Bills RB James Cook (4) - Rich Storry/Getty Images
Does the Pro Bowl even matter anymore? What used to be a legitimate game between the NFL’s best athletes has now turned into carnival-themed events.
Games that still draw a good crowd at relatively low ticket prices.
The reasoning behind this change in format is sound. Players can still be recognized for all their hard work during the season, which will look good on their resumes.
How it Works
The players invited to the Pro Bowl are determined by a combination of fans, coaches, and fellow players.
Therefore, each group gets a 1/3 vote toward the player, which calculates who makes the final rosters.
This season, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and left tackle Dion Dawkins were voted in as starters.
Many other players were voted in as alternatives:
*1st alternative team: (C) Conor McGovern and (RB) James Cook
*3rd team: (S) Damar Hamlin
*4th team: (LB) Terrel Bernard
*5th team: (FB) Reggie Gilliam, (DT) Ed Oliver, (T) Spencer Brown, (TE) Dalton Kinkaid
Who from the Buffalo Bills Was Slighted by the Pro Bowl?
With the Bills having an incredible 13-win season, many believe that only having two starters in the Pro Bowl is very upsetting.
Even with the names of the starters and alternative players (from the above list), fans think that the Bills were slighted.
Nevertheless, these players should have been voted in:
James Cook- RB (1st Alternative)
It’s a consolation that Cook still made the Pro Bowl as an alternative. The main goal is to make it as a starter. Cook has been a real asset to the team.
He can break several tackles to score the big touchdown run. And catch passes from Allen to pick up the first down.
The talented athlete also shines when needed to convert on third-down plays.
The elusive running back crossed 1,000 yards rushing for the second-straight year and tied OJ Simpson’s franchise record back in 1975 with 16 touchdowns.
Cook has been the force behind the offense this season and deserves to be in the Pro Bowl with the best players in the league.
Two CBs Slighted By The Pro Bowl
Taron Johnson- (Nickel CB)
Considered to be one of the best slot corners in the game, Johnson is coming off a career year since his contract extension last offseason.
The tackling machine finished with a career-high 42 tackles, adding two picks to his resume this year.
He has stepped up into more of a vocal leader in the secondary now that Tre White is no longer with the Bills Mafia.
He’s also a man of character, and his support and challenging play have won over the locker room.
Although my bias shows, how do you keep one of the best-tackling DBs off a Pro Bowl roster?
Christian Benford- (CB)
Another talented corner in the NFL who happens to be on the Bills will not be on this year’s Pro Bowl roster. Welcome to club snubbed.
Much like his teammate, Benford has had a career year starting in place of White.
He has blossomed into one of the game’s top 5 outside corners.
This season, Benford has registered 50 tackles, two forced fumbles, two interceptions, and 10 deflected passes.
He is making his case as an all-around lockdown corner in man and press coverages.
Benford has also allowed just 0.7 yards per coverage snaps. That ties Patrick Surtain of the Denver Broncos amid cornerbacks with at least 200 snaps.
That should be enough to make him a Pro Bowl recipient.
Conclusion
What do you think, fans? Who would you add to the Pro Bowl roster?
