to being Mr. Reliable in today's NFL would be David Akers. Akers is hitting nearly 89% of his field goals (which is 2nd in the NFL to Kaeding), which is a new career high for him. He's missed two extra points, but both were blocked, and one of his measly four missed FG's were blocked as well. Akers leads the NFL in FG's made and attempted this year (32-36), with all 4 of his misses coming outside 38 yards. He's cool as them come right now, especially since he's playing in cold Philly (cold weather and cold receptions).

Special Teamer

Who Should Of Made It
Tim Shaw - Bears - Shaw helped pave the way for 2 different special teams touchdowns by two different players this year (one by Johnny Knox on a KR, one by Earl Bennett on a PR). As well Shaw led the Bears special teamers collecting 17 tackles (only having two no tackle games) being a part of who didn't allow a touchdown this season on special teams. The Penn State linebacker was signed by the Bears after Brian Urlacher and Pisa Tinoisamoa went down in the opener in Green Bay, and played the rest of the season (in all of the remaining 14 games) Shaw immediately showed his instinctive talent, making him the perfect fit for the ailing Bears.

Who Shouldn't Of Made It
Heath Farwell - Vikings - Now that makes 4 Vikes that erased from the 2010 Pro Bowl, I'm serious nothing personal, against the Twin Cities. A linebacker Farwell had 18 tackles, this year, but at the same time having 4 games where he didn't record a stat.. He is a good blocker downfield, however for Percy Harvin, who could of had the current version of Steve Tasker help mush down the field and still would of set the NFL world on fire, returning the football.

Your opinions or you got this article from somewhere?

Well if you did this on your own. It's safe to say you apparently don't like the Vikes.

Myne, I was so teed off after getting word of a lot of the selections and I figured I'd shed some light on the situation.

Originally posted by krizay:
Well if you did this on your own. It's safe to say you apparently don't like the Vikes.

...or he has a ton of free time

Schaub should have made it over Brady not Big Ben

Originally posted by WheresWaldo:

Originally posted by krizay:
Well if you did this on your own. It's safe to say you apparently don't like the Vikes.

...or he has a ton of free time

Hahaha, yeah actually it took me 3 days to write since I was writing off and on, when I quote unquote had the time, haha.

good read.

brady shouldn't have made the pro bowl.

Originally posted by waiting4number6:
AFC
Quarterbacks-

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Peyton Manning - Colts - Peyton was the best quarterback in the NFL this season, he deserves another Pro Bowl start for sure.

Phillip Rivers - Chargers - Rivers is now the unquestioned leader of the San Diego Super Chargers, the man who has never lost a game in the month of December, in his NFL. And even with having one of the softest offensive lines in the NFL and taking constant hits because of it, Rivers has the 2nd best QB rating in the NFL.

Who Should Of Made It
Ben Roethlisberger - Steelers - Even though Big Ben really is his own pass protection, he has a better yards per attempt then Tom Brady by nearly a yard, along with having the same number of picks thrown, and the most telling stat more 20 and 40 yard plus completions, at the same time taking three times as many sacks as Tom Terrific.

Who Shouldn't Of Made It
Tom Brady - Patriots - The current Golden Boy of the NFL had a good season, it just wasn't Pro Bowl worthy, especially since this was a comeback year for Brady. More so the influx of talent at the QB position in the AFC, then any real criticism of the 3-time Super Bowl Champion.

Running Backs

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Chris Johnson - Titans - Johnson is actually making an argument for something that wasn't supposed to be an argument. He may be the best back in the NFL, with apologies to Adrian Peterson. He's the fastest all purpose back I've ever seen. And of course he may be setting some MORE records by weekends end.

Maruice Jones-Drew - Jaguars - Any questions about Jones-Drew's durability and ability to handle the full load as the lead back in Jacksonville has been answered. The guy has gone over 10 plus TD's for the 3rd time in 4 years and over the 1,000 rushing mark for the first time in his already steller career, thus proving Maruice Jones-Drew is an every down back in the National Football League.

Ray Rice - Ravens - If you want a running back who can do it all, you want Ray Rice. He can run, he can block, he can catch, he can run inside and outside, and he can convert you a 3rd and short as well as break off a big home run. Any members of Willis McGahee fan club, may have to get ready for a change of scenery.

Fullback

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Le'Ron McClain - Ravens - McClain shifted back to being a full time fullback this year, and did so with flying colors. McClain has become the best FB in the NFL over the last seasons, and this season he still ran the ball occasionally and even improved on his receiving totals from last year, when he was the lead back for Baltimore. At 25 years old he will only get better which bodes very well for Ray Rice and the Ravens hard nosed offensive attack.

Wide Receivers

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Andre Johnson - Texans - Any of the Larry Fitzgerald vs. Andre Johnson chatter, has been officially put to rest by AJ this season. Most notably so in Arizona, where Johnson out did Fitzgerald (sadly AJ's Texans couldn't out do the Cards, falling 28-21) catching 8 balls for 101 yards and 2 TD's vs. Fitzgerald's 5 for 79 and 2 scores, Johnson scored his first touchdown with authority bouncing off of 2 Cardinal safeties (including Pro Bowl SS Adrian Wilson) and corner Bryan McFadden for an 18 yard catch and highlight stick. And not only did Johnson kill that particular debate, he lead the lead in receiving yards this year with over 1,500.

Brandon Marshall - Broncos - Mr. Marshall is reportedly on his way to the biggest contract in NFL history for a wide out, and with his 3rd straight season of at least 100 catches, 1,100 yards, and 6 touchdowns, it's easy to see why.

