Which Ravens Will Make The Pro Bowl?
by BAL_Hawk on May 21, 2009 11:07 AM EDT
67 comments
I don't typically put much stock in the Pro Bowl. The Ravens are not a high profile team, and it always seems that there are several Ravens players who are snubbed. Obviously, there's no way that anyone could predict the Pro Bowl. We have no idea who's going to step up on our team or on other teams.
This is just meant to be a friendly discussion and debate. I'd like to know who you believe will be a big enough contributor and have big enough individual seasons. Remember that the Pro Bowl is a popularity contest. I would take many of our players over many other players at their position, but you need to keep the popularity of other teams and players in mind. The Pro Bowl does not take upside into account. As much as I love Joe Flacco, I don't think that he will be making the Pro Bowl over guys like Manning and Brady... this year. I hope he proves me wrong. Anyway, please pick the Ravens players who you think will make the Pro Bowl next season and provide a brief explanation. Also, I'd like everyone to make a sleeper pick. Pick a player that you think is flying under the radar. My picks are as follows:
Ed Reed, FS (First Team)
No one can argue with this. Reed is, far and away, the best safety in the NFL. He has the name recognition and the ability to back it up. If he stays healthy, Reed is a lock for the Pro Bowl, and I think that he's the pres-season favorite for defensive player of the year.
Ray Lewis, MLB (First Team)
Sadly, many people would probably disagree with this pick. They would say that Lewis is not dominate anymore, but Ravens fans know that Lewis still has a couple Pro Bowl seasons left in him. He still has the best instincts in the NFL and is still breaking opposing running back's collar bones. Most of all, he's still the best middle linebacker in the game. I'd like to see someone name a middle linebacker who's better right now.
Haloti Ngata, DT (First Team)
Ngata was snubbed last year. His humble demeanor doesn't attract much press, but since Ngata was drafted, the Ravens have been one of the toughest teams to run against. Ray Lewis is a big part of that, but Ngata eats up blockers and keeps our awesome linebackers free to make plays. Ngata is a stud, and if he fails to make the Pro Bowl next season, Ravens fans need to revolt.
Terrell Suggs, OLB (Alternate)
Suggs may be the most versatile and impactful player in the NFL. I put him as an alternate only because flashy players like Harrison and Ware will always get more votes. I believe that he deserves more credit. The Ravens defense would not be nearly as good without Suggs.
Matt Birk, C (First Team)
Sadly, Matt Birk is the only offensive lineman that I'm selecting from the Ravens. I'm sure that many of you would disagree, but again, I actually think that more of them should make it. I just don't see people voting for our offensive line... unless they have a record breaking season (which isn't outside the realm of possibilities). Birk going to the Pro Bowl makes sense. I expect our offensive line to be extremely successful next season, and the average fan will probably chalk it up to Birk instead of giving our entire line the credit they’re due.
Leron McClain, FB (First Team)
McClain will probably make the Pro Bowl for many years. His performance last season won him respect and recognition from the entire league. Even though he will be playing more FB next season, I still expect McClain to get plenty of touches. Cam Cameron uses his talented players.
SLEEPER PICK:
Willis McGahee, RB (First Team)
Bam! I know that many of you are laughing at this pick, but I honestly believe that McGahee is going to have a career year. Last season, he was banged up and lagging behind for many games, but in the games that he was healthy, he actually played very well. He still has great talent. He’s my sleeper pick because many people have forgotten about him or written him off. I believe that this will fuel his fire. McGahee has much to prove after last season, and with the emergence of our offensive line, I believe that he will have a dominate season.
Anyway, who do you think will make the Pro Bowl next season? Be objective.
The opinions posted here are those of the administrator of this blog and his loyal readers. They are in no way official comments from the team, and should not be misconstued as such, even though he thinks he could do just as well or even a better job!
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Doubtful about Matt Birk (too new to AFC) and McGahee. We will split the carries too much for Willis to get the stats, and while McClain won’t get the carries he did last season, I also doubt he’ll get the blocking accolades to get the nod again.
