NFC West: Pro Bowl
News that the Pro Bowl is likely going away comes a couple months after commissioner Roger Goodell threatened to discontinue the game.
Television ratings for the annual all-star game have remained relatively strong, but the product does nothing to enhance the NFL's brand, in my view. The drama and strategy that make real games compelling cannot exist in a Pro Bowl context.
The NFL Players Association has promoted continuing the game, calling it an important tradition. I get it, but elite players worried about risking injuries unnecessarily should welcome the news.
"Guys play a full season, they play physical through a full season, and you get rewarded," the New England Patriots' Vince Wilfork said during Super Bowl week. "The last thing you want to do is go out in a game like that and hurt yourself. That is not good for the individual or for the organization."
Wilfork's coach, Bill Belichick, responded humorously when asked about Aaron Rodgers' complaints that the 2012 Pro Bowl had become even more farcical than its predecessors. It was clear Belichick thought poorly of what the game had become.
"I felt like some of the guys on the NFC side embarrassed themselves," Rodgers told ESPN 540 in Milwaukee. "I was just surprised that some of the guys either didn't want to play or when they were in there didn't put any effort into it."
There should be no faking tackle football. It's a game best played with emotion and with something at stake beyond the potential for injury.
INDIANAPOLIS -- Quarterback Aaron Rodgers kicked off Super Bowl week by complaining about the Pro Bowl.
Midway through the week, New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick implied he felt similarly about the NFL's annual all-star game.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell capped the week by threatening to discontinue the annual all-star game if uncompetitive play continues.
Additionally competitive play should result now that the NFL's Most Valuable Player (Rodgers), its most decorated coach (Belichick) and highest-ranking executive (Goodell) have voiced their displeasure. Anyone planning to blatantly loaf through the game has been put on notice. Goodell's comments resembled what a coach might say through the media to get his team's attention. Time to step it up, guys.
George Atallah of the NFL Players Association responded Sunday by saying the game should continue.
I doubt the league would discontinue the game right away. TV ratings dipped some to a 7.9, but the Pro Bowl was still the highest-rated sporting event of the weekend. Players will not go full speed, nor should they. But they'll likely pick up the pace next year to avoid drawing more fire.
Midway through the week, New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick implied he felt similarly about the NFL's annual all-star game.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell capped the week by threatening to discontinue the annual all-star game if uncompetitive play continues.
Additionally competitive play should result now that the NFL's Most Valuable Player (Rodgers), its most decorated coach (Belichick) and highest-ranking executive (Goodell) have voiced their displeasure. Anyone planning to blatantly loaf through the game has been put on notice. Goodell's comments resembled what a coach might say through the media to get his team's attention. Time to step it up, guys.
George Atallah of the NFL Players Association responded Sunday by saying the game should continue.
I doubt the league would discontinue the game right away. TV ratings dipped some to a 7.9, but the Pro Bowl was still the highest-rated sporting event of the weekend. Players will not go full speed, nor should they. But they'll likely pick up the pace next year to avoid drawing more fire.
Belichick bites tongue on Pro Bowl loafing
February, 1, 2012
Feb 1
9:56
AM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
INDIANAPOLIS -- Bill Belichick seemed to weigh his options carefully when asked about Aaron Rodgers' complaints about the Pro Bowl lacking a certain competitive zeal.
"Um, what I'm going to say wouldn't be probably what I should say," the New England Patriots' coach said Wednesday during his Super Bowl news conference.
Belichick paused.
"I'm going to let that one go," he said.
Another pause.
"What it was and what it is now is a lot different," he added.
What the Pro Bowl was long ago -- a marginally competitive all-star game featuring final scores such as 10-6, 23-21 and 23-10 -- has turned into a game where the losing team routinely has 30-plus points. Rodgers, the Green Bay Packers' Pro Bowl quarterback, lamented the NFC squad's lack of competitiveness during a 59-41 defeat Sunday. He said some players from the NFC squad embarrassed themselves with their lack of effort.
Rodgers did not name guilty parties, of course. NFC West teams had 17 Pro Bowlers this season, including some who withdrew from the game.
Once Belichick's news conference finished, I went across the hall to poll New England players on the subject during their daily media session.
"I tried to go hard in the game," said linebacker Jerod Mayo, a Pro Bowl selection in 2010. "The harder you go, the less likely you are to get injured. You try to tempo it a little bit, you're probably going to get hurt."
Nose tackle Vince Wilfork, a four-time Pro Bowl choice, advocates caution.
"Guys play a full season, they play physical through a full season, and you get rewarded," Wilfork said. "The last thing you want to do is go out in a game like that and hurt yourself. That is not good for the individual or for the organization."
Guard Logan Mankins, also a four-time Pro Bowl selection, said he doubts there's a realistic way to ramp up competitiveness.
"I don't know how you fix it," Mankins said. "You're going to give a little effort, but you're not going to get out of control. Some guys are free agents over there. You get hurt in a Pro Bowl and it's going to affect that contract with another team. Who would want to get hurt in a Pro Bowl and not be able to play the next season?"
"Um, what I'm going to say wouldn't be probably what I should say," the New England Patriots' coach said Wednesday during his Super Bowl news conference.
Belichick paused.
"I'm going to let that one go," he said.
Another pause.
"What it was and what it is now is a lot different," he added.
What the Pro Bowl was long ago -- a marginally competitive all-star game featuring final scores such as 10-6, 23-21 and 23-10 -- has turned into a game where the losing team routinely has 30-plus points. Rodgers, the Green Bay Packers' Pro Bowl quarterback, lamented the NFC squad's lack of competitiveness during a 59-41 defeat Sunday. He said some players from the NFC squad embarrassed themselves with their lack of effort.
