Next Tuesday the NFL Network will announce the AFC and NFC Pro Bowl teams. Unlike last year, there won't be as many Patriot players sprinkled throughout the roster, but that doesn't mean there are no deserving players on the team. Of course I'm a homer, but I'll try to exercise a bit of common sense and select players who should be on the AFC team:
WR Wes Welker
This should be a no-brainer. He currently leads the NFL in receptions and is in the top 10 for receiving yards. Unfortunately he lacks star power and touchdowns. But that doesn't diminish his importance to the team. His performance against Seattle is a microcosm of what he does for New England: he just makes plays when the team needs them. His hope is the coaches will recognize his efforts and reward him.
K Stephen Gostowski
This selection should be as fool-proof as Welker's for the third year man from Memphis. He leads the lead in points and missed just three field goals. He gets props for kicking in Gillette Stadium, a open air stadium in a cold and windy area.
DT Richard Seymour
Healthy for the first time in years, Seymour is back. He leads the team with 7.5 sacks and is tied for fourth in tackles for defensive linemen. Not bad for a 3-4 guy who's job is to occupy blockers. Of the three players ahead of Seymour in tackles, only one is on a winning team.
NT Vince Wilfork
The difference in tackles between Wilfork and Seymour is just two, but give the big man in the middle his due. He's been unstoppable at times, either splitting double teams or anchoring the middle. His numbers would be better if he didn't miss most of the Seattle game. Wilfork is having his best season and should be rewarded for it.
S Brandon Merriweather
Thrust into full-time duty following Rodney Harrison's injury, Merriweather has made Harrison proud. He hasn't earned the respect as a hard hitter, but it will come. What's more important is being a play-maker. Think about his interceptions. Against the New York Jets, his second half interception led to the difference-making touchdown. His pick against Miami swung the momentum in the Patriots favor for good. And his perfectly timed blitz and strip-sack of Seahawks QB Seneca Wallace sealed the win. But it will be next to impossible to get selected over Pittsburgh's Troy Polamalu and Baltimore's Ed Reed.
Keywords: Baltimore Ravens, Brandon Merriweather, Ed Reed, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, Richard Seymour, Rodney Harrison, Seattle Seahawks, Seneca Wallace, Stephen Gostowski, Troy Polamalu, Vince Wilfork, Wes Welker
