Not a lot of people get excited about actually watching the Pro Bowl, but almost everyone gets excited about the announcement of the Pro Bowl Selections. This year, the NFC’s #1 Seed, the Green Bay Packers have received seven selections for the free trip to Hawaii.
It’s not eight that the San Francisco 49ers and New England Patriots pulled, but nonetheless an impressive list of players who hold an argument for being the best at their position.
Let’s take a closer look at all seven selections and briefly mention who may have been snubbed.
QB Aaron Rodgers – 2nd selection (2009, 2011)
The 2011 AP Male Athlete of the Year was really a no-brainer. Sure, Drew Brees surpassed Dan Marino’s coveted single-season passing record, but does Brees have a team who has a chance to win back-to-back Super Bowls? It’s not just about winning as Rodgers also has more touchdowns and a superior passer rating. This should be a stepping stone to Rodgers’ first-ever MVP Award.
FB John Kuhn – 1st selection (2011)
This was a shock as I didn’t even know fullbacks were picked to go to the Pro Bowl. Additionally, the running game has been close to terrible for Green Bay and while Kuhn has shown his value, I’m not so sure it’s better than everyone in the conference. Regardless, it’s an achievement he will be able to hang his hat on for the rest of his life (kudos to the fans who accounted for a 1/3 of the reason he was selected).
WR Greg Jennings – 2nd selection (2010, 2011)
Jennings loves to use his favorite hashtag (#begreat) on a daily basis and I completely agree because he is the heart and soul of the Packers’ talented receiving corps. Rodgers may be great, but the Packers are not the same team without Jennings, a well-deserved Pro Bowl selection here.
* Jordy Nelson has a small case for being snubbed, but in reality, I don’t see a scenario where you can include two receivers from one team and Nelson definitely doesn’t get the bid over Jennings.
C Scott Wells – 1st selection
Wells has been one of the only brightspots on a makeshift offensive line all season long. Without Wells, I’m not sure Rodgers has the numbers he has. Another great Pro Bowl selection.
DT B.J. Raji – 1st selection
Here’s my second surprise selection. Quite frankly, Raji hasn’t been very impressive on a defensive line who is one of the worst in the league at stopping the run. I understand leaving Ndamuking Suh off the team because of his reputation, but there are a few players who deserved to be here more than Raji. Either way, Raji is the first Packers DT to make the Pro Bowl since 1972.
OLB – Clay Matthews – 3rd selection (2009, 2010, 2011)
Matthews is beginning to become a mainstay in the Pro Bowl as he should as there are few defensive players who bring more intensity and impact on the defensive side of the ball. Opposing teams must game-plan around this one guy and it doesn’t matter what statistics he accumulates, he should be there because he’s that kind of player.
CB – Charles Woodson – 8th selection (1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011)
Woodson’s time in Green Bay has cemented his future spot in the Hall of Fame. And while he’s not always the best cover corner, there isn’t a better guy in the game at making that crucial play when needed. Defense may not be the Packers’ strong suit, but it’s not because they lack the personnel.
Yes, the Packers’ seven Pro Bowl selections are fine and dandy, but I can guarantee you it would be a disappointment to be in Hawaii on January 29th because this team has their heart set on playing in their second consecutive Super Bowl.
What do you think of Green Bay’s Pro Bowl Selections? Which ones were bad and which ones were good picks? Let me know by commenting below!
Nick Grays is a senior writer at the Sports Bank where he covers the Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers, and Milwaukee Brewers. He also enjoys to share Fantasy Advice from time-to-time. Follow him on Twitter by clicking here or visit his blog Nick Knows Best.