Rodgers, Williams Among Pro Bowl Snubs
Clay Matthews, Greg Jennings, Charles Woodson, Chad Clifton and Nick Collins were the five Packers named to the Pro Bowl.
Five Green Bay Packers were named to the NFC Pro Bowl team on Tuesday, but the bigger news might be who didn't make it.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, cornerback Tramon Williams were named as first alternates to the Pro Bowl. Defensive tackle B.J. Raji and guard Josh Sitton–also worthy candidates–were named as second alternates.
Aaron Rodgers was the NFL's 7th-leading vote getter overall, and third among NFC quarterbacks, while Josh Sitton won the fan voting among players at his position.
The five players named to the Pro Bowl were Clay Matthews, Charles Woodson, Greg Jennings, Chad Clifton and Nick Collins. Matthews, Woodson and Collins will be starters.
It's Matthews' 2nd Pro Bowl, Woodson's 7th, Jennings' 1st, Clifton's 2nd and Collins' 3rd Pro Bowl.
Donald Driver and A.J. Hawk were named as second alternates to the Pro Bowl.
The omission of Williams from the Pro Bowl team is especially egregious considering he's had arguably the best season of any Packer, is second in the NFC in interceptions and his own teammate–Woodson, who's probably less deserving–made the Pro Bowl ahead of him.
Every year there's a "Coach's Choice" named to the Pro Bowl, leaving hope that one of the Packers left out could still make it in.
The Pro Bowl will once again be played in Hawaii this year following last year's edition being played at the same site of the Super Bowl in Miami. It will once again be played the week before the Super Bowl leaving open the possibility that potentially no Packers would play in the Pro Bowl should they qualify for the Super Bowl.
Comments (52)
December 28, 2010 at 07:39 pm
Just one question: Where would Matt Ryan be without Turner or Gonzalez? Rodgers deserves it more than Matt Ryan all day.
Everyone knew Woodson would get it over T. Williams - even though Williams deserves it.
December 28, 2010 at 07:43 pm
It's ok, Aaron won't be able to attend anyway.
December 28, 2010 at 07:53 pm
Hall over Williams. What a joke.
December 29, 2010 at 12:31 pm
I gotta say I called this one though.
It's all about name recognition and what you did the year before.
Tramon will get in next season because of this season's production...(e.g. Woodson and Collins)
December 28, 2010 at 07:57 pm
Maybe if the media wouldn't pour so much of that piece of shit Favre down viewers throats, they'd remember who the QB of the fucking Packers is and vote accordingly.
December 28, 2010 at 08:27 pm
Nice. :D Hey, ESPN is the new "As the World Turns". The Pennsylvania governor called out ESPN this morning on how Philadelphia playing on Tuesday is a money thing because ESPN doesn't want to compete with NBC for ratings if both were on Monday, thus forcing Philly and Minnesota to lose a day of rest. You think they showed that little part of the interview all day? ESPN, most of the sports media, except CheeseheadTV ;) and the Pro Bowl are a joke. It's a popularity contest, and we'll always have snubs. I mean, Matt Ryan? Wow.
December 28, 2010 at 08:52 pm
They went out of their way last night during a SAINTS-FALCONS GAME!!!!!!???????? to talk about Favre. It's unreal.
December 29, 2010 at 10:02 am
ESPN has broken into it's Favre coverage quite a few times to tell us about Tom Brady's hair.
December 28, 2010 at 08:03 pm
Biggest snub: James Starks.
December 28, 2010 at 08:19 pm
LOL +1
December 28, 2010 at 08:19 pm
Sitton and Raji are pretty big snubs, too, IMO. Both those guys will probably get there next year.
No Tramon is a joke, though.
December 28, 2010 at 10:29 pm
+1
December 29, 2010 at 12:56 am
They say you usually make a ProBowl the year after you should, so maybe next year for them. Really though, the whole thing is a sham-ass name-fest... DREW BREES? With his 21+ picks? Over #12??? Laughable. If these people knew anything about football they would understand the injuries Rodgers has made up for. Whatevs.