Rodgers did not name guilty parties, of course. NFC West teams had 17 Pro Bowlers this season, including some who withdrew from the game.
Once Belichick's news conference finished, I went across the hall to poll New England players on the subject during their daily media session.
"I tried to go hard in the game," said linebacker Jerod Mayo, a Pro Bowl selection in 2010. "The harder you go, the less likely you are to get injured. You try to tempo it a little bit, you're probably going to get hurt."
Nose tackle Vince Wilfork, a four-time Pro Bowl choice, advocates caution.
"Guys play a full season, they play physical through a full season, and you get rewarded," Wilfork said. "The last thing you want to do is go out in a game like that and hurt yourself. That is not good for the individual or for the organization."
Guard Logan Mankins, also a four-time Pro Bowl selection, said he doubts there's a realistic way to ramp up competitiveness.
"I don't know how you fix it," Mankins said. "You're going to give a little effort, but you're not going to get out of control. Some guys are free agents over there. You get hurt in a Pro Bowl and it's going to affect that contract with another team. Who would want to get hurt in a Pro Bowl and not be able to play the next season?"
INDIANAPOLIS -- Retired tight end Todd Christensen once half-jokingly said he could "smell the Mai Tais in the huddle" during Pro Bowl games.
The annual all-star game has always been a farce.
Aaron Rodgers thought things went too far during the most recent game Sunday.
"I felt like some of the guys on the NFC side embarrassed themselves," Rodgers told ESPN 540 in Milwaukee. "I was just surprised that some of the guys either didn't want to play or when they were in there didn't put any effort into it."
OK, then. What to do?
Canceling the game is one option. Keeping the current setup is another. Upping the financial stakes for winning the Pro Bowl stands out to me as the only way to ensure a higher level of play. But doing so would diminish the experience for players, who mostly enjoy the camaraderie.
I'd be interested in your take. It's something I'll revisit later in the day.
The annual all-star game has always been a farce.
Aaron Rodgers thought things went too far during the most recent game Sunday.
"I felt like some of the guys on the NFC side embarrassed themselves," Rodgers told ESPN 540 in Milwaukee. "I was just surprised that some of the guys either didn't want to play or when they were in there didn't put any effort into it."
OK, then. What to do?
Canceling the game is one option. Keeping the current setup is another. Upping the financial stakes for winning the Pro Bowl stands out to me as the only way to ensure a higher level of play. But doing so would diminish the experience for players, who mostly enjoy the camaraderie.
I'd be interested in your take. It's something I'll revisit later in the day.
2012 Pro Bowl counts: NFC West up there
December, 28, 2011
12/28/11
11:00
AM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
The San Francisco 49ers (eight), Arizona Cardinals (three) and Seattle Seahawks (one) have combined to give the NFC West more initial Pro Bowl selections than the NFC East and AFC South combined.
The chart breaks down the counts by offense, defense and special teams for each division.
The counts will change as players withdraw from the game for various reasons.
The chart breaks down the counts by offense, defense and special teams for each division.
The counts will change as players withdraw from the game for various reasons.
Around the NFC West: Pro Bowl surprises
December, 28, 2011
12/28/11
9:31
AM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
A single tweet from a Philadelphia reporter trumped all the others I ran across after the NFL announced its Pro Bowl teams for the 2011 season.
"I have to say this one more time before I go to bed," Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News wrote. "49ers have more Pro Bowlers (8) than the entire NFC East (7). Not how I saw it in August."
The situation at cornerback was particularly illustrative. Carlos Rogers, a relatively cheap pickup by the San Francisco 49ers in free agency, is a Pro Bowl starter. Nnamdi Asomugha, the Philadelphia Eagles' prized offseason acquisition, is only a second alternate -- behind first-alternate Brandon Browner, a player the Seattle Seahawks signed from the CFL amid zero fanfare.
Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle provides perspective by noting that the 2011 49ers tied a franchise record with six Pro Bowl starters. Branch: "They also had six starters in 1971. San Francisco and New England, which also had eight players selected, have the most Pro Bowlers of any NFL team this season and the Niners' eight Pro Bowlers are their most since they had 10 in 1995."
Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com passes along reaction from 49ers players following their selection to the Pro Bowl.
Also from Maiocco: player-by-player review for the 49ers' defensive players from Week 16.
More from Maiocco: a look at the offensive players.
Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com says Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor and the team's other Pro Bowl selections/alternates earned their standing on the strength of votes from coaches and players. Coach Pete Carroll on Chancellor and Browner: "As first-time starters, the fans wouldn’t really know them. But their peers have recognized the impact that they’ve had."
Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times takes a closer look at the range where the Seahawks figure to draft in the first round.
Brady Henderson of 710ESPN Seattle passes along Carroll's thoughts on what Tarvaris Jackson could do better late in games. Henderson: "Specifically, Carroll pointed to a third-and-2 play on the final possession in which Jackson threw incomplete deep down the middle of the field. Carroll said throwing a check-down pass instead would have gained about 15 yards."
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic checks in with the Cardinals' Pro Bowlers, including Adrian Wilson. Somers: "This is Wilson's fourth consecutive Pro Bowl selection and fifth overall. In early August, it didn't seem possible that he would play this season, much less make the Pro Bowl. Wilson suffered a torn right biceps muscle in training camp and missed the preseason. He didn't play well in the first month or so of the season, but then settled into coordinator Ray Horton's new scheme. Wilson thanked his teammates, the coaching staff and the rest of the organization for being patient while he returned from the injury."
