2016 NFL Pro Bowl: 5 Major League Snubs

Dec 18, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) attempts to pass against the New York Giants during first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

The 2016 NFL Pro Bowl nominees have been announced. There of course were plenty of obvious choices, but those are never interesting.

Often it’s the ones who get overlooked that deserve the most attention. This year is no different. While there are plenty of names who deserves consideration, here are five that stood out the most for a variety of reasons. Talent and impact not withstanding.

Matthew Stafford (QB, Detroit Lions)

How is it possible that a quarterback who is in the MVP conversation didn’t get voted into a Pro Bowl? With all due respect to Matt Ryan, he isn’t carrying the Falcons on his back. At least not anywhere near the level Matthew Stafford has for Detroit. Where would they be right now without his eight 4th quarter comebacks this season? Not leading the NFC North, that’s for sure. It’s a crime he didn’t get any attention from the voters.

LeGarrette Blount (RB, New England Patriots)

Only one player in the NFL has scored more touchdowns this season than Blount. He has 15 with two games left to go. Perhaps his reputation held him out or more likely the fact he’s overshadowed by Tom Brady. The reality is that Patriots offense has been able to continue functioning because of him and that ground attack. Blount has set career highs in every statistical category and still wasn’t able to win people over. Not even Patriots fans.

Brandin Cooks (WR, New Orleans Saints)

Once again the Saints have one of the best offenses in the NFL, yet they were completely and utterly dismissed by voters. Even Drew Brees got the cold shoulder. Brandin Cooks though should be feeling the sting extra hard. He’s over 1,000 yards for the season and has scored eight touchdowns. That’s tremendous work for a receiver of his stature. In fact his numbers are better than Amari Cooper, who got in. Thus the power of winning is illustrated.

Dee Ford (OLB, Kansas City Chiefs)

It’s fair to ask where the Chiefs would’ve been defensively had Dee Ford not emerged when he did. Justin Houston was out for close to half the season with injury. Somebody had to step into his place as a pass rusher. Ford lit it up at exactly the right time. Now Kansas City is heading back to the playoffs and he has 10 sacks. Sadly he was passed over by Brian Orakpo to the count of one sack. That’s how close it was.

Sean Lee (OLB, Dallas Cowboys)

The unquestioned leader of an overachieving defense. Sean Lee is the man that makes everything work for America’s Team. Things really turned around for them once his body finally got healthy. Now he’s the second-leading tackler in the NFL with 140. So what’s the problem? He’s on a team that was voted heavily into the Pro Bowl. That and a lack of impact plays. He had no sacks, interceptions or forced fumbles. Still, that shouldn’t discount his obvious success.

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