Dave B’s 2010 Pro Bowl Watchlist
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Well, the 2010 Pro Bowl is upon us and the biggest question coming out of South Florida is – Who Cares??? The fans don’t really seem to be pumped about the game, and the players appear indifferent to the lackluster appeal of the “game’s best.”
• When: Sunday, January 31
• Where: Sun Life Stadium in Miami, Florida
• Time: 7:20 ET
• TV: ESPN
Sunday’s game is more about who is not going to be there rather than who is going to be in South Florida for the “big game.” The NFL in their infinite wisdom, has scheduled the game the week before Super Bowl (it is usually the week after), and therefore, the game excludes players from the best two teams in the league. Injured players or the “medically excused” have also plagued its legitimacy factor of the Pro Bowl. For instance the AFC QB’S are Matt Schaub, Vince Young, and David Garrard (Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and Philip Rivers were the original Pro Bowl QB’S.).
In all, 17 of 86 players have been replaced – 19.7%!! Brutal. Another 14 players have been excluded because of their involvement in the real game NEXT week (seven from each of the Cots and the Saints).
The following players have withdrawn from the game: Tom Brady (Patriots), Philip Rivers (Chargers), Wes Welker (Patriots), Jake Long (Dolphins), (Cardinals), Jairus Byrd (Bills), Steven Jackson (Rams), Larry Fitzgerald (Cardinals), Lance Briggs (Bears), Charles Woodson (Packers), Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Cardinals), DeSean Jackson (Eagles), Brian Cushing (Texans), Jeff Saturday (Colts), Peyton Manning (Colts), Dallas Clark (Colts), Jonathan Vilma (Saints), Darren Sharper (Saints), Reggie Wayne (Colts), Dwight Freeney (Colts), Robert Mathis (Colts), Jonathan Stinchcomb (Saints), Jonathan Goodwin (Saints), Jahri Evans (Saints), Drew Brees (Saints), Brett Favre (Vikings), Antoine Winfield (Vikings), Percy Harvin (Vikings), Sidney Rice (Vikings), Kevin Williams (Vikings).
Those are some pretty huge names that won’t be taking part – don’t you think?
Let’s take a look at a sample of the players that will replace some of these all-stars –
Don’t worry, those elected to the Pro Bowl that don’t attend will still get paid their 100k.
Jaguars QB David Garrard replaces Peyton Manning.
Chargers WR Vincent Jackson replaces Reggie Wayne.
Steelers TE Heath Miller replaces Dallas Clark.
Titans C Kevin Mawae replaces Jeff Saturday.
Titans DE Kyle Vanden Bosch replaces Dwight Freeney.
Jets DE Shaun Ellis replaces Robert Mathis.
Dolphins S Yeremiah Bell replaces Antoine Bethea.
Eagles QB Donovan McNabb replaces Drew Brees.
Giants OT David Diehl replaces Jon Stinchcomb.
Redskins LB London Fletcher replaces Jonathan Vilma.
Cardinals FS Antrel Rolle replaces Darren Sharper.
The Pro Bowl has gone from a game featuring the best of the best to a game featuring the slightly better than most. It’s a shame that the Pro Bowl has become such a joke – it was fun to watch once upon a time. My idea of entertainment isn’t watching a sideline report with guest David Gerrard talking about his 7-17 for 97 yard passing day.
Enjoy the mediocrity folks – I’ll be playing with my kid! Lots of info. Folks – I hope it helps.
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