The official Pro Bowl rosters are out, so let’s break them down by conference, starting with the AFC.
We’ll list the position, the players that made it with the starters first, and any random comment that comes to mind. Feel free to skip the comments.
Quarterbacks: Peyton Manning, Philip Rivers, and Tom Brady made it. Ben Roethlisberger has a good argument that he deserved the final spot.
Running backs: Chris Johnson, Maurice Jones-Drew, and Ray Rice are in. Great picks because they are all versatile. Cedric Benson’s injury ultimately cost him a chance.
Fullback: Le’Ron McClain. Lousaka Polite was a big snub from the Dolphins.
Wide Receivers: Andre Johnson, Reggie Wayne, Brandon Marshall, and Wes Welker made the team. Randy Moss has something else to be grumpy about. Although Vincent Jackson may have a bigger beef.
Tight ends: Dallas Clark and Antonio Gates. This is amazingly Clark’s first Pro Bowl. He should send Chiefs head honcho Scott Pioli a thank you note for trading Tony Gonzalez to the NFC.
Tackle: Jake Long, Ryan Clady, and Joe Thomas. There are other deserving players like D’Brickashaw Ferguson, but it’s hard to argue with this trio.
Guard: Logan Mankins, Alan Faneca, and Kris Dielman. Faneca has become the poster boy for making the Pro Bowl on reputation rather than production.
Center: Nick Mangold and Jeff Saturday. Mangold could be the Pro Bowl starter for a long time.
Defensive end: Robert Mathis, Dwight Freeney, and Mario Williams make it. I wouldn’t argue if the two Colts were the All Pro starters.
Interior Lineman: Haloti Ngata, Vince Wilfork, and Casey Hampton. Shaun Rogers should have made it, even with his injury.
Outside Linebacker: Elvis Dumervil, James Harrison, and Brian Cushing. An amazing accomplishment by the rookie from Houston and well deserved.
Inside Linebacker: Ray Lewis and DeMeco Ryans.
Cornerback: Darrelle Revis, Nnamdi Asomugha, and Champ Bailey. A Bengal should have gone over Bailey! We’d say Johnathan Joseph.
Free safety: Ed Reed, Jairus Byrd.
Strong safety: Brian Dawkins. No argument with the safety picks.
Punter: Shane Lechler
Placekicker: Nate Kaeding
Kick Returner: Josh Cribbs
Special Teamer: Kassim Osgood.