Also from Somers: The Cardinals plan to bring back quarterback Kevin Kolb even though they could get out of his contract by declining to pay a $7 million bonus. Somers: "He's not going anywhere. The Cardinals traded away too much (cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, second-round pick in 2012) and committed to a five-year contract worth as much as $63 million. Kolb has missed six starts and most of a seventh game this season due to injury, but the Cardinals are too deep in this relationship to sever it after one year. And just as important, who takes over if Kolb is gone?" Noted: That last part is a key consideration. It's a little early to bail on such a significant investment under unusual circumstances.
Darren Urban of azcardinals.com has this to say about John Skelton's slow starts and fast finishes: "It’s so odd, not that Skelton plays better at the end of games but that there is such a discrepancy on how much better he plays. Is it inexperience, or a lack of a full offseason of reps (since he got little as a rookie in his non-lockout offseason), as coach Ken Whisenhunt suggests? Maybe. But it’s hard to tell why Skelton suddenly gets all Brady in the final 15 minutes (yes, he is compared to Tebow, but Skelton usually is passing the ball better than Tebow late) when he can be very John Navarre before then."
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Chris Long, Steven Jackson and James Laurinaitis have played well enough to receive Pro Bowl consideration. Thomas: "Laurinaitis is enjoying arguably his best NFL season, with 131 tackles, three sacks, and two interceptions. But only two middle linebackers per conference earn Pro Bowl berths, and San Francisco's Patrick Willis and Chicago's Brian Urlacher -- this year's NFC Pro Bowlers -- are tough competition." Noted: I hadn't considered Laurinaitis seriously given the Rams' struggles on defense, particularly against the run. The Cardinals blocked him well while springing Beanie Wells for 228 yards. Some of the other inside linebackers in the NFC West -- Daryl Washington, NaVorro Bowman and K.J. Wright -- have sometimes stood out.
Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch offers thoughts on a report from San Diego suggesting Jon Gruden and A.J. Smith could come to St. Louis in leadership roles with the Rams. Miklasz: "My best guess is that the speculation is most likely originating from Los Angeles, home of off-the-books Rams adviser John Shaw, who is tight with Chargers' president/owner Dean Spanos."
"I have to say this one more time before I go to bed," Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News wrote. "49ers have more Pro Bowlers (8) than the entire NFC East (7). Not how I saw it in August."
The situation at cornerback was particularly illustrative. Carlos Rogers, a relatively cheap pickup by the San Francisco 49ers in free agency, is a Pro Bowl starter. Nnamdi Asomugha, the Philadelphia Eagles' prized offseason acquisition, is only a second alternate -- behind first-alternate Brandon Browner, a player the Seattle Seahawks signed from the CFL amid zero fanfare.
Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle provides perspective by noting that the 2011 49ers tied a franchise record with six Pro Bowl starters. Branch: "They also had six starters in 1971. San Francisco and New England, which also had eight players selected, have the most Pro Bowlers of any NFL team this season and the Niners' eight Pro Bowlers are their most since they had 10 in 1995."
Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com passes along reaction from 49ers players following their selection to the Pro Bowl.
Also from Maiocco: player-by-player review for the 49ers' defensive players from Week 16.
More from Maiocco: a look at the offensive players.
Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com says Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor and the team's other Pro Bowl selections/alternates earned their standing on the strength of votes from coaches and players. Coach Pete Carroll on Chancellor and Browner: "As first-time starters, the fans wouldn’t really know them. But their peers have recognized the impact that they’ve had."
Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times takes a closer look at the range where the Seahawks figure to draft in the first round.
Brady Henderson of 710ESPN Seattle passes along Carroll's thoughts on what Tarvaris Jackson could do better late in games. Henderson: "Specifically, Carroll pointed to a third-and-2 play on the final possession in which Jackson threw incomplete deep down the middle of the field. Carroll said throwing a check-down pass instead would have gained about 15 yards."
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic checks in with the Cardinals' Pro Bowlers, including Adrian Wilson. Somers: "This is Wilson's fourth consecutive Pro Bowl selection and fifth overall. In early August, it didn't seem possible that he would play this season, much less make the Pro Bowl. Wilson suffered a torn right biceps muscle in training camp and missed the preseason. He didn't play well in the first month or so of the season, but then settled into coordinator Ray Horton's new scheme. Wilson thanked his teammates, the coaching staff and the rest of the organization for being patient while he returned from the injury."
Also from Somers: The Cardinals plan to bring back quarterback Kevin Kolb even though they could get out of his contract by declining to pay a $7 million bonus. Somers: "He's not going anywhere. The Cardinals traded away too much (cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, second-round pick in 2012) and committed to a five-year contract worth as much as $63 million. Kolb has missed six starts and most of a seventh game this season due to injury, but the Cardinals are too deep in this relationship to sever it after one year. And just as important, who takes over if Kolb is gone?" Noted: That last part is a key consideration. It's a little early to bail on such a significant investment under unusual circumstances.
Darren Urban of azcardinals.com has this to say about John Skelton's slow starts and fast finishes: "It’s so odd, not that Skelton plays better at the end of games but that there is such a discrepancy on how much better he plays. Is it inexperience, or a lack of a full offseason of reps (since he got little as a rookie in his non-lockout offseason), as coach Ken Whisenhunt suggests? Maybe. But it’s hard to tell why Skelton suddenly gets all Brady in the final 15 minutes (yes, he is compared to Tebow, but Skelton usually is passing the ball better than Tebow late) when he can be very John Navarre before then."
