Redskins Pro Bowl berths and snubs

Some notes and comments on the Redskins’ Pro Bowl selections and non-selections:

—So Robert Griffin III is only the second rookie quarterback in NFL history to make the Pro Bowl as an original selection and not as an alternate. They other one was Dan Marino. Appearing on any list where you’re one guy and Marino is the other guy is quite an accomplishment. Both his numbers and the success of the team make him a no-brainer of a choice. First Redskins Pro Bowl QB since 1999 (Brad Johnson)

—Last year Trent Williams was playing at a Pro Bowl level from about midseason on but he denied himself the opportunity to earn a spot when he was suspended for the last four games of the season. This year, he’s back and better than ever. Williams allowed just four sacks all year and he has been a major factor in the Redskins’ top-ranked rushing game. If the Redskins had continued playing like they did when they were 3-6, Williams probably doesn’t get a nod. This is a case of team success lifting a player to an individual honor. First Redskins Pro Bowl OT since 2008 (Chris Samuels)

—Certainly the fact that the Redskins are on the verge of making the playoffs helped Lorenzo Alexander as well. He has been doing the dirty work on special teams since the Redskins’ last playoff year in 2007. But this is more than a lifetime achievement award; Alexander leads the NFL in special teams tackles. First Redskins Pro Bowl special teamer since 2007 (LS Ethan Albright)

—The one snub that raised the ire of many Redskins fans was that of Alfred Morris. Frank Gore, who has 267 fewer rushing yards and three few rushing TD’s than Morris, was selected instead. But Gore certainly is one of the best in the game and he has 148 more receiving yards and a touchdown through the air to make up some of the productivity gap with Morris.

—Many complained about London Fletcher being snubbed even though he didn’t have a vintage Fletcher season. Perhaps you could argue that he deserves a berth even if didn’t have a great year since he was left off so many that he deserved to be in. But there are only two inside backers selected and the 49ers’ Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman are clearly the best in the business.

—Will Montgomery has been playing exceptionally well this year and he would have been deserving of a nod. However, there also are only two center roster spots and the fans voted in Jeff Saturday, who was benched last week, to take one of them. And even if Saturday was not voted in John Sullivan of the Vikings and Jonathan Goodwin of the 49 were probably ahead of Montgomery. 

Comments

[JonDeLaurie]

What about the snub of DY? I assume the fullback of Vikes because of Peterson, but come on.

[Chip Free]

Hey Rich - quick question that you may or may not want to answer. I'm noticing more this year that London Fletcher seems to be keeping each ball that he intercepts, especially during this streak. Has he always done this? I'm not sure that he has.

The reason it seems noticeable to me is that it has gotten me to wondering - has he already decided this is his last season, and he wants to hold onto the last ball he intercepts? Just a thought, and I'm curious if you've noticed or heard anything. I know he's got more on his contract, but he's also definitely fighting those small injuries that come with playing, and I'm wondering how much longer he wants to put up with them.

[Rich Tandler]

Hi Chip, I have not noticed that, good eye. It's possible that this is his last season but I think he's going to give it one more go in 2013. He has said that he will make any retirement decision well into the offseason so, going with that, he hasn't decided.