For the second consecutive year, not a single New York Jet was selected to start in the Pro Bowl. As unfortunate as it may be, the news doesn’t come all too surprisingly.
The Jets have certainly exceeded expectations this year by dodging 0-16 rumors and tapping into some unsought potential, but apparently none of that deems Pro Bowl worthy. Sure, the team faced such harsh criticism before the start of the season because talent wasn’t evident. But now, it’s pretty hard to make that argument.
Gang Green has uncovered some significant flair this season. From the versatility of Robby Anderson and Austin Seferian-Jenkins, to the rebounding Josh McCown and Demario Davis – the Jets have created something from “nothing.”
But as far as the Pro Bowl goes, these “nothing to something’s” don’t win the popularity contest. Rather, the league and it’s fans would prefer to see players who have solidified a name for themselves, opposed to those that are on the up and coming.
Snub City
In a few cases, the argument can be made that the Jets got snubbed. Demario Davis is a name that clearly jumps off the page. The sixth-year inside linbacker is in the midst of his best season. He’s already totaled a career high in tackles (117) and sacks (five), both of which lead the Jets. He’s also arguably a top 10 NFL linebacker with the 8th most tackles in the league. To see Davis have such an outstanding season and not make the Pro Bowl, even as an alternate, is preposterous.
The fact #Jets linebacker Demario Davis didn’t even make the list of #ProBowl alternates is just silly.
— Dennis Waszak Jr. (@DWAZ73) December 20, 2017
Others who could hold a case for being “snubbed” are Robby Anderson and Buster Skrine, who have both flashed mightily throughout the season.
In terms of alternates, two Jets DID make the list. Rookie safety Jamal Adams comes in as a third-string alternate, and quarterback Josh McCown comes in as a fifth. It is unlikely that either of them see the field very much this January at Camping World Stadium, but to get the nod is likely humbling enough.
I wont miss another Pro bowl. Believe that.
— Jamal Adams (@Prez) December 20, 2017
The Jets are one of five teams without a Pro Bowler on the initial rosters this year, along with the Packers, Colts, Bears and Browns. They will hope to end their two-year Pro Bowl drought with a rebounding 2018 season.
– Kyle Hirshkind is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Jets and covers the New York Jets. Like and follow on Follow @kylehirshkind Follow @FPC_Jets