I do, however, like Ray’s chances again, and along w/ Ngata, Suggs and of course, Reed, the team should be represented.
Rexx
by Rexx on May 21, 2009 11:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Well, I’m trying to be original and think outside the box. Anyone would name Reed, Lewis, Ngata and Suggs. I was trying to evoke thought and provide an original opinion. I like Birk’s chances. He’s been a Pro Bowler in the past and will be playing on a dominate line. You already know how I feel about McGahee.
by BAL_Hawk on May 21, 2009 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
McClain
I like the Le’Ron pick if not only for the reason that he made the pro bowl last season at fullback and pro bowl voters like continuity. And at an obscure and unrecognized position as FB he should be a pro bowler for many years to come as long as he gets 3-5 goal line TDs a year.
by bmf12116 on May 22, 2009 8:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You forgot...
Todd Heap TE – may shine because less guarding duty and Tony Gonzalez went to the NFC.
Fabian Washington or Domonique Foxworth – Ravens secondary is going to be top flight
by In Ravens We stand on May 21, 2009 12:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I doubt Heap will make the Pro Bowl. He seems like a different player in recent seasons. I almost put Foxworth on my list, but I thought that was a little premature. I think that he’s going to be great, but he wasn’t dominate in Atlanta. He needs to prove himself in Baltimore.
by BAL_Hawk on May 21, 2009 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
MY sleeper pick
Dawan Landry. Watch him bounce back with a 80+ tackle season and also, throw in 5ints with that. Another guy I expect to make it is Ben Grubbs. He is one of the best guards in the league and he should moxt def. get in this year. Also, watch for Chris Carr to make it as a Kick/Punt returner.
FEAR THE NEVERMORE DEFENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!
by Benji5203 on May 21, 2009 12:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You may be right, but just remember that he needs to beat out guys like Bob Sanders and Troy Polamalu in the AFC.
by BAL_Hawk on May 21, 2009 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Grubbs is a great pick.
under rated and excellent on the left side. NMaybe even Gaither makes the second team, but that’s tough w/ all the left tackles out there.
Rexx
by Rexx on May 21, 2009 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh yeah
Patrick Willis. I think he is better then Ray Lewis right now.
FEAR THE NEVERMORE DEFENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!
by Benji5203 on May 21, 2009 12:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Physically yes
Willis is the most dominating LB in the game because he is a freak of nature. But if he were on the team right now instead of Ray, we would not be as good. Ray makes everyone play better around him.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
by Mr MaLoR on May 21, 2009 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mentally, no one compares to Ray
Willis, or anyone!
Rexx
by Rexx on May 21, 2009 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
More Possiblities
Grubbs, and maybe, Carr (Returner) and Koch
by DT711 on May 21, 2009 1:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think that Grubbs SHOULD make the Pro Bowl, but I just don’t see people voting for him. I also think that Gaither and Oher have Pro Bowl potential. I just don’t know if they’re going to get the votes this season… That’s just my opinion.
by BAL_Hawk on May 21, 2009 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Flacco and Why
If the O-line plays as good as most of us expect them to, Flacco has a shot.. Compare Phillip Rivers stats from his 06 pro bowl year to what Flacco did last year as a rookie..It is not out of the realm of possiblity. Stats wise, he would need about 400 more passing yards and 6 more td’s (included rushing TD’s).
Take popularity into consideration and you make an even stronger case, In 06 Rivers had no popularity, he was the guy who the NYG didn’t want, he was viewed as essentially pushing Brees out of SD after his pro bowl year, and from what film/video I’ve seen, seems like a jackass on the sidelines. That was a lot to overcome to make the list.
