No Pro Bowl Berths For Rams

[r8rh8rmike]

No Pro Bowl berths for Rams

BY JIM THOMAS
Wednesday, December 28, 2011

As was the case with defensive end Chris Long, the Rams' two other deserving players — running back Steven Jackson and middle linebacker James Laurinaitis — did not receive Pro Bowl berths.

Jackson, a three-time Pro Bowler, became the seventh player in NFL history with 1,000 yards rushing in seven consecutive seasons Saturday in Pittsburgh. But the three running backs chosen to the NFC squad were Philadelphia's LeSean McCoy, Chicago's Matt Forte and San Francisco's Frank Gore.

Laurinaitis is enjoying arguably his best NFL season, with 131 tackles, three sacks, and two interceptions, But only two middle linebackers per conference earn Pro Bowl berths, and San Francisco's Patrick Willis and Chicago's Brian Urlacher — this year's NFC Pro Bowlers — are tough competition.

Long is tied for sixth in the NFL with 13 sacks.

(See NFC Pro Bowl roster below.)

RAMS ROSTER MOVES

Tight end Ben Guidugli has been promoted to the active roster from the practice squad, filling the roster spot created by wide receiver Austin Pettis' suspension for violating NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances.

Offensive tackle Ryan McKee has been re-signed to the practice squad. Also added to the practice squad was tight end Demarco Cosby, who was with the Rams during training camp.

PRO BOWL ROSTER

NFC OFFENSE

Wide Receivers: s-Calvin Johnson, Detroit; s-Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona; Steve Smith, Carolina; Greg Jennings, Green Bay.

Tackles: s-Jason Peters, Philadelphia; s-Joe Staley, San Francisco; Jermon Bushrod, New Orleans.

Guards: s-Jahri Evans, New Orleans; s-Carl Nicks, New Orleans; Davin Joseph, Tampa Bay.

Centers: s-Ryan Kalil, Carolina; Scott Wells, Green Bay.

Tight Ends: s-Jimmy Graham, New Orleans; Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta.

Quarterbacks: s-Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay; Drew Brees, New Orleans; Eli Manning, N.Y. Giants.

Running Backs: s-LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia; Matt Forte, Chicago;

Frank Gore, San Francisco.

Fullback: s-John Kuhn, Green Bay.

NFC DEFENSE

Ends: s-Jared Allen, Minnesota; s-Jason Babin, Philadelphia; Jason Pierre-Paul, N.Y. Giants.

Interior Linemen: s-Justin Smith, San Francisco; s-Jay Ratliff, Dallas;

B.J. Raji, Green Bay.

Outside Linebackers: s-DeMarcus Ware, Dallas; s-Clay Matthews, Green Bay; Lance Briggs, Chicago.

Inside/Middle Linebackers: s-Patrick Willis, San Francisco; Brian Urlacher, Chicago.

Cornerbacks: s-Charles Woodson, Green Bay; s-Carlos Rogers, San Francisco; Charles Tillman, Chicago.

Free Safeties: s-Earl Thomas, Seattle; Dashon Goldson, San Francisco.

Strong Safety: s-Adrian Wilson, Arizona.

Specialists:

Punter: Andy Lee, San Francisco. Placekicker: David Akers, San Francisco.

Kick returner: Patrick Peterson, Arizona.

Special teamer: Corey Graham, Chicago.

Long snapper: TBA.

[fliptalianstallion]

lol the Pro Bowl is a popularity contest and I find it laughable to know that a quarter of the NFC roster are Packer players when Rodgers, Raji, maybe Jennings and Woodson deserve consideration. I miss the old Pro Bowl days where experts and players pick their players and not bandwagon fans.

[sosa39rams]

lol the Pro Bowl is a popularity contest and I find it laughable to know that a quarter of the NFC roster are Packer players when Rodgers, Raji, maybe Jennings and Woodson deserve consideration. I miss the old Pro Bowl days where experts and players pick their players and not bandwagon fans.

Raji and Jennings no way should have made it. But I agree with the rest. Victor Cruz has severely outplayed Jennings this year. And Raji has dropped this year, being pushed around easier and having a terrible run defense stat.

[bradwill]

No way Raji should have made it. He should have last year, though, so this is some kind of "make up" I guess. Cruz over Jennings too.

JL will start making Pro Bowls when the Rams get a DT that can keep steamrolling 315lb guards from neutralizing JL at the point of attack. Long is unfortunately in a conference with some real stiff competition at DE these days, but I think he's very close to making it.

[sosa39rams]

James Laurinaitis, Chris Long, and Steven Jackson made the list as pro bowl alternates. I guess when some players go play in the SB these guys will hop in their place.

[Goldenfleece]

James Laurinaitis, Chris Long, and Steven Jackson made the list as pro bowl alternates. I guess when some players go play in the SB these guys will hop in their place.

True, and those guys deserve a little bit of recognition performing as well as they have during such an otherwise horrible season.

[mh-i]

Going strictly by the numbers it's fair. As stated, one or more of the 3 will more than likely end up making the team after other players drop out.

[Fortuninerhater]

On a likely 2 and 14 team, honorable mention should be good enough for Long, Laurinitis, and Jackson.

[GROUND DOG 39]

James Laurinaitis, Chris Long, and Steven Jackson made the list as pro bowl alternates. I guess when some players go play in the SB these guys will hop in their place.

I think this is the correct call as well.

[Fettmaster]

True, and those guys deserve a little bit of recognition performing as well as they have during such an otherwise horrible season.

Well that's what happens when you have a joke franchise. Nobody takes what you do seriously. I hope Kroenke took notice.