Seven Atlanta Falcons made the 2011 Pro Bowl, one more than the New England Patriots and more than any other NFL team. I did not see that coming.
On offense, QB Matt Ryan makes his first Pro Bowl, backing up former Falcon Michael Vick. He’s joined by three starters, RB Michael Turner, FB Ovie Mughelli, and WR Roddy White, plus backup TE Tony Gonzalez. Gonzo led all NFC tight ends in fan votes, so there must’ve been some adjustment along the way as players and coaches were factored in. However, Ryan wouldn’t have even made the Pro Bowl based on fan votes, so we’ll take it.
Falcons defensive Pro Bowlers: DE John Abraham and … well, that’s it. That’s not a huge surprise. Abe is second in the NFL and first in the NFC in sacks, while no other Falcon is among league leaders in a major, popularly accepted stat. Abraham collected his 100th sack this year, but this is no legacy award.
Special teamer Eric Weems also represents Atlanta’s kicking units, though I still feel Matt Bryant should’ve made it. Weems has been amazing this year, leading the conference in return yardage, running back a clutch touchdown, and making tackles like last night’s brutal takedown of Reggie Bush.
Let’s try and go a week without complaining about the Falcons’ lack of national respect now — what do you say?