Flacco on the other hand is coming off a killer first year. Viewed as the possible savior to Baltimore, he earned Pepsi Rookie of the Year, 1st Rook QB w/ 2 playoff wins, and is a laid back, humble dude, no jackass here…
One may argue that our WR core will not allow for big numbers. Well, who was Rivers throwing to in ’06? Gates? McCardell?, the occasional toss to Tomlinson? There was no Fitzgerald or Boldin on that team…
So what about Tom Brady ? Brady actually put up vitually the same numbers as Rivers in 06, but was not voted in (well injury backup if you want to get technical) So if that jackass Rivers can do it, why can’t Flacco?
by adh on May 21, 2009 1:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You are a great person
I agree
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
by Mr MaLoR on May 21, 2009 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not saying that Flacco couldn’t. I hope he does! I’m the biggest Flacco fan that you’ll find, but the Ravens offense is not a pass-first offense. Our offense is all about establishing the run. Flacco will need to step up and make big plays in some games, but he’s probably not going to have multiple 300 yard games. We don’t rely on our QB to win games like the Colts, Patriots and even Chargers. The Ravens are a well balance team and will not put too much pressure on Flacco. That’s a winning formula. Does that make him less of a quarterback? Of course not! However, it doesn’t draw as many votes for the Pro Bowl.
by BAL_Hawk on May 21, 2009 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not sure how
I overlooked this in my initial post, but your comments on the Ravens offensive philosophy got me thinkin’. I did not even take into consideration that Cam was calling the plays in SD in ’06. Christ, how did I miss that? Flacco will virtually be in the same offensive scheme as Rivers during his pro-bowl year… How about this: “Cam Year 2: Season of the Pass” Sundays this fall….
by adh on May 21, 2009 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree on the McGahee pick
I think now is his time to shine. I expect 1400 yards and 10 tds from Willis this year. Also 40 receptions for about 500 yards and 2 more tds.
I think his 3rd year with us is going to be his best year. He had a great season in 2007 under Billick’s shitty offense and that shitty team. Then was a little banged up last year but you have to admit he had a very solid last 4-5 games of the season.
I see great things from Willis this year. And if any of you say no way he does good this year, that is unfortunate that you do not have faith in such a great player.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
by Mr MaLoR on May 21, 2009 2:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed.
McGahee is going to shut some mouths this season. I can’t wait for all of the haters to eat their words.
by BAL_Hawk on May 21, 2009 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
by Mr MaLoR on May 21, 2009 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Especially… Mike Preston. I think that McGahee must have personally insulted him. Preston just spews trash about Willis.
by BAL_Hawk on May 21, 2009 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
One reason why I dont read the Baltimore Sun anymore
I hate that newspaper and nearly every contributor to it.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
by Mr MaLoR on May 21, 2009 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s not that bad. I don’t even mind Preston when he’s not talking about McGahee.
by BAL_Hawk on May 21, 2009 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It might not be bad
But I stopped reading after I saw that some of them picked us to lose to teams like the Browns and Cowboys.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
by Mr MaLoR on May 21, 2009 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We can’t all be as dauntless a fan as you.
by BAL_Hawk on May 21, 2009 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Carroll County Times'
Aaron Wilson is the best writer on the Ravens, outside of us Beatdown scribblers!
Rexx
by Rexx on May 21, 2009 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah. I really like Wilson. He successfully walks the fine line between objective writer and homer.
by BAL_Hawk on May 21, 2009 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Especially people around here
Hating on my favorite Ravens outside of Reed and Ray.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
by Mr MaLoR on May 21, 2009 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bah he’ll get hurt like he does every year and maybe then you all can see how over rated he is.
by archon095 on May 21, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wrong.
McGahee has not been “hurt” every year. From 2004 to 2007, McGahee averaged 1327 total yards and 8 touchdowns per season. Those numbers don’t look bad to me. I definitely would not say that he’s overrated. Last year was his only bad season.
by BAL_Hawk on May 21, 2009 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He is a Steeler fan
They know nothing of the NFL outside of the Black and Gold
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
by Mr MaLoR on May 21, 2009 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The funny part is that Willis received this “always hurt” reputation last season. He was battling injuries and fighting to stay on the field all season. People were constantly talking about his injury status. Most players would have just gone on IR. So… He actually received more flak because he tried his best to play in every game and push through the injuries. He would have been better off (reputation wise) to go on IR instead of battling through the injuries. That’s what bothers me about all this.
by BAL_Hawk on May 21, 2009 6:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
People are just too ignorant to realize that he was playing through serious injuries all season. And he still put up some nice numbers in the games he played.
