December 20, 2017
Every year, the fan bases of 32 NFL teams are up in arms about one of their players being snubbed for the Pro Bowl when the league announces who got in.
Here we'll take a look at the Eagles' six Pro Bowl selections, determine their worthiness, and debate a few others who were perhaps unjustly left on the outside looking in.
• QB Carson Wentz: Wentz won't play in the game, but he was as obvious a choice for the Pro Bowl as you can get after having an MVP-like season. He was named as the starter.
• TE Zach Ertz: Ertz is tied for fifth among NFL tight ends with 63 receptions, he's fourth in yards (719), and tied for second with 8 TDs. With Rob Gronkowski and Travis Kelce in the AFC, Ertz easily had the best numbers of any tight end in the NFC, and will start.
• OT Lane Johnson: Johnson made the Pro Bowl, but was listed as the third offensive tackle behind Tyron Smith and Trent Williams. Johnson had an extraordinary season, facing a new stud pass rusher seemingly every week. A quick list of edge rushers who primarily rushed against Johnson: Ryan Kerrigan twice, Justin Houston, Jason Pierre-Paul twice, Joey Bosa, Von Miller, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Michael Bennett. Johnson bested them all. It's actually a bit of a snub that Smith and Williams got starting nods over Johnson, as Johnson had a better season than either player. Still, it's a major accomplishment to be named to the Pro Bowl as a right tackle.
• OG Brandon Brooks: Brooks isn't exactly what you would expect of a 6'5, 345-pound right guard. While a good run blocker, he's not what I would call a mauler, and he is surprisingly nimble in pass protection. His selection was absolutely warranted, and he'll also start.
• DT Fletcher Cox: While also deserving, Cox is probably a guy who is could begin making the Pro Bowl every year on name recognition. This is his third straight Pro Bowl season.
• S Malcolm Jenkins: If you read me often, you already know how highly I regard Malcolm Jenkins. However, this season, I think there is a better argument for the Vikings' Harrison Smith to make it over him.
• C Jason Kelce: A season ago, Kelce got in, but should have never been remotely close to consideration. This season, he should be starting, but didn't get in at all. He was indeed snubbed.
• DE Brandon Graham: Graham had a Pro Bowl-worthy season, as he is more of a well-rounded player than he is an elite pass rusher, but it's hard to argue with the selections of DeMarcus Lawrence, Everson Griffen, and Cameron Jordan ahead of him.
• P Donnie Jones: Yes, obviously. The fact that they haven't named it the Donnie Jones Bowl by now is a disgrace.
Follow Jimmy on Twitter: @JimmyKempski.
Like Jimmy on Facebook.
Like the new PhillyVoice Sports page on Facebook.
