Category: Pro Bowl

NFL Pro Bowl 2020: Bears’ Eddie Jackson, Khalil Mack, Cordarrelle Patterson named to roster

Khalil Mack, Eddie Jackson and Cordarrelle Patterson have been named to the 2020 Pro Bowl.

The 2019 season has been a disappointment for the Chicago Bears as they’ll miss the postseason for the eighth time this decade, but at least three of their players will still have the opportunity to play January football.

Safety Eddie Jackson, kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson and outside linebacker Khalil Mack were named to the NFC squad in the 2020 NFL Pro Bowl.

Punt returner Tarik Cohen, defensive tackle Eddie Goldman and cornerback Kyle Fuller were named alternates.

Jackson, Mack and Patterson are all veterans of the NFL’s all-star game. Jackson, returning for the second-consecutive season, has one interception, one forced fumble and 57 total tackles on the season.

Mack was named to his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl with 7.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, and four pass deflections in his second season with the Bears.

Patterson, heading to his third Pro Bowl during his first season with the Bears, leads the league in total kickoff return yards, is second in kickoff return average, and has one touchdown on the season.

Meanwhile, Cohen, Goldman, and Fuller will have the opportunity to participate in the game if one of the starters elects not to play. Should Goldman have the opportunity to play, it will be his first Pro Bowl while Cohen and Fuller would be returning their second.

The 2020 NFL Pro Bowl takes place Sunday, January 26th at 2 p.m. CT in Orlando, FL.

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Calais Campbell headed to third consecutive Pro Bowl

Calais Campbell will represent the Jags for the third straight time in the Pro Bowl.

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman Calais Campbell will be heading to his third consecutive Pro Bowl.

With the league announcing its 2019 Pro Bowl rosters for the AFC and NFC Tuesday, the Jags announced that Campbell was their lone nominee (for now) to make the initial team. The Jags also announced that five players made the cut as alternates, including placekicker Josh Lambo (first alternate), tailback Leonard Fournette (second alternate), pass rusher Josh Allen (second alternate), punter Logan Cooke (third alternate) and receiver DJ Chark Jr. (third alternate).

So far this season Campbell has been able to register 53 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. He’s also found himself as one of Pro Football Focus top graded defensive lineman with a current grade of 90.3.

The veteran has had quite a career with both the Jags and Arizona Cardinals, accumulating a total of 688 tackles, 14 forced fumbles, and 88 sacks. His recent nomination puts him in company with Jags greats like Tony Boselli (five selections), receiver Jimmy Smith (five selections) and running back Maurice Jones-Drew (three selections) all of whom have been to three Pro Bowls or more with the franchise. He also had two nominations with the Cardinals in 2014-15.

Cardinals LB Jordan Hicks snubbed from Pro Bowl

He has put up better numbers overall than both Luke Kuechly and Bobby Wagner, the two NFC inside linebackers selected to the Pro Bowl.

The NFL announced its Pro Bowl rosters and two Arizona Cardinals players made the squad — outside linebacker Chandler Jones and safety Budda Baker — while three others (Kyler Murray, Zane Gonzalez and Dennis Gardeck) were named alternates.

However, one Cardinals player was notably absent from the NFC roster — linebacker Jordan Hicks.

He is a clear snub.

The linebackers chosen for the NFC are household names — Seattle’s Bobby Wagner and Carolina’s Luke Kuechly.

However, take a look at the numbers:

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Hicks has more tackles and sacks than Kuechly. He has more forced fumbles and more interceptions than both.

However, he is the leader of a bad defense.

Kuechly and Wagner are still considered the best at their positions, so it is understandable. However, Hicks deserves it this year. He has been everything the Cardinals wanted and more when they signed him as a free agent.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.

Ep. 251:

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Ep. 250:

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Chandler Jones, Budda Baker make Pro Bowl; Kyler Murray, 2 other Cardinals are alternates

Kyler Murray, Zane Gonzalez and Dennis Gardeck are alternates.

