With just days to go until the NFLs regular season finale. Pro Bowl rosters have officially been announced.
Regardless of how you feel about changes to the Pro Bowl over the years, it’s an accolade for players to add to their careers
A 1st For Everything
It didn’t take very long for two recent Eagles draft picks to start making an impact.
With both Jalen Carter and Cam Jurgens being selected for their first Pro Bowls. They only have two full seasons under their belt, and the successors to Fletcher Cox & Jason Kelce are already settling in to their long term roles for the Eagles future.
Now add in Zack Baun, signed to a 1 year, $3.5M deal this offseason in Philadelphia. After 17 games, Baun is 4th in the league in Tackles(150), with 3.5 Sacks & 5 Forced Fumbles.
Not only is Baun selected to his first career Pro Bowl, but is also gaining attention from the media in the DPOY race. While highly unlikely Baun could overtake Patrick Surtain II or TJ Watt. It’s still a breath of fresh air seeing an Eagles Linebacker not only play this well, but also get the recognition for his play.
And to make things even more exciting for Eagles fans, Baun is hopeful for an extension to keep his place alongside Nakobe Dean on the Eagles defense.
3rd Times The Charm
It would have been ludicrous if Saquon Barkley wasn’t named to be his 3rd Pro Bowl after becoming the 9th player in NFL history to rush for over 2000 yards.
While there’s conflicting opinions over whether or not Saquon should play in this weekends season finale against his former team in pursuit of Eric Dickersons Rushing Yard record.
But Saquon has already cemented himself as the NFLs Offensive Player Of The Year regardless if he plays or not this weekend.
Sitting at -10000 on Bet365, with Ja’Marr Chase at +2500.
It seems like paying a running back worked surprisingly well for the Eagles, with 2 more years on the contract, I’d say you could call it a success after year 1.
Joining Saquon in his 3rd selection for the Pro Bowl is Landon Dickerson. Having only missed 4 games since being drafted by the Eagles in 2021. Landon has become a staple to the Eagles offensive line, alongside a Pro Bowl snub and Stoutland University’s #1 student.
Pave The Lane
The Eagles offensive line isn’t the same when Lane Johnson isn’t healthy. If the 14-23 record without the 12th year Right Tackle isn’t enough proof, perhaps the 102-55-1 record WITH #65 is.
And that’s exactly why Lane Johnson has been nominated to his 6th Pro Bowl.
https://twitter.com/pff_moo/status/1874452768573788170?s=46&t=24LxidgrM2-rSyMVzjpzHg
Lane ranks among the leagues best, with a 88.1 Pass Block Grade, ranked 7th/138 Tackles and a 80 Run Block Grads, ranked 11th/138.
Being able to play both tackles in huge 1on1 matchups, including against DPOY candidates like Myles Garrett, Micah Parsons & T.J. Watt has allowed the Eagles to remain one of the best offensive lines year in year out.
1st Alternates
While snubbed from the list of starters for the Pro Bowl, the following Eagles are listed as 1st alternates:
A.J. Brown – missing 3 games didn’t help Browns case, but having 1,079 receiving yards on only 67 receptions with 7 touchdowns was his least productive season with the Eagles. Falling just behind Terry McLaurin with 1,034 yards on 74 receptions and 12 touchdowns. Easy to understand why A.J.‘s production went down this year. Besides missing time, when you share the ball with the probable OPOY, another elite talent receiver and one of the leagues best mobile quarterbacks.
Josh Sweat – while his contract year didn’t come with a career high in sacks. Potentially finishing the season with 8 (unless he suits up on Sunday). Sweat continues to be one of the Eagles most consistent players on the defensive line. And if his play continues into the postseason. The Eagles will be looking to sign an extension to fill Brandon Graham’s expected retirement in the future.
Jordan Mailata – it’s impressive that Mailata was snubbed from the Pro Bowl. With a 91.7 Pass Block Grade, ranked 2nd/138 Tackles. And a 94.9 Run Block Grade, ranked 1st/138 Tackles. The Eagles are fortunate enough to have high end tackles on both sides of the offensive line. But 4 of 5 starting offensive linemen were never going to ALL be starters.
Quinyon Mitchell – While Quinyon might end up falling short of DROY, the rookie cornerback provided more than Eagles fans could’ve ever expected. Ranking 28th among 219 corners with a coverage grade of 74. Proving to be another home run draft pick for the Eagles.
Are there any Eagles players you think got left off the Pro Bowl team?
Photo Credit: Philadelphia Eagles
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