If Willis gives me 1000+ this year, I will be very satisfied with anything above that number. Cause you Ray Rice is going to see some carries this year and even some starts. I am really excited to see that man do well. He did not even get a TD last season, cant wait to see him break another 60 yarder against the Browns. Except this time its going for 6!
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
by Mr MaLoR on May 21, 2009 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
While I do hope McGahee has his breakout season (if only for the sake of our Ravens), I’d be surprised if it happened. While our prior arguments about him are neither here nor there, I’d like to think my side was well-researched and -reasoned enough to not be considered “ignorant.”
Water covers 2/3 of the Earth's surface. Ed Reed covers the rest.
by Ampallang on May 21, 2009 10:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Except for the slight fact i live in Maryland, saw pretty much every Raven game and even went to some live I know nothing about the Ravens. Every year he gets “dinged.” This was the first since his senior year of college that he missed significant time due to injury but he does get hurt.
by archon095 on May 21, 2009 11:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ll give you that. He does get dinged up occasionally, but that’s part of playing running back in the NFL. It’s a tough job.
by BAL_Hawk on May 21, 2009 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just giving you a hard time
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
by Mr MaLoR on May 22, 2009 12:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jared Gaither
Might be a possibility. I heard a few experts recently say that Gaither is an All-Pro caliber player who can make it to the pro bowl very soon. Hopefully he doesn’t though so he wont demand insane money.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
by Mr MaLoR on May 21, 2009 2:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think all the guys you named have a chance but I’ll put money that McGahee won’t
by BradyQuinnisBeast on May 21, 2009 4:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Out of all of the running backs in the AFC you really think one that could possible run in a three back system has a great chance of making it?
by archon095 on May 21, 2009 11:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
McClain is going back to fullback, Rice is a change of pace back and our offensive line is looking amazing.
So… Yeah, I like his chances. That’s why I put him as my “sleeper pick.” It’s suppose to be less obvious.
by BAL_Hawk on May 21, 2009 11:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Personally i wouldnt be shocked if somewhere down the road the ravens pick up a pure blocking FB to let McClain keep running the ball. Now i have no clue if that will happen but he was quite efficient at it last year and if I were a raven coach i wouldnt want to give that up.
by archon095 on May 21, 2009 11:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree, but it’s almost as dangerous to have a fullback that can run and catch. Teams won’t be able to forget about him.
by BAL_Hawk on May 22, 2009 12:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I see a couple games still with LeRon getting 10-12 carries.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
by Mr MaLoR on May 22, 2009 12:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve heard (and I don’t know where; possibly from ESPN’s James Walker) that McClain will still be used as a tail back in short yardage and goal line situations. If so, that could eat into McGahee’s case for the Pro Bowl.
Water covers 2/3 of the Earth's surface. Ed Reed covers the rest.
by Ampallang on May 22, 2009 12:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can't see Willis getting enough carries to make the Pro Bowl
I think Rice will see the field a lot, especially in 3rd down situations and McClain will still get goal line and short yardage carries.
Not impossible, but he will have to rip it up when he does get the rock, probably will need close to a 4.5+ YPC.
by DT711 on May 22, 2009 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
True
But wouldn’t it be great to see him do something like that.
If there is any player on this team besides Joe who needs a big time season, it is Willis. The man does not get enough credit.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
by Mr MaLoR on May 22, 2009 9:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Of Course
I would be as happy as anyone. I really want to love Willis, he was one of my favorite players up until a year or so ago. I just want him to get the most out of his talent, and being at the non mandatory passing camp this week was a good start. If he can put it all together he is a top 5 talent at RB.
by DT711 on May 22, 2009 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Clayton
I think Mark Clayton could be a sleeper pick to become an alternative for the WR if he progresses as much as last year. With Derrick Mason probably out the entire off season Flacco and him could work up some real chemistry and Clayton could finally reach his potential.
by Musicman00328 on May 21, 2009 10:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think he could see 60+ rec this year
He showed the most flash last year then any other year he played. I think Cam will learn to recreate those situations again for Mark to excel in.