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Chris Long, Steven Jackson and James Laurinaitis have played well enough to receive Pro Bowl consideration. Thomas: "Laurinaitis is enjoying arguably his best NFL season, with 131 tackles, three sacks, and two interceptions. But only two middle linebackers per conference earn Pro Bowl berths, and San Francisco's Patrick Willis and Chicago's Brian Urlacher -- this year's NFC Pro Bowlers -- are tough competition." Noted: I hadn't considered Laurinaitis seriously given the Rams' struggles on defense, particularly against the run. The Cardinals blocked him well while springing Beanie Wells for 228 yards. Some of the other inside linebackers in the NFC West -- Daryl Washington, NaVorro Bowman and K.J. Wright -- have sometimes stood out.
Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch offers thoughts on a report from San Diego suggesting Jon Gruden and A.J. Smith could come to St. Louis in leadership roles with the Rams. Miklasz: "My best guess is that the speculation is most likely originating from Los Angeles, home of off-the-books Rams adviser John Shaw, who is tight with Chargers' president/owner Dean Spanos."
» NFC Pro Bowl: East | West | North | South » AFC Pro Bowl: East | West | North | South
Perfect sense: Larry Fitzgerald, Adrian Wilson, Andy Lee, David Akers, Justin Smith and Patrick Willis are past Pro Bowl selections enjoying strong seasons. Their selections made perfect sense. No St. Louis Rams made it. Steven Jackson was worthy of consideration, but the team's 2-13 record made his exclusion understandable.
Patrick Peterson's four touchdowns on punt returns made him an extremely worthy if somewhat surprising choice over Devin Hester, whose reputation figured to count for something.
It was good to see voters recognize the NFC West's talent on special teams and in the secondary. Wilson and Seattle's Earl Thomas are the starting safeties. Carlos Rogers is a starting corner, and Seattle's Brandon Browner, a first alternate, could very well join him in the game itself because at least one of the NFC starters, Charles Woodson, could be playing in the Super Bowl.
Made it on rep: From the NFC West? Are you kidding? This division usually fights for whatever it can get. Wilson made it on reputation last season, but he was very much deserving this time, even though it came at the expense of Seattle's Kam Chancellor, a first alternate. None of the players selected made it on rep, in my view.
We could debate the worthiness of a few, including 49ers free safety Dashon Goldson. But he didn't have much of a rep. He made big plays for a 12-3 team and got noticed despite some inconsistencies in his game. The 49ers' success cleared the way for Goldson and another first-timer, left tackle Joe Staley.
Frank Gore always deserves consideration, and his numbers say he did not make it strictly on reputation, but a case can be made that other backs were producing at a higher level more recently. Gore's dropped passes have been a problem as well.
Got robbed: Seattle's Marshawn Lynch, San Francisco's Aldon Smith, St. Louis' Chris Long and Arizona's Calais Campbell come to mind immediately.
Lynch has arguably run more impressively than any other back in the conference of late. He ended the 49ers' streaks without allowing a 100-yard rusher (36 games) or a rushing touchdown (15 games). Lynch was named a second alternate. He has a chance to earn a spot given that Matt Forte is injured and might not play in the game. I'm not sure which NFC back is first alternate, but Lynch would move up the list if Minnesota's injured Adrian Peterson held that distinction.
Aldon Smith has 14 sacks as a rookie, but he didn't make the Pro Bowl. In fact, Smith did not even show up on a list of 49ers alternates featuring NaVorro Bowman, Ahmad Brooks, Blake Costanzo, Vernon Davis, Ted Ginn Jr., Jonathan Goodwin, Mike Iupati, Ray McDonald, Bruce Miller and Donte Whitner.
Long has 13 sacks for a team that almost never faces favorable pass-rushing situations, but with multiple high-profile sack artists in the NFC, he did not make it. The Cardinals' Campbell gets overlooked playing defensive end in a 3-4 scheme, but he's been a dominant player. At least teammate Darnell Dockett was named an alternate.
Click here for the complete 2012 Pro Bowl roster.
Perfect sense: Larry Fitzgerald, Adrian Wilson, Andy Lee, David Akers, Justin Smith and Patrick Willis are past Pro Bowl selections enjoying strong seasons. Their selections made perfect sense. No St. Louis Rams made it. Steven Jackson was worthy of consideration, but the team's 2-13 record made his exclusion understandable.
Patrick Peterson's four touchdowns on punt returns made him an extremely worthy if somewhat surprising choice over Devin Hester, whose reputation figured to count for something.
It was good to see voters recognize the NFC West's talent on special teams and in the secondary. Wilson and Seattle's Earl Thomas are the starting safeties. Carlos Rogers is a starting corner, and Seattle's Brandon Browner, a first alternate, could very well join him in the game itself because at least one of the NFC starters, Charles Woodson, could be playing in the Super Bowl.
Made it on rep: From the NFC West? Are you kidding? This division usually fights for whatever it can get. Wilson made it on reputation last season, but he was very much deserving this time, even though it came at the expense of Seattle's Kam Chancellor, a first alternate. None of the players selected made it on rep, in my view.
We could debate the worthiness of a few, including 49ers free safety Dashon Goldson. But he didn't have much of a rep. He made big plays for a 12-3 team and got noticed despite some inconsistencies in his game. The 49ers' success cleared the way for Goldson and another first-timer, left tackle Joe Staley.
Frank Gore always deserves consideration, and his numbers say he did not make it strictly on reputation, but a case can be made that other backs were producing at a higher level more recently. Gore's dropped passes have been a problem as well.
Got robbed: Seattle's Marshawn Lynch, San Francisco's Aldon Smith, St. Louis' Chris Long and Arizona's Calais Campbell come to mind immediately.