December 29, 2010 at 09:36 am
Sitton deserved last year already.
December 28, 2010 at 08:39 pm
I guess Rodgers needs to throw more interceptions like Brees, doesn't he have like 21? And sorry, Matt Ryan just doesn't compare to Rodgers. He's on a hot team that has a lot of wins but cmon!
This will just make Rodgers prove doubters wrong some more. He's going to be pisssssed on sunday!
December 28, 2010 at 08:46 pm
Rodgers was the biggest snub. Williams and Raji both made major cases as well. I am kind of surprised Collins made it, he has had a good year, but not as good as his previous Pro Bowl seasons. I have a feeling Williams and Raji will make their fair share of Pro Bowls. I thought Vick and Rodgers were no brainers as QB's for the NFC with a toss up between Ryan and Brees for the other spot.
December 29, 2010 at 09:00 am
Rodgers loses out to Ryan because of the TV-star mentality. If a team is winning, the QB tends to get disproportionate credit. Brady is an example; don't get me wrong, Tom Brady is having a career year, but over the span of his career his reputation has greatly exceeded his production. Like Bradshaw before him, there are better QBs in his era with fewer rings because he has played on the best overall team (not necessarily the most talented offense) with the best coach for a number of years. So Ryan goes because Atlanta had a hot year, and Rodgers out, damn the statistics. Brees is just in despite 21 interceptions because he was the best QB in football last year, and he's still got that glow on him. Farve probably made the Pro Bowl a number of times with a similar number of picks.
December 28, 2010 at 08:52 pm
I think alot of Pro Bowl voters are just plain mentally lazy. I agree that the event is a joke for the most part. Also agree with packsmack 25 about the media and Favre. Can't wait until the guy is out of the NFL and back on his tractor next year.
December 28, 2010 at 08:53 pm
Neutering policy now!
People are just too dumb. Anyone who abides by what the four lettered network continues to feed them shouldn't be allowed to vote.
Eh. It's just a popularity contest anyway. IT's not like I'm gonna watch it...
December 28, 2010 at 09:18 pm
Correction. Apparently, Rodgers finished 200.000 votes ahead of Ryan in fan voting.
They gave Wade Phillips, Brad Childress and Mike Singletary too much power...
December 28, 2010 at 09:31 pm
Media is 1/3 and I guarantee you all of their ballots read: Vick/Ryan/Brees in some order.
December 28, 2010 at 09:32 pm
Nevermind, no it isn't.
December 28, 2010 at 09:33 pm
All Matt Ryan is, is a glofified feild general
December 28, 2010 at 09:33 pm
glorified
December 28, 2010 at 09:44 pm
?? No, I think you had it right the first time.
December 29, 2010 at 12:43 am
He's a solid young QB, I'm not going to take anything away from him... he is solid.
BUT
I doubt ANY GM would take him to build a franchise around over #12 (they're within 2 years of each other age-wise), just don't see it. You give 12 Turner in the backfield... watch the puck out!
Good luck Defenses!
GBP 4 LIFE
December 28, 2010 at 09:37 pm
Atleast Jennings finally is getting some respect
December 28, 2010 at 09:39 pm
None of the Packers will be playing in the probowl any ways cuz theyll be playin in Dallas the next week
December 29, 2010 at 12:45 am
F'ing right Paul, that's the spirit.
li'l D HERE WE COME...
WOOT
December 29, 2010 at 12:35 pm
Watching all the teams play their final few games has renewed my faith in the Packers chances!!!
5 in a row, Baby! Stack 'em up!!!
December 28, 2010 at 09:43 pm
While Clay Matthews just might assume the NFL's DPOY, I think Tramon Williams might be the Packers defensive MVP. I'm not entirely sure that makes sense, but the reality is that Williams has turned into a shutdown corner who tackles well, has an eye for the ball, and has shown immense versatility. Oh yeah, he's also been a rock returning punts.
Him being snubbed is nearly criminal. Let's hope it's all a moot point anyway - hopefully he'll be lacing 'em up for a different game.