Wes Welker - Patriots - I just talked about how many balls Brandon Marshall has hauled in, in recent years. That's nothing Welker has at least 111 catches the last three seasons, one of those season was without Tom Brady (well for 15 and a half games, if you want to nit pick).

Reggie Wayne - Colts - Wayne has played so darn well this season, I forgot that WR who used to play in Indy, he's a future HOF...Marvin Hamlisch? Benjamin Harrison? Well who ever he was the Colts have certainly moved on with a vengeance, and if you remember it was Wayne not who ever that guy was who caught the only touchdown pass Peyton Manning has ever thrown in a Super Bowl.

Tight Ends

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Dallas Clark - Colts - This guy is the best TE in the AFC and maybe in the NFL. He has the best hands of any TE in the NFL. Clark had a career year, with his first ever 1,000 yard season, second season with double diget TD's and he also had a TD that went for 80 yards.

Antonio Gates - Chargers - It's funny some people thought Gates was on the decline, even though he had over 700 yards and 8 touchdowns, while playing hurt last season. Never the less Gates isn't going any where and his second ever 1,000 yard, fourth 70 catch, and sixth 7 touchdown season, goes to show it.

Offensive Tackles

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Ryan Clady - Broncos - Being the NFC guy that I am, I'm saddened that the two best OT's are in the AFC (Clady and Joe Thomas). Clady had the better year than Thomas, but seeing that Thomas is the better run blocker you could still make the argument who's the better overall player.

Joe Thomas - Browns - Thomas should have a movie made about his blind side protection, though I don't know if millions of people want to see scenes like Joe fishing with his dad, while he's being drafted by Cleveland with the 3rd overall pick. I could be wrong I mean there is a pro fishing tour so who knows?...

Who Should Of Made It
Michael Roos - Titans - Chris Johnson didn't get every one of those 2,000 plus yards all by himself, you know? Don't you, well Roos has become the best pulling tackle in the NFL, which is a scary thought when you have the fastest running back known to man. As well as being an excellent pass blocker for once again franchise QB Vince Young.

Who Shouldn't Of Made It
Jake Long - Dolphins - Now certainly Long deserved his first Pro Bowl nod, for his amazing rookie year, but not this season. Long consistently got beaten by speed rushers all season long, but thankfully for the Dolphins they have found an excellent helper for both Long and RT Vernon Carey, in FB Lousaka Polite for such a situation.

Centers

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Nick Mangold - Jets - This was hands down the easiest bracket of position/conference for this year. Mangold is the best center in the NFL and Jeff Saturday isn't far behind.

Jeff Saturday - Colts - Saturday is the best spread system center in the NFL history. If the Colts go to a 3 wide receiver set in a singleback formation, inside the opponents 5 with a darting run right up the middle, I can almost promise you it's a Colts TD. Addai, Brown, Rhodes, Edge, the RB's names may change, just not the guy who hands Peyton the ball.

Guards

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Alan Faneca - Jets - It's amazing what a free agent signing can do for you. 3 seasons ago Thomas Jones never went over the double digit TD mark, and only once went over the 1,300 yard mark. Now Jones has had back to back 1,300 yard seasons and 12 plus TD campaigns. And this year, also thanks to the future HOF guard, the Jets are the #1 rushing team in the NFL.

Logan Mankins - Patriots - All the changes at running back the New England Patriots have had in recent years, they all have been able to run the ball. Mankins and his brothern yet again had a successfull campaign not only doing a decent job in protecting a pass happy Tom Brady for under 20 sacks this year, but also opening holes for 3 different starting running backs, all of whom had over 4 yards a carry (Fred Taylor and Sammy Morris) or 9 touchdowns (Laurence Maroney) this season.

Who Should Of Made It
Jake Scott - Titans - I'm amazed at Scott's frame, being under 300 pounds at RG in the NFL, and not only is he able to survive, he is also able to thrive (pardon the rhyme). The only weakness in his game is getting pushed around in passing situations by stronger defensive tackles, but with his great run blocking skills and decent pass blocking skills, he is certainly deserving of a Pro Bowl spot.

Who Shouldn't Of Made It
Kris Dielman - Chargers - Now granted Dielman was the best O-lineman in San Diego, that really isn't saying much. When Rivers goes back to pass, usually he needs an extra TE and or RB/FB in the box to help protect him. I can't remember how many times I saw a down and Goal at the 1 or 2 yard line, with the hand off to LT and they O-line could not get a push and could not get LT in the endzone. And LaDainian Tomlinson's 3.3 yard per carry is atrocious enough to keep any Charger lineman including Dielman from South Beach, this January.

Defensive Ends

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Dwight Freeney - Colts - Freeney has shook off injuries and double teams this season all season long, to the tune of 13 and a half sacks.

Robert Mathis - Colts - Is it now safe to say that Mathis is more then just Dwight Freeney's sidekick, even getting a sack against young and talented LT Duane Brown when Freeney missed his only game of the season. And when both are out there on the field though you still have do deal with both of them and Mathis and Freeney make the best DE tandem in the NFL.

Who Should Of Made It
Aaron Schobel - Looking at the D-line of the bashful Bills, it's actually pretty darn good. Led by Schobel and DT Marcus Stroud. Nagging injuries all across the defense limited the effectiveness of the group, but Schobel was one of the lucky Bills defenders, not missing a game, it showed with Schobel's 4th 10 sack campaign. Bouncing back from what some thought was the dead, after only playing 5 games last year registering 1 sack, and entering this season at 31 years of age.