The Arizona Cardinals, despite a 4-9-1 record, have a pair of Pro Bowlers. The league announced who was selected to the 2020 Pro Bowl. Outside linebacker Chandler Jones and safety Budda Baker were selected as starters.

Jones makes the Pro Bowl for the third time in his career, the second time as a member of the Cardinals.

Baker makes it for the second time. The first time was his rookie season when he made the squad as a special teamer.

The Cardinals also had three players named as alternates.

Quarterback Kyler Murray, kicker Zane Gonzalez and special teamer Dennis Gardeck could be replacements if starters are hurt or are in the Super Bowl.

Linebacker Jordan Hicks, despite a productive season, is snubbed.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.

Ep. 251:

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Ep. 250:

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Seahawks Russell Wilson, Bobby Wagner named Pro Bowl starters

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and linebacker Bobby Wagner were both named to the Pro Bowl for the third consecutive year.

The 2020 NFL Pro Bowl rosters were announced on Tuesday night, and two Seattle Seahawks made the cut as starters for the NFC squad.

Quarterback Russell Wilson and linebacker Bobby Wagner will both be making their sixth career Pro Bowl appearances.

Wilson has already proven himself worthy of the mega-contract extension he signed over the offseason, putting together an MVP campaign through 14 games. He’s completed 300 passes for 3,708 yards with an excellent 28-to-five touchdown-to-interception ratio.

While he finished second behind Lamar Jackson of the Ravens in fan voting, it’s clear Wilson is among the best quarterbacks in the NFL, and his third consecutive Pro Bowl nod is even more proof of that.

Wagner, also fresh off a contract extension, already has 139 combined tackles this season – topping last year’s mark and on pace to break his career-high of 168, set in 2016. All set to make his sixth consecutive Pro Bowl appearance and potentially his fourth consecutive year as an All-Pro, Wagner is continuing to cement himself as the best linebacker of his era, and a future Hall of Famer.

The Seahawks also had seven players selected as alternates: wide receiver Tyler Lockett, tackle Duane Brown, running back Chris Carson, defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, safety Quandre Diggs, cornerback Shaquill Griffin and guard Mike Iupati.

Punter Michael Dickson, notably, was not selected despite leading the NFC in fan voting at the punter position.

The 2020 Pro Bowl will be played on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020 and televised live on ESPN at noon PT from Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla.

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2020 NFL Pro Bowl: Predicting which Bears players should be selected

Before Tuesday’s reveal of the 2020 Pro Bowl rosters, here’s a look at some Bears players that should make the NFC roster.

Fans, coaches and even players have sounded off on the very best to play this season, and the NFL is set to announce their 2020 Pro Bowl rosters for the AFC and NFC on Tuesday night.

While the Chicago Bears have had an overall disappointing season — which officially ended shortly after last Sunday’s loss to the Green Bay Packers when Chicago was eliminated from playoff contention — there were some players that flashed during a somewhat dim season.

The Bears defense has allowed the third fewest points per game this season, but there have still been some underwhelming performances by some stars late this season. Still, cornerback Kyle Fuller and outside linebacker Khalil Mack are good enough to warrant them a spot on the Pro Bowl roster.

Chicago’s offense, on the other hand, has been disappointing from top to bottom. From quarterback to play caller. Well, except for receiver Allen Robinson, who just eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards on the season. It was the first time a Bears receiver accomplished the feat since Alshon Jeffery in 2014.

The Bears special teams have two dynamic return threats that should easily get nods at their respective positions. Kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson is not only the best returner in the NFL, but he’s having quite a season as a gunner, as well. Then there’s speedster punt returner Tarik Cohen, who ranks second in punt return yards with 284.

Here are five Bears players that should be selected for the 2020 Pro Bowl:

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3 Seahawks among positional leaders in Pro Bowl fan vote

The Seahawks have three players, Russell Wilson, Michael Dickson and Bobby Wagner, among the leading vote getters in the Pro Bowl fan vote.

The Seattle Seahawks will almost certainly have a handful of players represented at the Pro Bowl again this year, which will be held in Orlando the week before the Super Bowl.

