Thursday was a big day for the Washington Commanders. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels made the Pro Bowl, and star wide receiver Terry McLaurin joined him for his second Pro Bowl nod.
Surprisingly, though, Daniels and McLaurin were the only Commanders who made the initial Pro Bowl roster. However, 11 Washington players were named alternates. It was a far cry from last season when the Commanders had no Pro Bowlers.
Still, at 11-5, several players are having outstanding seasons, so it was a mild surprise to see only Daniels and McLaurin chosen.
Of the alternates, Wagner, long snapper Tyler Ott, and special teamer Nick Bellore were first alternates, with center Tyler Biadasz, linebacker Frankie Luvu, and punter Tress Way as second alternates.
So, which Washington players were the biggest Pro Bowl snubs?
Here are our three biggest snubs:
Linebacker Bobby Wagner
Wagner is a nine-time Pro Bowler, and while he may not be as athletic as he once was, he’s found a way to remain one of the NFL’s top inside linebackers. Wagner has not only been influential in Washington’s defensive turnaround, but his leadership has been everything, and more that head coach Dan Quinn hoped for.
His numbers still support his productivity. He’s started all 16 games and has recorded 124 tackles, eight for loss, two sacks, three passes defensed, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble. Wagner is a first alternate, but he should have been on the initial roster.
Linebacker Frankie Luvu
Luvu has been just as impactful as Wagner. He’s been a force as a pass rusher and run stopper, and he’s been solid in coverage. You could argue that Luvu is Washington’s on-field defensive MVP. In the win over the Eagles, Philadelphia was up 14-0, close to the red zone, and about to go up three scores when Luvu tricked Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett, intercepting him and completely changing the momentum. The Commanders do not win the game without that play.
About the numbers? Luvu has 90 tackles, 11 for loss, eight sacks, seven passes defenses, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and one interception.
C Tyler Biadasz
Tyler Biadasz is one of Washington’s true unsung heroes. The fifth-year center signed a three-year deal in the offseason, finally stabilizing Washington’s center position. His presence should not be understated regarding Jayden Daniels’ development. The rookie quarterback has praised Biadasz repeatedly. He missed one game and the Saints wrecked Washington’s offensive line. He went with an injury in the second half against the Falcons and the Commanders’ offensive line struggled to get a running game going outside of Daniels.
When this season ends, Biadasz will rank as one of Washington’s best players. The offensive line was supposed to be a weakness but is surprisingly among the top 10-12 units in the league. Finally out of Dallas where Tyron Smith and Zack Martin often overshadowed him, Biadasz is finally beginning to receive the recognition he deserves. A Pro Bowl bid would have been confirmation.