Who Shouldn't Of Made It
Mario Williams - Texans - Williams is still a top tier DE and defensive player for that matter. Even still he wasn't spectacular or Pro Bowl worthy. The most telling game for me is week 9 @ Buffalo, where he didn't record a tackle, let alone a sack. And anyone who follows Buffalo knows the Bills have one of the worst if not the worst offensive lines in the NFL (living proof of that is the fact the Bills are now on QB #3 for the season since, their top 2 are injured).

Interior Lineman

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Casey Hampton
So much for put this season in the tank. Hampton was thought to go the way of Willie Parker being demoted at mid-season and possibly being let go at the end of it. Hampton came back with a vengeance this year, starting every game for the defending champions. Going for more total tackles then he's had since 2006 and a career high 2.5 sacks.

Who Should Of Made It
Kelly Gregg - Ravens - It was Gregg not Ngata who had the Pro Bowl season for Baltimore. Not only did Gregg have more tackles and sacks, he's come on very strong in the 2nd half of the season, having foure 4 tackle games since the Ravens week 7 bye and having a sack in each of his last 2 games being a big part of Baltimore's Playoff push. Gregg who lost for the year last October with a knee injury, is showing now immediate signs of slowing down at age 33.

Shaun Ellis - Ellis missed the first game of the season, and spent the rest of the season showing what we missed in that first game. Now I know 3-4 DE's aren't usually supposed to make the Pro Bowl, but seeing Ellis's 6 sacks at that 3-4 DE spot and his contribution especially with Pro Bowl NT Kris Jenkins going down for the season, and Ellis stepping his game up because of it. Ellis has had three 2 sack games this year. And just like with Schobel, being on the other side of 30 isn't stopping this D-lineman.

Who Shouldn't Of Made It
Vince Wilfork - Patriots - As good as Wilfork is and as tough a job he makes it for each opposing center and guards, he didn't have a spectacular year in total. He was very one-dimensional, seeing that he didn't get to the QB as often, he had no sacks (for the first time in his career) and few QB pressures. And only for the 2nd season of his career he missed a game, let alone multiple games, registering the fewest tackles since his rookie year.

Inside Linebackers

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Ray Lewis - Ravens - The future HOF had another great year. Quieting the critics, after annoying off-season for Lewis, having to deal with his own contract negotiations as well as, having to hear the questions of could his defense recover from losing fellow ILB Bart Scott and Defensive Coordinator Rex Ryan. In the end, with Suga Ray it always tastes so sweet.

Who Should Of Made It
David Harris - Jets - This is another no-brainer. Harris anchored the middle of the defense for Rex Ryan. Harris finished 2nd for AFC inside backers in combined tackles (with 126) and sacks (5.5). And with Bart Scott partnered with Harris, Ryan has his new double edged sword at inside linebacker for years to come.

Who Shouldn't Of Made It
DeMeco Ryans - Texans - Ryans is a stud no question about it. However he had a very up and down season. Especially to start off, as he was front row center of a defense that had one of the worst three game stretches in NFL history. Ryans' and the Texan defense Allowed at least 100 yards and 2 touchdowns in each of the first three games of the season.

Outside Linebackers

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Elvis Dumervil - Broncos - Dumervil had one of the greatest position changes in sports history, going from DE to OLB (as a by product of the Denver D switching to Defensive Coordinator Mike Nolan's 3-4 defense). Dumervil was always an up and down player, which you couldn't blame him for being under 6'0 and only weighing in at 250 pounds (as he got pushed around when opposing teams ran the ball, especially if the other team played power football). Now Dumervil is able to reak havoc on every down, without weakness. No better proof is his career 48 tackles and franchise high 17 sacks.

Brian Cushing - Texans - Brian Cushing is a monster. M-O-N-S-T-E-R. Monster (now all I need is one of those Sesame Street Muppet's to pop up and spell that for me). Anyways, Cushing had a remarkable rookie season, already establishing himself as one of the best coverage linebackers in the NFL. Believe it or not the rook had more pass deflections than Antonio Cromartie, Brian Dawkins, or Corey Webster. Oh and Cushing had 128 tckles and 4 sacks to boot, he's only 22 years old, by the way...

James Harrison - Steelers - The thing I love about Harrison is he can do everything. Creep up and make a stop in the run game (he has nearly 300 tackles in his last three seasons combined), drop back and defend the pass (see Super Bowl 43), and of course put a hurt on the QB (34.5 sacks and 19 forced fumbles in his three).

Cornerbacks

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Darrelle Revis - Jets - It is official Darrelle Revis is the best cornerback in the NFL, with apologies to Nnamdi Asomugha. Revis shut down star WR's all year long, as well did the thing that sets you apart from other shut down corners he made the big play with 6 interceptions, including a 67 INT return for a TD, in Tampa.

Champ Bailey - Broncos - Champ rebounded exceptionally well from an injury plagued 2008 season. He is still among the elite corners in the NFL and can still shut down your best WR, the best example of that in week 14, in Indy, where Bailey held Reggie Wayne to under 40 yards.

Who Should Of Made It
Leon Hall - Bengals - I marvel at Hall and his partner in crime Johnathan Joseph, because they rarely have adequate deep safety help, and even still they get the job done week after week. Hall proved this notion by knocking down more passes than any player in the NFL this season (other than Revis).

Who Shouldn't Of Made It
Nnamdi Asomugha - Raiders - Don't get me wrong if I had a shot at having Nnamdi (notice how everyone calls the brotha Nnami, in an effort to save them self the embarrassment of mispronouncing his last name [for future reference it's pronounced: Aso-MU-Wah, your welcome]) on my football team, I'd take em in a heartbeat. It's just that this season, wasn't his best, far from it actually. He had his moments, but early on slowed by a wrist injury for the first part of the season, he didn't show that constant shut down ability (granted a small part of that is the Raiders desire to at times play more zone coverage or put him on a the weaker or #2 WR in man to man). Even still, in his own division all three star WR's (Vincent Jackson, Brandon Marshall, and Dwayne Bowe), got the better of Asomugha and the Raiders, as the three totaled a combined, 36 catches for 446 yards, and 5 TD's, against Oakland. Coupled with all that, even though Asomugha was targeted more this season, he still wound up with only 1 pick.