The rosters are set to be announced on Tuesday, December 17 at 5:00 p.m. PT, but the results of the fan voting – which accounts for one-third of the election process – are in, and three Seahawks are polling well.

Russell Wilson is second among NFC quarterbacks, behind Lamar Jackson of the Ravens, while linebacker Bobby Wagner and punter Michael Dickson are tops at their respective positions.

While those three are almost certainly going to be extended Pro Bowl invitations for the second year in a row, the Seahawks have a handful of other players who could hear their name called as well.

Running back Chris Carson is approaching 1,200 rushing yards on the season, ranking fourth in the NFL, and should be named to the team this year after being an alternate last year.

Tyler Lockett is nearing the 1,000 yard marker, and although his performance has waned in the past few weeks thanks to an injury and a bout with the flu, he still seems like an option for the roster.

Finally, a few other defensive players (Jadeveon Clowney, Bradley McDougald, Shaquill Griffin) are strong candidates, at the very least as alternates.

Of course, the Seahawks have their sights set on a Super Bowl berth, which would cause each of their Pro Bowlers to decline their invitation while they get ready for the big game.

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Andy Lee, Zane Gonzalez both warrant Pro Bowl consideration

Gonzalez has made more field goals than anyone else in the league.

The Arizona Cardinals have not had a great season but do have some players who deserve recognition for their fine seasons. Defensively, there are three players who should get Pro Bowl consideration, even when the defensive unit, on the whole, is bad.

Two others also should be in the mix — kicker Zane Gonzalez and punter Andy Lee.

Gonzalez leads the NFL with 26 made field goals. He has hit 26-of-29, including 2-for-2 from 50 yards and beyond.

Lee is second in the NFL with a 48.8-yard punting average. He is eighth in net average.

If one of the two were more deserving, it would have to be Gonzalez. He has been fantastic. Aside from two missed field goals when Andy Lee was hurt, he has been nearly automatic. He has looked like the kicker he was at Arizona State when he won the Lou Groza award as the best kicker in the country.

Without many wins, they likely won’t get the attention they might merit, but they certainly are worthy of a Pro Bow nod.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.

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Josh Allen currently second in fan votes for AFC at DE position

While Josh Allen may not be getting the respect he deserves in the Defensive Rookie of the Year conversation, he’s been a hit on the Pro Bowl ballot. In fact, the Jacksonville Jaguars revealed that the rookie is currently second in terms of total …

While Josh Allen may not be getting the respect he deserves in the Defensive Rookie of the Year conversation, he’s been a hit on the Pro Bowl ballot. In fact, the Jacksonville Jaguars revealed that the rookie is currently second in terms of total fan votes for the AFC at the defensive end position.

Allen’s success on the Pro Bowl ballot comes after the rookie has put together a solid rookie campaign, accumulating 27 tackles, nine tackles for loss and eight sacks. Despite just having four starts to his name, his eight sacks are good for the most on the Jags’ roster, which is saying a lot as he plays alongside Calais Campbell and Yannick Ngakoue. That figure is also good for the most of any rookie, even Nick Bosa who is the favorite to win Defensive Rookie of the Year and has twice as many starts.

Allen was a player the Jags weren’t expecting to be available for the No. 7 overall pick in April’s draft, so when he fell to them it was an easy decision. With the team planning to get him even more involved, it’s possible he’ll continue to garner the support of Pro Bowl voters as his increased snaps could lead to more production.

Despite awful defense, 3 Cardinals defenders deserve Pro Bowl consideration

The defense might be terrible, but the Cardinals have three baller defensive players.

The Arizona Cardinals have one of the league’s worst defenses in 2019. The specifics of the statistical struggles are detailed in this post from Thursday. However, the Cardinals do have standout players on defense, which makes their struggles even more confusing.

As Pro Bowl voting has begun for fans, three Cardinals players warrant consideration.

OLB Chandler Jones

(AP Photo/John Hefti)

This should be no surprise. Jones leads the NFL with 12.5 sacks and also five forced fumbles. His 13 tackles for loss are tied for sixth in the league. He is one of the elite edge defenders in the league.

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