Lynch has arguably run more impressively than any other back in the conference of late. He ended the 49ers' streaks without allowing a 100-yard rusher (36 games) or a rushing touchdown (15 games). Lynch was named a second alternate. He has a chance to earn a spot given that Matt Forte is injured and might not play in the game. I'm not sure which NFC back is first alternate, but Lynch would move up the list if Minnesota's injured Adrian Peterson held that distinction.
Aldon Smith has 14 sacks as a rookie, but he didn't make the Pro Bowl. In fact, Smith did not even show up on a list of 49ers alternates featuring NaVorro Bowman, Ahmad Brooks, Blake Costanzo, Vernon Davis, Ted Ginn Jr., Jonathan Goodwin, Mike Iupati, Ray McDonald, Bruce Miller and Donte Whitner.
Long has 13 sacks for a team that almost never faces favorable pass-rushing situations, but with multiple high-profile sack artists in the NFC, he did not make it. The Cardinals' Campbell gets overlooked playing defensive end in a 3-4 scheme, but he's been a dominant player. At least teammate Darnell Dockett was named an alternate.
Click here for the complete 2012 Pro Bowl roster.
Harbaugh's Pro Bowl comments in context
December, 23, 2011
12/23/11
10:30
AM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
Jim Harbaugh earned Pro Bowl honors once during his playing career. That was in 1995, when he helped the Indianapolis Colts advance to the AFC Championship Game.
Sixteen years later, as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, Harbaugh made headlines by promoting his quarterback, Alex Smith, as worthy of Pro Bowl acclaim. The chart suggests that Smith should receive Pro Bowl consideration -- relative to 1995 quarterbacks, anyway.
Times have changed. Quarterbacks are putting up bigger numbers. Still, in looking at the chart, it's easier to see why Harbaugh thinks Smith has Pro Bowl credentials.
Harbaugh led the NFL in yards per attempt and NFL passer rating during his Pro Bowl season. He was fourth in completion percentage. The rest of his numbers lined up very closely to the ones Smith has produced in one fewer game (Harbaugh started 12 of 16 games for the Colts in 1995).
Smith's numbers do not measure up to those for the typical Pro Bowl quarterbacks in this era. Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and many others in the NFC have been far more productive statistically. Harbaugh has called raw numbers low-hanging fruit in evaluating quarterbacks. We've attempted to reach higher, with similar results.
"Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Alex Smith -- I think those are the top three in the NFC," Harbaugh said (see video).
Winning is the common thread linking those quarterbacks. Their teams have the best records in the NFC.
The NFL announces Pro Bowl teams Dec. 27.
Sixteen years later, as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, Harbaugh made headlines by promoting his quarterback, Alex Smith, as worthy of Pro Bowl acclaim. The chart suggests that Smith should receive Pro Bowl consideration -- relative to 1995 quarterbacks, anyway.
Times have changed. Quarterbacks are putting up bigger numbers. Still, in looking at the chart, it's easier to see why Harbaugh thinks Smith has Pro Bowl credentials.
Harbaugh led the NFL in yards per attempt and NFL passer rating during his Pro Bowl season. He was fourth in completion percentage. The rest of his numbers lined up very closely to the ones Smith has produced in one fewer game (Harbaugh started 12 of 16 games for the Colts in 1995).
Smith's numbers do not measure up to those for the typical Pro Bowl quarterbacks in this era. Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and many others in the NFC have been far more productive statistically. Harbaugh has called raw numbers low-hanging fruit in evaluating quarterbacks. We've attempted to reach higher, with similar results.
"Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Alex Smith -- I think those are the top three in the NFC," Harbaugh said (see video).
Winning is the common thread linking those quarterbacks. Their teams have the best records in the NFC.
The NFL announces Pro Bowl teams Dec. 27.
2012 Pro Bowl fan balloting: Final ranks
December, 21, 2011
12/21/11
6:08
PM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
A few changes for NFC West players stood out in final fan voting for the 2012 Pro Bowl.
The San Francisco 49ers' Justin Smith moved up one spot to No. 1 among players listed as defensive tackles. Two other 49ers, guard Mike Iupati and strong safety Donte Whitner, each fell one place. Iupati is fourth. Whitner is fifth. Teammates Ray McDonald and NaVorro Bowman, each ranked fifth at their positions last time, did not crack the top five in final fan balloting.
The Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald moved up one spot to third among wide receivers.
Players and coaches vote this week. The NFL announces results Dec. 27.
The first chart shows total votes received for players ranking among the top five at their positions in final fan balloting, by division. The second chart shows NFC West players ranked among the top five and how their rankings changed since our last update one week ago.
Among players not listed, the Cardinals' Adrian Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks' Marshawn Lynch stand out as deserving of consideration. The impact Arizona's Patrick Peterson has made as a punt returner also stands out. There are others deserving consideration as well.
.
The San Francisco 49ers' Justin Smith moved up one spot to No. 1 among players listed as defensive tackles. Two other 49ers, guard Mike Iupati and strong safety Donte Whitner, each fell one place. Iupati is fourth. Whitner is fifth. Teammates Ray McDonald and NaVorro Bowman, each ranked fifth at their positions last time, did not crack the top five in final fan balloting.
The Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald moved up one spot to third among wide receivers.
Players and coaches vote this week. The NFL announces results Dec. 27.
The first chart shows total votes received for players ranking among the top five at their positions in final fan balloting, by division. The second chart shows NFC West players ranked among the top five and how their rankings changed since our last update one week ago.
Among players not listed, the Cardinals' Adrian Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks' Marshawn Lynch stand out as deserving of consideration. The impact Arizona's Patrick Peterson has made as a punt returner also stands out. There are others deserving consideration as well.
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2012 Pro Bowl fan balloting: Updated ranks
December, 14, 2011
12/14/11
5:12
PM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
Eighteen San Francisco 49ers rank among the top five at their positions in fan balloting for the Pro Bowl.