Strong Safety

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Brian Dawkins - I love duel threats at the safety position, in other words a player who can excel at both the free and strong safety positions. Brian Dawkins is certainly one of those players, he starts at free safety for Denver's improved defense, but can creep up in the box and lay the wood or drop back protecting the deep ball. I don't care how old this guy is, he's still one of the best safeties in the League.

Free Safety

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Jarius Byrd - Bills - What can you about this guy? Wow, he grabbed 9 INT's and he didn't start in 3 games and missed the last two, being on the IR with a torn labrum in his hip. Come back healthy next year Mr. Byrd, can't wait to see more!

Who Should Of Made It
Antoine Bethea - Colts - Bethea is the Colts last line of defense, and rarely do you see a ball go over this man's head off a deep ball. Not only does Bethea have immense talent in pass defense he can also deliver a punishing hit, this year to the tune of nearly 100 tackles and forcing 2 fumbles in the process.

Who Shouldn't Of Made It
Ed Reed - Ravens - Now I'm not saying Reed is done or over the hill by any stretch of the imagination, it just looked that way, because he had nagging injuries during the entire 2009 season (one of his injuries is hampering him so badly that he's seen a vaunted specialist for his problematic hip). All that being said even the injuries Reed has still had a nice year with 3 INT's, one of which Reed returned for a TD against Carson Palmer, for 52 yards in week 5. If Reed decides to play another year or two, look for him to come back with a vengeance in 2010.

Punter

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Shane Lechler - Raiders
Somebody tell me how it's possible for a 33 year old is able to improve the power in his legs? Lechler has improved off his career average punting average by 4 yards, as this year it's up to over 51 yards per punt. Not only that his net average is improved by almost 6 yards, which is now up to 44 yards per net punt. Amazingly he's ahead of any AFC punter by about 4 yards in each of the two categories.

Kick Return Specialist
Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Josh Cribbs - Browns - Up until the break out of Browns RB Jerome Harrison, Cribbs was the offense. Now all alone with the NFL record for most kick and punt returns for TD's, Cribbs (as with Revis of the Jets showing he's the best corner in the League) also all alone as the best return man in the League.

Kicker

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Nate Kaeding - Chargers - Kaeding was far and away the best kicker in the AFC this season. Hitting on three of his four 50 yard plus attempts. And knocking down 91% of his FG's. The lone smudge on Kaeding's 2009 exploits is a missed extra point, which was blocked.

Special Teamer

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Kassim Osgood - Chargers - Who needs a quick footed LB, or a hard hitting safety, San Diego has a mutant WR factory. Osgood like his WR teammates is tall and bulky, standing tall at 6-5 and weighing in at 220 pounds, Osgood has embraced his role as a hitman on special teams doubling the amount of tackles then he has catches on the season.

NFC
Quarterbacks

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Drew Brees - Saints - Only 4,400 yards? That's it? That's how high the standards are for this guy. Now sarcasm aside, Brees had only two game under 62% passing. Brees continues to amaze and defensive coordinators continue to hyperventilate at the thought of the Saints starting quarterback.

Aaron Rodgers - Packers - I think the question of the season should be how did A-Rod get sacked a league-leading 50 times and only throw 7 interceptions? He limited his mistakes and kept Green Bay in games, even being under a never ending defensive barrage and still managed to throw for 4,200 yards have 33 total TD's. One would be safe to assume the Packers use their first round pick on an offensive tackle...

Who Should Of Made It
Tony Romo - Cowboys - The one big weakness is Tony Romo's game was, he had no game in December (and January, but this is about the regular season). Well 2-1 in said month, which includes the exploits of, leading Dallas to a victory vs. the then undefeated Saints, now standing one game away from a division title, and committing only one turnover which came in a 17-0 win in Washington. Romo for the season was only one of two QB's in the NFC, to throw for more than 4,000 yards. All that being said, the next step for Romo (and Wade Phillips for that matter) is that elusive first Playoff win.

Who Shouldn't Of Made It
Brett Favre - Vikings - For whatever reason some people went into the season thinking the Packers would be better off with Favre then the currently far and away more talented Aaron Rodgers. If Favre had started the season as the Packers #1 QB he'd probably be in a coma right now from constant hits he would of taken, as a result of the Packers abysmal offensive line. Favre has played gallantly this season, but a big part of that is because he has one of the best defenses, RB's & WR cores, and coaching staffs in the NFL.

Running Backs

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Adrian Peterson - Vikings - Amazingly AP only had 3 100 rushing games this season, but he also ran the ball into the endzone 17 times this season. Even with Chris Johnson's emergence, Peterson still is one of the scariest players in the NFL.

Steven Jackson - Rams - Jackson had the greatest season in NFL history for a RB who only scored 4 touchdowns? Yeah the Rams didn't give Jackson much of opportunity to get in the endzone, but even with the constant 8 man fronts Jackson leads the NFC in rushing, going off for 4 and a half yards per. He added over 50 receptions to his 5th straight 1,000 yard rushing season. Jackson was the Ram offense, which was other wise offensive.

DeAngelo Williams - Even with mulitple handicaps, such as his Head Coach (John Fox), and former starting quarterback (Jake Delhomme), and major injuries to the offensive line, Williams still managed to rush for over 5 yards a carry, go over 1,100 yards, and score 7 touchdowns. Williams may be the most underrated RB in the NFL, and he can't do anything about it.

