Interior Defensive Lineman (NFC)
In: Kenny Clark
Out: Fletcher Cox
Perhaps it’s a function of an Eagles defense that hasn’t looked right at any position this season, but Cox, who’s been one of the top interior wrecking balls in the NFL for a long time, isn’t quite up to his usual statistical prowess. He has just 3.5 sacks, and while that’s a ridiculous stat to hold up to any defensive tackle, he’s also been limited to just nine quarterback hits and 38 quarterback hurries. Not horrible, but not his 2018 total, when he had 10.5 sacks, 25 hits, and 65 hurries. Clark, on the other hand, has five sacks, two hits, and 49 hurries — only Aaron Donald has more total pressures than Clark among interior defensive linemen this season. Clark also has 24 total stops to Cox’s 15, reinforcing the notion that at least this season, he’s been the more complete player.
Outside Linebacker (NFC)
In: Za’Darius Smith
Out: Khalil Mack
Yes, you’re going to think I’m nuts for this one. Boot Khalil Mack out of the Pro Bowl? Well, let him be an alternate, because when you look at Mack’s 2019 season and compare it to Smith’s, it’s the only sensible thing to do. Mack has just 7.5 sacks on the season, with seven quarterback hits and 48 quarterback hurries. Good numbers, but not what we’re used to from him, and for whatever reason, Mack has been negated more easily by single blocks at times in 2019. On the other hand, Smith has taken his move from Baltimore to Green Bay as an excuse to shine as never before, with 10 sacks, 19 quarterback hits, and 47 quarterback hurries. It sounds like heresy, we know, but Smith has simply been the better player this season.