What is this, 1994?
It's feeling that way with the 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers taking 10-3 records into their Monday night game in Week 15.
These championship-laden franchises previously have not had double-digit victory totals at the same time since 2002. They did so previously during the 1990s and briefly during the 1980s, but rarely have both been at their very best simultaneously.
The fan balloting totals reflect each team's success this season.
Unbeaten Green Bay leads the NFL with 21 players ranking among the top five at their positions. The 49ers are second with 18, followed by New England (15), Baltimore (13) and Pittsburgh (12).
A quick run through which NFC West players rank among the top five at their positions:
Arizona Cardinals
First: none
Second: none
Third: none
Fourth: receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Fifth: none
San Francisco 49ers
First: inside linebacker Patrick Willis, punters Andy Lee
Second: center Jonathan Goodwin, cornerback Carlos Rogers, defensive tackle Justin Smith (he plays defensive end), free safety Dashon Goldson, fullback Bruce Miller, kicker David Akers, special teamer Blake Costanzo
Third: guard Mike Iupati, kick returner Ted Ginn Jr.
Fourth: running back Frank Gore, strong safeties Donte Whitner, tackle Joe Staley
Fifth: defensive tackle Ray McDonald, inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman, tackle Anthony Davis, tight end Vernon Davis
Seattle Seahawks
First: none
Second: none
Third: punter Jon Ryan, strong safety Kam Chancellor
Fourth: free safety Earl Thomas
Fifth: none
St. Louis Rams
First: none
Second: none
Third: none
Fourth: defensive end Chris Long
Fifth: none
The chart breaks down the counts for NFC teams. Fan voting continues online through the 49ers' game Monday night. Players and coaches vote Dec. 21-22. Results are announced Dec. 27.
.
What is this, 1994?
It's feeling that way with the 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers taking 10-3 records into their Monday night game in Week 15.
These championship-laden franchises previously have not had double-digit victory totals at the same time since 2002. They did so previously during the 1990s and briefly during the 1980s, but rarely have both been at their very best simultaneously.
The fan balloting totals reflect each team's success this season.
Unbeaten Green Bay leads the NFL with 21 players ranking among the top five at their positions. The 49ers are second with 18, followed by New England (15), Baltimore (13) and Pittsburgh (12).
A quick run through which NFC West players rank among the top five at their positions:
Arizona Cardinals
First: none
Second: none
Third: none
Fourth: receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Fifth: none
San Francisco 49ers
First: inside linebacker Patrick Willis, punters Andy Lee
Second: center Jonathan Goodwin, cornerback Carlos Rogers, defensive tackle Justin Smith (he plays defensive end), free safety Dashon Goldson, fullback Bruce Miller, kicker David Akers, special teamer Blake Costanzo
Third: guard Mike Iupati, kick returner Ted Ginn Jr.
Fourth: running back Frank Gore, strong safeties Donte Whitner, tackle Joe Staley
Fifth: defensive tackle Ray McDonald, inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman, tackle Anthony Davis, tight end Vernon Davis
Seattle Seahawks
First: none
Second: none
Third: punter Jon Ryan, strong safety Kam Chancellor
Fourth: free safety Earl Thomas
Fifth: none
St. Louis Rams
First: none
Second: none
Third: none
Fourth: defensive end Chris Long
Fifth: none
The chart breaks down the counts for NFC teams. Fan voting continues online through the 49ers' game Monday night. Players and coaches vote Dec. 21-22. Results are announced Dec. 27.
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2012 Pro Bowl fan balloting: NFC West
November, 16, 2011
11/16/11
8:55
PM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
Where NFC West players rank in fan voting for the Pro Bowl through Nov. 15, with online voting continuing through Dec. 19 (know that players and coaches vote Dec. 21-21, teams are announced Dec. 27 and listed positions sometimes differ from the ones players play):
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A chops-busting blog network colleague, upon reading my "Commish for a day" piece lamenting 10 a.m. PT kickoffs for West Coast teams, expressed mock concern for "all the NFC West wusses who don't get enough of a pregame beauty nap the night before early East Coast games."
My reply: Let's have a staff meeting to discuss the matter one of these nights at, say, 10 p.m. PT.
I've gone through all our suggestions and liked a few in particular:
Check out all the commish-for-a-day pieces here.
What changes would you enact as NFL commissioner?
My reply: Let's have a staff meeting to discuss the matter one of these nights at, say, 10 p.m. PT.
I've gone through all our suggestions and liked a few in particular:
- Create a minor league: Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. envisions a minor-league system much like the one in place for baseball. Williamson: "It would be a fantastic place to cultivate young talent -- especially at quarterback. Players would get valuable game experience. It would be a breeding ground for young coaches and scouts as well. Practice squads and game-day inactives would be a thing of the past, and the major league team could send players up and down as it wished." I like the idea, but this league would have to play its games during the NFL regular season, making it potentially tougher to draw crowds. Perhaps the minor-league teams could operate outside their parent team's immediate markets. The comments section of Williamson's item included solid feedback, including jimmycyo's suggestion to have the minor-league season run 8-10 games and end about two-thirds of the way through the NFL regular season. The minor-league teams would run the same schemes. NFL rosters would expand late in the season, allowing select minor-league prospects to assimilate.
- Abolish the Pro Bowl: Paul Kuharsky is right on when he says there's no sense in playing the game itself. There would still be Pro Bowl honors for players. Kuharsky: "Guys who make the team still get pineapples with the year on them in their media guide bios. They still get a week in Hawaii -- the week AFTER the Super Bowl. Rather than practices, they participate in clinics and charity events. Then, rather than the game, there is a live skills competition Sunday afternoon. Quarterback target practice. A skill position race to establish the league’s fastest man. A linemen lift to find the strongest." The dynamics that make football compelling simply aren't there during all-star games. Kuharsky is on the right track.