Fullback

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Leonard Weaver - Eagles - The one knock on the effectiveness of the Eagle running game coming into this season was it couldn't convert in short yardage. Weaver has given Philly the final piece to that puzzle, running for a zany 4.7 yards per carry and scoring 4 total touchdowns. Though he isn't a great lead blocker, that's ok seeing Andy Reid's offense is based off big plays and running the ball is always secondary. Weaver fits perfectly in the Eagles West Coast offense.

Wide Receivers

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Larry Fitzgerald - Cardinals - Fresh off his historic Playoff stretch, Fitzgerald had another solid season. For the third straight season he reached the 90 reception, 1,000 yard and 10 touchdown plateau. And with Arizona reaching the Playoffs for the 2nd straight year, Fitzgerald just might put on another magical post-season show.

DeSean Jackson - Eagles - With Steve Smith (the Panthers Steve Smith that is) chained to the ground by Jake Delhomme, the NFL needed a new super human who breaks stop watches from anywhere from Cali to Jersey. Jackson tied the NFL record with eight 50 plus yard plays, but as the season went on proved he can be a force all game long getting open all over the field, with six 6 catch games and two 8 catch games (which were ironically back to back games on the road in San Diego and Chi-town, against two of the games better corners [Quentin Jammer and Charles Tillman]). Jackson isn't 6 feet he isn't 180 pounds, but as his ridiculous performances show, who cares?

Miles Austin - Cowboys - I have to apologize to Mr. Austin for doubting him all year. Saying such things as he's just another big WR, oh he's good he's just not a #1 WR, they still shouldn't of cut Terrell Owens. And in the end what put the Cowboys back in the Playoffs, wasn't their running game or defense, it was giving Tony Romo a full fledged passing attack. With Austin's emergence as a #1 WR, it put Roy Williams in his most comfortable place, as a #2 WR. And of course Jason Witten as the TE. Austin's storybook season puts him currently #1 in the NFC in receiving yards, and #4 in the NFL in touchdown receptions. Austin although was not drafted and not highly touted coming into the NFL, is a part of the new age, tall, big, and speedy WR. Jerry Jones can breath a little easier, because his Dallas Cowboys truely didn't need TO this season, so Miles I'm sorry, you are a full fledged #1 WR in the NFL.

Who Should Of Made It
Roddy White - Falcons - Yes his falcons are missing the Playoffs, but this is the Pro Bowl, not the MVP award. White followed up his breakout 2008 season with a stellar '09 campaign. One of only six WR's this season with 10 touchdowns, White futher established himself as a premiere WR, with his 3rd straight season with at least 75 catches. Highlighted by a week 5, 8 catch 210 yard, and 2 touchdown performance against one of the Leagues better corners (Nate Clements), White also had another 21st and Prime worthy spot with a a game winning TD catch with 26 seconds left. Michael Turner, Roddy White, Matt Ryan, and Sam Baker that's a pretty good group to build your offense around.

Who Shouldn't Of Made It
Sidney Rice - Vikings - It was certainly a surprise to many to see Sidney Rice breakout this season, but if you remember Rice was only 20 when he entered the League as a late first round pick of the Minnesota Vikings. His 77 catch, 1,200 yard, 6 touchdown season is something Vikings brass has been patiently waiting for ever since he was drafted out of South Carolina. As good of a season as Rice as had it wasn't 1st class, he was tied for 2nd on his own team for TD receptions. In only 3 of his games this season did he go over 90 yards, and in those three games he did not record a TD. And when you have a HOF QB, future HOF RB, and 2 lighting quick WR's having your back, it makes your job a lot easier.

Tight Ends

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Vernon Davis - 49ers - It's about darn time Vernon, welcome to the party, we've been saving a seat for you. Yes after a underachieving 3 years Vernon Davis has finally shown us his inner-Pro Bowler. He was already widely considered the NFL's best blocking TE, now he's in the argument for best overall TE in the NFL. With an NFC leading 12 TD receptions Davis has made good on San Francisco's 6th overall selection in the 2005 Draft, where he ran a ridiculous sub 4.4 40. It's basically impossible to cover this guy one on one, in fact the only guy who probably could in the League, is on the same team as Davis (Patrick Willis). Whoever the QB is next year for the Niners, Davis will his first option.

Jason Witten - Cowboys - With Miles Austin's breakout season in Dallas, it seems that another solid season by Witten has gotten lost in shuffle. Witten had his third 80 plus catch season to go with nearly 1,000 yards. The other reason Witten kinda got put on the backburner in football minds in Dallas and abroad, was Witten only had 1 TD this year. Never the less Witten as a good a TE as your gonna find in the NFL.

Centers

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Andre Gurode - Cowboys - The leader of the Dallas' ginormous offensive line, Guorde is also apart of the League's best division in terms of centers. Along side, Shaun O'Hara of the Giants, Jamaal Jackson of the Eagles, and Casey Rabach. Gurode has perfect size for a center at 6-4 and about 320 pounds, agile and strong, he's the anchor of the Cowboy's power run game, which averaged 4.8 yards per rush, good for third in the NFL this season.

Shaun O'Hara - Giants - O'Hara, Giants RB Brandon Jacobs, and FB Madison Hedgecock probably are the most feared threesome in terms of running the football right down your throat. O'Hara is steady as she goes, like the captain of a enchanted ship, setting a course for his moving teammates, with lots of play action ahead.

