Playbook Pro Bowlers: Our NFC picks
Published: November 15th, 2011 | Tags: 2011 NFC Pro Bowl team, Cam Newton, Carlos Rogers, Jason Pierre-Paul, Jed Collins, Playbook, Ray McDonald
While it takes a full season of work to be regarded as a Pro Bowler, voting has started on NFL.com for this year’s squads.
Since we expect all of you to vote, we thought it would be prudent to gather what we have seen on coaching tape and offer our opinion on who is playing at Pro Bowl-level in the NFC in 2011.
A few of the most interesting picks:
QB Cam Newton, Panthers — Newton is playing at such a high level, we just had to put him on our team. The rookie has made the most of his opportunities and the personnel he has around him. While he may not be a traditional pocket passer, his style has been more than effective. He should only get better as the season progresses.
FB Jed Collins, Saints – The “T-1000,” as we have dubbed him, has been a key piece of New Orleans’ resurgence this season as one of the NFL’s better rushing teams. He has proven to be a weapon on the goal line with three TDs (two rushing, one receiving) as well as leading the way for Sproles, Thomas, and Ingram. Collins’ fearless blocking and ability to annihilate opposing LBs makes him our choice.
DE Jason Pierre-Paul, Giants – JPP has played worlds above his performance as a rookie last season. He has 9.5 sacks in nine games and has been stout against the run as well with 40 tackles. JPP is starting to apply the size and athleticism that made him a first-round pick in 2010 to the game, and it is paying off big time.
DT Ray McDonald, 49ers – The 49ers’ superb defensive play is the primary reason for their hot start. Their success begins up front with McDonald and Justin Smith, who usually don’t put up numbers in the 3-4 or get much attention. But McDonald and Smith have combined for 7.5 sacks and two forced fumbles while also setting the stage for a phenomenal linebacking corps (see ILB Patrick Willis below, and we debated Navorro Bowman as well).
Carlos Rogers, 49ers – Considered to be a colossal disappointment by most Redskins’ fans, Rogers has gotten a fresh start in San Francisco and it has paid off in a big way. He already has 5 INTs – more than he had in any full season with the Redskins – including one he brought back for a TD.
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