- Concussion prevention: Kevin Seifert would push for uniform safety standards on the helmets players wear, building upon the research Gregg Easterbrook cited at Virginia Tech. Seifert: "There should be no mystery, in public or private, about the latest and best innovations for preventing concussions. To me, head injuries are the biggest long-term threat to professional football. As we learn more about their causes and symptoms, and observe the long-term effects, I wonder if prospective players won't reach a tipping point on tolerable risk and if fans will begin disassociating with the game as a result." Easterbrook nailed it when he wrote, "The belief that trying to act regarding helmet safety would only create liability for the NFL seems deeply seated in the league's thinking." It's time to move past that thinking.
Check out all the commish-for-a-day pieces here.
What changes would you enact as NFL commissioner?
Packers help NFC West Pro Bowl numbers
January, 23, 2011
1/23/11
11:37
PM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
The current Pro Bowl format preventing Super Bowl participants from playing in the game will pad NFC West representation this year.
The Arizona Cardinals announced Larry Fitzgerald's addition to the game Sunday night after Green Bay's Super Bowl berth knocked Packers receiver Greg Jennings from the game. Fitzgerald was a first alternate this season.
The following Packers will now miss the Pro Bowl: Jennings, starting tackle Chad Clifton, starting outside linebacker Clay Matthews, starting cornerback Charles Woodson, backup cornerback Tramon Williams and starting free safety Nick Collins.
Cardinals defensive lineman Darnell Dockett landed on the NFC roster as an injury replacement after Minnesota's Kevin Williams withdrew from the game.
Seattle's Earl Thomas could be in line to replace Collins at free safety. Thomas, a rookie, was named an alternate to the Pro Bowl.
Update: Roman Harper of New Orleans gets the call instead, despite a rough outing against Seattle in the playoffs.
The Arizona Cardinals announced Larry Fitzgerald's addition to the game Sunday night after Green Bay's Super Bowl berth knocked Packers receiver Greg Jennings from the game. Fitzgerald was a first alternate this season.
The following Packers will now miss the Pro Bowl: Jennings, starting tackle Chad Clifton, starting outside linebacker Clay Matthews, starting cornerback Charles Woodson, backup cornerback Tramon Williams and starting free safety Nick Collins.
Cardinals defensive lineman Darnell Dockett landed on the NFC roster as an injury replacement after Minnesota's Kevin Williams withdrew from the game.
Seattle's Earl Thomas could be in line to replace Collins at free safety. Thomas, a rookie, was named an alternate to the Pro Bowl.
Update: Roman Harper of New Orleans gets the call instead, despite a rough outing against Seattle in the playoffs.
Dockett wise to accept Pro Bowl invite
January, 23, 2011
1/23/11
3:30
PM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
Darnell Dockett's first inclination was to turn down the NFL's invite to replace the Minnesota Vikings' Kevin Williams in the Pro Bowl this year.
I can see why. Dockett's Arizona Cardinals suffered through a 5-11 season. Their defense struggled. The team even fired its defensive coordinator.
Dockett made the right decision in ultimately accepting the offer.
Accepting the invite was the only way for Dockett, as an alternate, to list a third Pro Bowl on his résumé. Years from now, few will ask how he earned those Pro Bowl trips. This one will count the same as the others.
Williams' Pro Bowl status remains intact because fans, coaches and players voted him to the game. Alternates do not enjoy the same status unless they play.
This was the second season in a row for an NFC West player to benefit from Williams' decision to withdraw from the game. Williams' withdrawal a year ago cleared the way for the San Francisco 49ers' Justin Smith to play in the game. Smith was named to the game as a starter this year. Williams was a backup to Smith and the Cowboys' Jay Ratliff.
Dockett and Smith are defensive ends in 3-4 schemes, but they count as defensive tackles in Pro Bowl balloting.
I can see why. Dockett's Arizona Cardinals suffered through a 5-11 season. Their defense struggled. The team even fired its defensive coordinator.
Dockett made the right decision in ultimately accepting the offer.
Accepting the invite was the only way for Dockett, as an alternate, to list a third Pro Bowl on his résumé. Years from now, few will ask how he earned those Pro Bowl trips. This one will count the same as the others.
Williams' Pro Bowl status remains intact because fans, coaches and players voted him to the game. Alternates do not enjoy the same status unless they play.
This was the second season in a row for an NFC West player to benefit from Williams' decision to withdraw from the game. Williams' withdrawal a year ago cleared the way for the San Francisco 49ers' Justin Smith to play in the game. Smith was named to the game as a starter this year. Williams was a backup to Smith and the Cowboys' Jay Ratliff.
Dockett and Smith are defensive ends in 3-4 schemes, but they count as defensive tackles in Pro Bowl balloting.
The San Francisco 49ers' Patrick Willis stands out as the only obvious choice for the Pro Bowl among NFC West players.
Willis has set a career high with 6.0 sacks this season. He has continued to excel and at times dominate against the run even after suffering a broken hand. I thought Willis was the best player on the field against St. Louis on Sunday.
Beyond Willis, however, it's tougher to make a case for NFC West players as the NFL prepares to reveal Pro Bowl rosters at 7 p.m. ET.