Guards

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Jahri Evans - Saints - Evans is the most athletic RG in the game. He's pretty powerful too at nearly 320 pounds, helping pave the way for the best offense of 2009 in the National Football League. New Orleans gave up an NFC low 20 sacks and was 4th in the NFL in yards per rush, Evans the best of the group is one of the best in terms of getting his man into the second level, which of course gives opposing coaches fits.

Steve Hutchinson - Vikings - One of the eaiser choices this year or really any year for that matter. Hutchinson is simply the best guard in football, year after year, this season being no different.

Who Should Of Made It
Davin Joseph - Buccaneers - I don't know why the #1 RG in the NFL gets so much disrespect. Joseph is a mauler and a protector all mashed up into one. Whether it was the Cadillac Williams, Derrick Ward, or Earnest Graham, the Bucs could run the football. The only problem was they where down early and often, even with three different quarterbacks, one of them being a rookie (Freeman), the Bucs were in the bottom half of sacks given up. Because of the names LT Penn, center(Jeff) Faine, and Joseph it will be that much easier for the soon to be 2nd year quarterback to grow.

Who Shouldn't Of Made It
Leonard Davis - Cowboys - Davis may be the most one-dimensional football player in the NFL. With superior run block skills, Davis also possesses inferior pass blocking skills. Granted he has vastly improved his game since his move from Arizona to Dallas (in large part because of his move from tackle to RIGHT guard), but even with his at best average pass blocking 'skills', he has still made the Pro Bowl in each season since joining the Cowboys...

Offensive Tackles

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Jason Peters - Eagles - Peters had a rocky start to his Eagle career, but rebounded nicely as he settled in, technically protecting three QB's blindsides (Donovan McNabb, Kevin Kolb, and Michael Vick). It seems the lazy tag that followed Peters from Buffalo has been lifted, especially since if he didn't shake that tag he would of been continued to be shaken by DE's. In a pass happy offense you can't just put your hand in the dirt and maul your opponent, there's much more technique for an offensive tackle in Philadelphia, then there was in Buffalo, and Peters has responded and proving his worth for that given up 1st rounder that the Eagles paid for him along with that $60 million price tag.

Jon Stinchcomb - Saints - Consistently one of the best right tackles in football, Stinchcomb has some of the best feet of any RT tackle in football. He's talented enough to play left tackle, but it just so happens the Saints are so tackle rich they have the likes of Jammal Brown and Jermon Bushrod on the payroll. And even with his excellent pass blocking skills, Stinchcomb and RG Jahri Evans were first in the NFC for converting on short yardage runs off the right side.

Who Should Of Made It
Donald Penn - Buccaneers - Granted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers don't have a very good football team they do however have a very good offensive line. One of the leaders of that line is undrafted third year starting LT Donald Penn. Penn is one of the more quick and athletic tackles in the League, even catching a deflected pass from then QB Josh Johnson for a 15 yard gain. Unlike this season, the Bucs hope in the future Penn will only be protecting one quarterback, that being Josh Freeman's blind side, unlike this season where there was 3 different Tampa QB's.

Who Shouldn't Of Made It
Bryant McKinnie - Vikings - Before this season anything negative you had to say about Bryant McKinnie was about his off the field exploits and his maturity level. This season you can add focus on the field to that list, looking more out of shape as the season wore one. Fading down the stretch at the end of the season giving up sacks and pressures as the Vikings gave away games and home field advantage. If he doesn't get it back together soon enough, the Vikes may be looking to draft a OT to partner with youngster Phil Loadholt, this April.

Defensive Ends

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Jared Allen - Vikings - So it's official Jared Allen is a perfect football player. Ok not quite, but he's pretty close, he of course can get to the QB about as good as anyone, as well as be stout against the run, and get a hand up batting down a pass here and there. Allen had 13 and a half sacks this year, it's crazy that's his lowest total since he was a Chief and still it's one heck of a year.

Julius Peppers - Panthers - One hands or two hands, he doesn't care he just wants to make a play. Peppers played part of the season with a busted (or broken, depended who you ask) right hand, and still wreaked havoc. The $1 million a game player earned every dollar this season. Once again going over the 10 sack mark, playing in every game this season, Peppers could quite possibly get an even bigger paycheck next season, even at the age of 30 (Peppers will be 30 as of January 18, 2010).

Trent Cole - Eagles - Cole is one of the quickest defensive lineman in the League. Though as time has passed he's improved his game, adding pass rush move after pass rush move to his arsenal, keeping offensive tackles guessing and their heads spinning for 60 minutes each sunday. Amazingly at right DE Cole lead the Eagles D-line with 54 tackles, flexing his run stopping skills at well, Cole makes it achingly tough for opposing offenses to run outside on Cole. Making Cole a scary duel threat that DE spot.

Interior Linemen

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Darnell Dockett - Cardinals - Dockett is quite possibly the best 3-4 DE in the business. He was astoudning this year with over 50 tackles, 7 sacks, and a INT. Dockett came into the season wanting a new contract, hey I'm not gonna argue with him, pay the man Zona!

Jay Ratliff - Cowboys - At just over 300 pounds Ratliff is supposedly undersized as a nose tackle in the Cowboys 3-4 look. Really??? Because I can't tell. Ratliff has become one of the elite 3-4 NT's, and Dallas defense has noticeably improved because of it (Dallas had the 5th best run D this season with just under 95 yards given up per game). With 40 tackles and his 2nd straight year with at least 6 sacks, Ratliff not only possesses a rare fire to rush the passer from that 3-4 NT spot, he also holds and pushes his ground backwards to stop the run.