December 29, 2010 at 02:17 pm
Truth. I think Tramon may be the defensive MVP of the league. I can't think of anyone who has been a better DB. The long pass in the giants game is the only big play I've seen him give up the whole year.
December 28, 2010 at 11:46 pm
Just reinforces the take I've had on the Pro-Bowl for years... really doesn't mean a god damn thing.
GBP 4 LIFE
P.S. - Bummed Philly lost, I wanted them to win-out so we could beat chigaygo 2 weeks in a row and end their season. On a positive note though, we'll be heading to Philly where they showed tonight they can be had against a terrible team with a 3rd string QB. Not to mention Philly was playing for a 1st round bye so it's not like they were resting mofo's. Philly's got no heart, we do.
GBP - 38
iggles - 23
(YEAH, YEAH.. GBP-42, bares-13)
December 29, 2010 at 11:05 am
BUP BUP TO THE BANG
(not predicting anything, last time I did it didn't end so well...)
December 28, 2010 at 11:48 pm
A better forum will be the NFL all-pro list. Anyone know when this will come out, and who votes?
December 28, 2010 at 11:48 pm
I'm just happy the "All In" Vikings had but one pro bowler this year. Suck it.
December 29, 2010 at 10:05 am
I put a lot more stock into the All-Pro teams. Hopefully Williams will get his dues when the real awards are handed out.
December 29, 2010 at 12:45 pm
I know we all love Rodgers, but let's be realistic -- It is a PERFECTLY reasonable opinion to say Matt Ryan had a better year than Rodgers.
Look at their stats, side by side. Rodgers hardly blows Ryan away here, even if you discount the fact Ryan has lead his team to three more wins.
Rodgers
Yd/G: 263.8
TD: 27
INT: 10
Comp: 65.5
SACKS: 29
WINS: 9
Ryan:
Yd/G: 231.3
TD: 26
INT: 9
Comp: 62.2
SACKS: 22
WINS: 12
Personally, I think Rodgers is better and had a better year. But there's not a big ESPN-lead conspiracy here. Ryan's selection over Rodgers was not crazy (Brees' was though).
December 29, 2010 at 01:00 pm
Why are you omitting avg. yards per completion and rating?
Both categories, Rodgers humilliate Ryan.
Passer rating:
Rodgers: 101.9
Ryan: 89.8
AVG:
Rodgers: 8.3
Ryan: PATHETIC 6.4
With a 6.4 avg, it's hard to argue that Ryan is a glorified captain checkdown.
And I'm not analyzing the lack of running game by the Packers and the outstanding running game by the Falcons. But the 6.4 proves that, without a running game, Ryan wouldn't be able to win 12 games.
Rodgers has a better completion % and ypc avg. Rodgers is both a better field general AND a better playmaker than Ryan, quite simply. Specially if you add Rodgers' running ability.
And it's not just the numbers. It's pretty clear to anyone with half a brain that Rodgers does much more and is much better than Ryan. It's not that Ryan is a bad QB, but he's nowhere near Rodgers' level.
Ryan's selection over Rodgers IS crazy. 200.000 more fans voted on Rodgers over Ryan. Remember all that talk about how fans couldn't talk about the NFL, because they didn't play/coach in it, and didn't know what they were talking about?
Well, it's clear to me that most captains and coaches have no clue about football as well...
December 29, 2010 at 01:00 pm
Nifty QB comparison:
http://www.nfl.com/stats/headtohead?player1=RYA238179&player2=ROD339...
The biggest difference, Matt Ryan has among the lowest yards per attempt in the league. They play an extremely safe, ball control offense with Ryan and he's successful because of the running game. He really doesn't shoulder the team like Rodgers is asked to.
Not taking anything away from Ryan, but he's nothing special against the blitz like Rodgers, and he rarely gets blitzed like Turner. Rodgers is a cut above Ryan, in a different league than an average Brees this year.
December 29, 2010 at 01:01 pm
Meant to say 'because of' Turner (RB) not 'like'.