A quick look at each position in advance of the announcement (and let me know who should be on here):
Defensive line
The Rams' Chris Long and James Hall have consistently harassed opposing quarterbacks. They have combined for 18.5 sacks this season. Seattle's Chris Clemons has 10.5 sacks. Arizona's Darnell Dockett and San Francisco's Justin Smith earned Pro Bowl honors last season. Sacks tend to win out in this category and NFC West leaders rank down the list within the conference. Fred Robbins has played well for the Rams.
Linebacker
Willis is an obvious choice. The Rams' James Laurinaitis is having a good season, but he is not as dominant physically.
Defensive backs
The Cardinals' Adrian Wilson and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie were Pro Bowl choices last season. Neither has played to expectations this season, but Wilson has a good chance. Cardinals free safety Kerry Rhodes has four interceptions and two fumble returns for touchdowns, but Arizona's defense has struggled.
Seahawks rookie Earl Thomas has five picks, but only one in his last nine games -- while playing for a struggling defense. The Rams' Oshiomogho Atogwe has two picks and three sacks.
Quarterback
Sam Bradford played well for a rookie, but he's not at a Pro Bowl level yet. Eleven quarterbacks in the NFC have higher ratings, including Alex Smith.
Running back
Frank Gore's injury removed him from consideration. The Rams' Steven Jackson ranks third among NFC players in rushing yards, but no other player among the top 12 rushers in the conference is averaging fewer than 4.1 yards per attempt. Jackson is averaging 3.7.
Offensive line
I can't think of an offensive lineman in the division playing at that level consistently.
Wide receiver
Larry Fitzgerald is the only potential candidate in the division, but he doesn't have the numbers or team production to qualify as an automatic selection. It's a tribute to the respect he enjoys around the league if he makes it, but Greg Jennings, Roddy White, Calvin Johnson and DeSean Jackson might have the edge.
Tight end
The 49ers' Vernon Davis made it last season. Five NFC tight ends have more receptions than Davis this season. Only the Dallas Cowboys' Jason Witten has more yards and touchdowns. Both made it last season.
Return specialist
Seattle's Leon Washington leads the NFC with three kickoff returns for touchdowns. He ranks fourth in yards per kickoff return. Arizona's LaRod Stephens-Howling has two kickoff returns for touchdowns while ranking third in yards per return. But with Chicago's Devin Hester leading the league in punt-return average and punt returns for touchdowns, he'll be the natural choice.
Kicker
The Rams' Josh Brown leads the NFC in field goals with 31.
Arizona's Jay Feely made a strong case with a 25-point game against Denver.
Punter
The 49ers' Andy Lee made it last season. The Rams' Donnie Jones ranks second in the NFC in net average.
Willis has set a career high with 6.0 sacks this season. He has continued to excel and at times dominate against the run even after suffering a broken hand. I thought Willis was the best player on the field against St. Louis on Sunday.
Beyond Willis, however, it's tougher to make a case for NFC West players as the NFL prepares to reveal Pro Bowl rosters at 7 p.m. ET.
A quick look at each position in advance of the announcement (and let me know who should be on here):
Defensive line
The Rams' Chris Long and James Hall have consistently harassed opposing quarterbacks. They have combined for 18.5 sacks this season. Seattle's Chris Clemons has 10.5 sacks. Arizona's Darnell Dockett and San Francisco's Justin Smith earned Pro Bowl honors last season. Sacks tend to win out in this category and NFC West leaders rank down the list within the conference. Fred Robbins has played well for the Rams.
Linebacker
Willis is an obvious choice. The Rams' James Laurinaitis is having a good season, but he is not as dominant physically.
Defensive backs
The Cardinals' Adrian Wilson and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie were Pro Bowl choices last season. Neither has played to expectations this season, but Wilson has a good chance. Cardinals free safety Kerry Rhodes has four interceptions and two fumble returns for touchdowns, but Arizona's defense has struggled.
Seahawks rookie Earl Thomas has five picks, but only one in his last nine games -- while playing for a struggling defense. The Rams' Oshiomogho Atogwe has two picks and three sacks.
Quarterback
Sam Bradford played well for a rookie, but he's not at a Pro Bowl level yet. Eleven quarterbacks in the NFC have higher ratings, including Alex Smith.
Running back
Frank Gore's injury removed him from consideration. The Rams' Steven Jackson ranks third among NFC players in rushing yards, but no other player among the top 12 rushers in the conference is averaging fewer than 4.1 yards per attempt. Jackson is averaging 3.7.
Offensive line
I can't think of an offensive lineman in the division playing at that level consistently.
Wide receiver
Larry Fitzgerald is the only potential candidate in the division, but he doesn't have the numbers or team production to qualify as an automatic selection. It's a tribute to the respect he enjoys around the league if he makes it, but Greg Jennings, Roddy White, Calvin Johnson and DeSean Jackson might have the edge.
Tight end
The 49ers' Vernon Davis made it last season. Five NFC tight ends have more receptions than Davis this season. Only the Dallas Cowboys' Jason Witten has more yards and touchdowns. Both made it last season.
Return specialist
Seattle's Leon Washington leads the NFC with three kickoff returns for touchdowns. He ranks fourth in yards per kickoff return. Arizona's LaRod Stephens-Howling has two kickoff returns for touchdowns while ranking third in yards per return. But with Chicago's Devin Hester leading the league in punt-return average and punt returns for touchdowns, he'll be the natural choice.
Kicker
The Rams' Josh Brown leads the NFC in field goals with 31.
Arizona's Jay Feely made a strong case with a 25-point game against Denver.
Punter
The 49ers' Andy Lee made it last season. The Rams' Donnie Jones ranks second in the NFC in net average.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Mike Sando
Sando joined ESPN.com in 2007 after nine seasons covering the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma (Wash.) News Tribune. He lives in the Seattle-Tacoma area with his wife and two sons.