Who Should Of Made It
Calais Campbell - Cardinals - Only 23 years old, in his first season starting in the NFL Campbell exploded on to the scene. Right from the get go Campbell proved his coaching staff right for putting him in the starting lineup, with 6 tackles against the rival 49ers, he helped stop Pro Bowl RB Frank Gore for a horrific 1.4 yards per carry on 22 carries for 30 yards rushing. And in week 13 Campbell gave another picture perfect performance as the Cards upset the Vikings and shut down the incomparable Adrian Peterson for only 19 yards off 13 carries, in the process. On the season Campbell put up nearly 50 tackles to go along with 7 sacks, and 5 pass deflections. With Campbell and Dockett as their anchors in the Cardinals 3-4 look, Frank Gore and Steven Jackson better get ready for next season, seeing the 49ers and Rams play the Cards twice a year.

Who Shouldn't Of Made It
Kevin Williams - Vikings - Ok so that's 3 Vikes I wanted yanked out of the Pro Bowl, nothing personal, I promise you. That being said K-Will is still on top of his game even with a minor drop off from last years menace to society tour (60 tackles 8 and half sacks in '08).

Inside Linebackers

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Patrick Willis - 49ers - Patrick Willis is the best player in football. It seems the words mistake is not in his vocabulary. 8 double digit tackle games, 4 sacks, 7 knocked down passes, 3 picks, and 3 forced fumbles, oh and he leads the NFL in tackles. You'd think Willis was from another planet, Titans Head Coach Jeff Fisher talked commented on Willis after the week 9 Titans-49ers game, on how Willis was the only guy that could who get a handle on the NFL's leader and rushing and yards from scrimmage (Chris Johnson), ""I think he knew once 52 (Willis) was nowhere in the vicinity that no one was going to catch him," Fisher said. "Willis on the field yesterday was the only one that could catch him. I have not seen an effort out of a linebacker like I've seen out of the effort out of him. "C.J. would have had three more touchdowns yesterday had he not been on the field. " Oh did I forget to mention he's only 24 years old?

Who Should Of Made It
London Fletcher - Washington - London Fletcher has never made a Pro Bowl even though he's never had a season with less than 116 tackles, and has reached the 2 INT mark four times, and had 9 seasons with over 2 sacks. He had a pretty darn good season this too with 134 tackles (tied for 2nd in the League), he had at least 6 tackles in ever game this season, to go along with 2 sacks, 6 knocked down passes, and a pick. Go figure...

Who Shouldn't Of Made It
Johnathan Vilma - Saints - This is just another case of a player having a very good year, but not a great year. Vilma was as solid as they come this season, but only had three 10+ tackle games and had two games with only 4. Not even in the top 5 in the League for total tackles, Vilma still had a very good year with 110 tackles, 2 sacks, and was a monster in coverage with 3 picks and 8 pass deflections.

Outside Linebackers -

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Lance Briggs - Bears - Still one of the if not the best coverage linebackers in the League. Briggs didn't miss a beat with future HOF Brian Urlacher being lost for the season after week 1. Briggs mind as well of played every linebacker spot, I say that because his play, his stats, and his abilities would make you think so. He went over the 100 tackle mark for the sixth straight season, as well as still showing his pass rushing talent when needed with 2 and a half sacks, as well as going into coverage knocking down 5 passes and picking off one. Earning the big nearly $40 million contract he got last off-season, Briggs was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise average Bears defense.

DeMarcus Ware - Cowboys - One minute you think he's out for the year the next, he's taking down the NFL's most exciting offense and it's quarterback, in New Orleans. Ware once again proved he's still the best pass rusher in the League. After going 0-fer in his first 4 games (mainly because of the short comings of his teammate and partner in crime OLB Anthony Spencer, seeing Ware double teamed week after week), Ware unloaded on the Falcons, Seahawks, and Packers, totaling 7 sacks in his next 3 out of 4 games. He's finished up '09 with 11 sacks, 5 forced fumbles. He showed off the rest of his game as well with nearly 60 tackles and 6 pass deflections. With Jerry Jones finally extending his contract (through 2015), the Cowboys are making sure their best player is going no where.

Brian Orakpo - Washington - So much for just being an athletic freak. No Vernon Gholston remix here folks, Orakpo has already established himself as one of the League's better pass rushers with 11 sacks on the season. The highlight of his great freshman year in the pros coming in Oakland, where he went off for 4 sacks, a forced fumble, and 6 tackles. With more tackles then his NFC East counterpart DeMarcus Ware, Orakpo is proving he's already coming full circle.

Cornerbacks

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Asante Samuel - Eagles - Samuel again did what he does best this season, get interceptions, 9 to be exact (tied for the League lead). Samuel had two multi pick games this season he also improved his physicality from last season, getting an extra 8 solo tackles (39 total). Samuel's partnership with fellow corner Sheldon Brown gives the Eagles one of the best corner tandems in the League.

Charles Woodson - Packers - Was Woodson trying to win the Heisman again this year? I mean he did everything on defense he forced fumbles (4), he picked off passes (8), he scored touchdowns (2), he made tackles (three games with 9), and he even got to the QB twice. With Al Harris' decline, Woodson's continued refusal to get old, is music to Packers defensive backs coach Darren Perry's ears.

Chris Gamble - Panthers - Gamble has leaped into the rare of air of being a shut down corner. Which makes his 4 INT's on the year even more of an accomplishment. Gamble and the Panthers only allowed one 100 yard effort all year by a #1 WR (A. Bryant 5 catches for 116 yards in week 13). The two marquee blackouts for opposing star wideouts were in week 1 vs. DeSean 'Fraction' Jackson who only caught two passes for 9 yards. And in week 14 in New England vs. Randy Moss, who Gamble held to only 1 catch for 16 yards, which Moss fumbled (Gamble also had a INT in that game, while covering Moss). Gamble's 6'1, 200 pound frame makes him bigger then most corners, but still being a former college WR he has blazing speed.