December 29, 2010 at 01:47 pm
I wasn't trying to cover all the possible stats or selectively omit anything - just used a few baseline ones. QB Rating is a nice summary, but its pretty intangible when it comes to facilitating discussion.
The YPA stat is an interesting one to look at, but I think you've got to take it in context as well. As you point out, Ryan's offense is just different from the Pack's. They rely more heavily on the running game and focus on short passes. BUT he has flourished within that offense and led his team to victory and victory in that system.
Like I said, I think Rodgers it the better QB (way more of a playmaker, team relies on him more, etc, etc,). But you don't get the Pro Bowl award just by being better. Its an award for what kind of year you had.
Rodgers had a slow start and injury problems, flashed brilliance, but ultimately has lead his team to 9 wins and an inconsitent year. Ryan consistently maximized his talents and lead his team to 12 wins.
I can see why people would vote for Ryan.
December 29, 2010 at 02:20 pm
Well, I think we can all agree it's obvious why the fans would vote for Ryan, he's deserving.
Not to speak for PackersRS, but it's what you said in your first post we object to:
"It is a PERFECTLY reasonable opinion to say Matt Ryan had a better year than Rodgers"
That's where I take issue.
December 29, 2010 at 02:21 pm
Not to mention no one considers the 300+ rushing yards, and 5 or so td's he has.
December 29, 2010 at 04:31 pm
I don't think we are really that far apart here...
My point is that its not "crazy" that Ryan would get in over Rodgers, as quite a few people are saying. We may think its wrong (I do), but it is completely reasonable to argue that Ryan should get the nod.
December 29, 2010 at 05:28 pm
I said this on Twitter, but the reason Ryan was put in ahead was because the voting took place 404 yards and 4 TDs ago for Rodgers....
December 29, 2010 at 12:53 pm
The fans may have the best feel for who is having the best years. Albeit tainted by fantasy football.
Players spend all week looking at one or two players in particular.
Coaches spend all year focusing on the teams on the schedule.
December 29, 2010 at 01:02 pm
Someone must explain to me why Vick is in the Pro Bowl or a MVP candidate over Rodgers. I mean he has these flashy runs but he doesn't even have 3,000 yards passing and he missed like five games. I guess you must have to kill a bunch of dogs before you become popular enough to make the pro bowl. This explains why I never watch this worthless game.
December 29, 2010 at 01:38 pm
Vick deserves to be in the probowl.
His completion percentage (62.6%), td/int ratio (21 to 6), ypc avg (8.1) and QB rating (100.2) are off the charts.
I don't think he's a better passer than Rodgers, looking at the film he's not (and by the stats after last game he's not), because of his running ability receivers tend to be wide open a lot of times, so he has easier throws than Rodgers.
But even excluding Vick's scrambling skills, which are tremenduous, he HAS played like an elite QB, without question.
December 29, 2010 at 01:44 pm
You're spot on, but you're making a case with somebody that concluded their sense of the injustice by saying:
"This explains why I never watch this worthless game."
How can he cofirm or deny something not even observed?
December 29, 2010 at 03:13 pm
I think he was talking about the Pro Bowl...
December 30, 2010 at 04:27 pm
ARodg getting snubbed is a travesty... 'Matty Ice' gets it instead?...please!...even Drew Brees w/ all of his interceptions should be #3 behind Aaron, but oh well. I'm sure ARodg will have a chip on the 'ole shoulder..
Tramon was very deserving but CW got it instead. Regardless, we know who we have 'in Tramon we trust' and he'll get there next season.
BJ getting snubbed & especially being named 2nd alt was a travesty IMO but not everybody appreciates a NT that gets 6.5 sacks and is a disruptive force (2nd only to Suh).
I was somewhat suprised Nicky C got the nod but also realize he's possibly one of the best, if not best, centerfielders in the NFL...so I'm not really suprised. ;^). He's also got name recognition...
CM3 is obviously a no-brainer pick!...as is Jennings.
I thought Cliffy was deserving a top 3 spot at OT.
Sitton was up against tough competition with the three that got it.
I wonder who the "Coach's Choice" will be...;^)>