I could be wrong, but I believe the NFL used to have a rule that mandated each team having at least one representative. That's why the Saints always had someone in there. Although, it was usually legit because it was a member of the Dome Patrol, Dalton Hilliard, Willie Roaf, etc. They did away with that rule because they said it was not fair to players who had earned a spot but didn't get it because of the mandatory player from some bad teams. I was all for that.
But, this year just seems like a popularity contest, which is a real shame. The last thing the NFL needs is for the Pro Bowl to become like the NBA all-star game. I was actually thinking of going to the Pro Bowl this year, but there is not much of a reason for a Saints fan to go now.
He had a couple of years in his first 4 years where he tore it up with 1300 yards and double digit TDs. I remember one of those years he only played 12 games and missed the first 4 games, and that hurt him. He ended up with 1323 yards, given that average if he could have played 16 games, been close to 1800 with that per game average. I dont know how he didnt make it those years, but he should have been to at least 2 pro bowls, but the AFC always has stud RBs.
I like Marion Barber as much as the next guy, he is fun to watch run, but him making the Pro Bowl, that is sad. The saddest thing is that there isnt anyone that I would strongly take over him. Not to bag on the Boys, but did Leonard Davis play that well this year? I honestly dont know, since it is hard to see how linemen play unless you have film. Did he really go from big bust to pro bowl in one year, or did the Boy's fans vote him in?
If the NFL had that rule, it was prior to 1996, as the Buccaneers don't have anyone on the Pro Bowl roster for the first time in 11 years. I know MLB has this rule in effect for the all-star game, but I'm not sure if the NFL ever had that rule.
In other news, maybe Fred Taylor will get his ticket to Hawaii after Willie Parker broke his leg last night.
I agree with you. It is hard to tell how well offensive linemen play unless you break down the film, but form what all the "experts" are saying, he has been dominant. As a cowboy fan, I was surprised to see Flozell make it. I know he had some good games against the top de, but he just seems to make too many dumb penalties. I guess there was just no one else who played great at LT.
The fans vote only counts for part of the selections ( 1/3 I think) and the players vote counts as well.
Humm... you're right. Fans, Coaches, players all get a third of the vote. My bad.
The pro-bowl selection process is more legitimate than the MLB all-star game selections, however there are always players who are deserving that get left out. Like Colston. I guess no system is perfect.