Who Shouldn't Of Made It
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie - Cardinals - DRC is basically a poor mans version of his cousin (Charger Antonio Cromartie), an athletic who you better not give an oppourtunity to, because he will pick you off, but at the same time DRC is a poor cover corner. The star witness of that this season anyway, is a Sunday Night game against the Colts, while covering Indy WR Pierre Garcon, DRC crashed to the Earth like a Russian satellite, while Garcon went right by him for a 53 yard TD. Arizona has the 22nd worst pass defenses in the NFL, and his lack of cover ability is a big part of that. Even though DRC is 6'2 he's barely over 180 pounds, and having four games in which he only had 1 tackle shows. Though to be fair to the Cardinals, again like DRC's cousin, his team is a very opportunistic defense, which prides itself on forcing turnovers and getting sacks (well the pre-08 Chargers that is), which is why at times Zona can get away with DRC being their #1 corner.

Strong Safety

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Adrian Wilson - Cardinals - Wilson's in the box mentality was never in question this season, his coverage skills however were the first half of the season. After a slow start Wilson caught fire caught fire the second half of the season, with 4 of his 5 INT's coming after week 9. He has 2 sacks and over 70 tackles on the season. Thus proving he's still among the elite as far as strong safeties go in the NFL. Thankfully for Wilson he's one of the few Cardinals to get actually get that elusive new contract, signing a 5 year deal worth over 35 million last off-season.

Free Safeties

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Darren Sharper - Saints - Though he did fade in the 2nd half of the year going pick-less in 5 out of his last 7 games, give him a break! He's having a remarkable year at age 34. He was a TD machine early in the year getting 3 of them returned by week 7. Finishing up the year with 71 tackles and 9 picks and raking up nearly 400 return yards off INT's. Sharper and Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams have undoubtedly been the Free Agent signings of 2009. With Sharper having a career year age 34, all I got to say is wow.

Nick Collins - Packers - I kind of feel bad for Mr. Collins, because unless your name was Sharper or Byrd and your a free safety, you were put aside this year. Even still having a stellar season with 6 INT's, even having one if four straight games, getting one from Alex Smith, Daunte Culpepper, Joe Flacco, and of course Jay Cutler. Collins has 6 picks on the year to go with double diget pass deflections. So all that being said, Mr. Ted Thompson (Packers GM) are you gonna get pay this man (Collins is a FA after the season)?

Punter

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
Andy Lee - 49ers - The second best punter by the Bay. Outside of Frank Gore Lee mind as well of been the offensive MVP for San Francisco the past 3 years, averaging over 47 yards per punt during those seasons, Lee was 2nd in the NFL in net average (1st being of course Shane Lechler). At least with names like Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree now to go with Gore, Lee can ease up on the ice on the knees, and those 10 plus punt games, and relax a little.

Kick Return Specialist

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
DeSean Jackson - Eagles - Going back to the need for another Steve Smith, just like Smith early in his career, Jackson is an out of this world punt returner. Only getting 27 opportunities Jackson took 2 back to the house, 1 in every 4 was at least a 20 yard gain, 3 of which were returned for over 40 yards. 'Fraction Jackson' like Smith is writing his own legacy even at the young age of 23 years.

Placekicker

Who Made It/Who Should Of Made It
David Akers - Eagles - With field goal kickers rarely do you find somebody who's automatic (case and point Gary Anderson), the closest to being Mr. Reliable in today's NFL would be David Akers. Akers is hitting nearly 89% of his field goals (which is 2nd in the NFL to Kaeding), which is a new career high for him. He's missed two extra points, but both were blocked, and one of his measly four missed FG's were blocked as well. Akers leads the NFL in FG's made and attempted this year (32-36), with all 4 of his misses coming outside 38 yards. He's cool as them come right now, especially since he's playing in cold Philly (cold weather and cold receptions).

Special Teamer

Who Should Of Made It
Tim Shaw - Bears - Shaw helped pave the way for 2 different special teams touchdowns by two different players this year (one by Johnny Knox on a KR, one by Earl Bennett on a PR). As well Shaw led the Bears special teamers collecting 17 tackles (only having two no tackle games) being a part of who didn't allow a touchdown this season on special teams. The Penn State linebacker was signed by the Bears after Brian Urlacher and Pisa Tinoisamoa went down in the opener in Green Bay, and played the rest of the season (in all of the remaining 14 games) Shaw immediately showed his instinctive talent, making him the perfect fit for the ailing Bears.

Who Shouldn't Of Made It
Heath Farwell - Vikings - Now that makes 4 Vikes that erased from the 2010 Pro Bowl, I'm serious nothing personal, against the Twin Cities. A linebacker Farwell had 18 tackles, this year, but at the same time having 4 games where he didn't record a stat.. He is a good blocker downfield, however for Percy Harvin, who could of had the current version of Steve Tasker help mush down the field and still would of set the NFL world on fire, returning the football.

He has over 4200 Yards and nearly 30 TD's. Stop hating. The Steelers will be watching the playoffs.

^
Was there a need to quote the whole thing?

When will people realize that the Pro Bowl is not a measure of the best players from that season? It's just a popularity contest. It's who people want to see, not who is the absolute best from that season.




The measure of the best players from the season is what the All Pro honors are for.

Originally posted by StOnEy333:
When will people realize that the Pro Bowl is not a measure of the best players from that season? It's just a popularity contest. It's who people want to see, not who is the absolute best from that season.




The measure of the best players from the season is what the All Pro honors are for.

Yea but the pro bowl is the pro bowl

duh