Not sure about pro bowl though, but just make the catches when thrown your way and I’ll be happy.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
by Mr MaLoR on May 22, 2009 12:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
4-6 TD receptions from Mason, Clayton, and Heap,
plus a few more from the tailbacks and other receivers = 20-25 TD passes with less than half of that many as INT’s should get us into the Big Game! Screw the Pro Bowl, we won’t be playing any guys in it as we’ll be practicing for the SB the following week next Feb.!
Rexx
by Rexx on May 22, 2009 10:16 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If Joe can give us 20-25 tds, I think that would be a very good season. 3000+ yards and 20-25 TD’s with another top 10 running game, we would be a very dangerous offense.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
by Mr MaLoR on May 22, 2009 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
young guys
I would really like to see Micael Oher take the spot that was always held for Jonothan Ogden in the Pro-Bowl. Even in his last year, when he rode the bench most of the season, JO was voted into the Pro-Bowl. JO did the classy thing and declined, because I think he knew he wasn’t deserving for being injured most of that year. The fact that he was voted in that year does prove the popularity contest arguement.
I would like to see Tavares Gooden make it, since it looks like he will be the one to take Bart Scotts place right now.
Kelly Washington would make a great story, just imagine the guy who caught two passes last year makes the Pro-Bowl the next year.
I agree Haloti Ngata deserves to make it, but unless he does more than 55 tackles, 1 sack, 5 passes defended, and 2 interceptions like last year, he will probably get overlooked again.
by strangebru on May 22, 2009 10:53 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
NO RAVENS WILL BE GOING TO THE PRO BOWL!
The Pro Bowl is in Miami this year and it is held the week between the conference championship games and the Super Bowl. Since we will win our AFC Championship the week before and be playing in the Super Bowl, none of our guys will be available, dammit!
Bruce Raffel
by Bruce Raffel on May 22, 2009 4:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Two problems with this. One is that even if the ravens are in the super bowl they still get the invites to the probowl. Two is that the ravens won’t be going to the super bowl.
by archon095 on May 22, 2009 10:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You gotta believe in your team's chances
at this point of the year, most teams have some sort of post season hope. With the yer we had with a rookie QB and the thought is that we IMPROVED our team on both sides of the ball, there’s no reason to doubt our team has what it takes to get there. We’ll see come December, but defense is solid and travels well and the ffense should kick it up a notch or two, so there’s my reasoning!
Of course the Ravens will get Pro Bowl invites and the contract bonuses that go with them, but like I said, we’ll be busy practicing.
Bruce Raffel
by Bruce Raffel on May 23, 2009 9:44 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Oh yeah you have to believe in your teams chances. But that also means that because the Steelers will be heading to the Super Bowl the Ravens will have nothing better to do then sit around at the Pro Bowl wishing they were as good as the Steelers.
by archon095 on May 23, 2009 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What are you guys going to the superbowl for?
And I need to ask a Steeler fan this. If the league ever schedules a game in England for you guys to play in, what is little baby James going to do about getting there since he is scared of flying? Take a boat? I’m sure you will just say “use his superhuman powers and stare down someone”
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
by Mr MaLoR on May 23, 2009 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He’s flown with the team every other time they get on a plane.
by archon095 on May 23, 2009 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dawan Landry
I’m a huge Dawan landry fan, and if he has the kind of season he had in 06 he should make it. I think people forget how phenomenal of a season he had in 06.
69 Tackles
3 sacks
5 picks…..5 picks!
And a touchdown, it should have been 2 but the on in pittsburgh was called down at the 1 or so.
He lost about 12 pounds, and is now down to 208 from 220. Hes faster, he looks more cut. I can WAIT!!! Man i’m getting excited typing this. He will make our secondary a lot better. The way i see it is worse case senario we will have the second best Pass d in the leauge. Then you bring Dawan back. Then you bring in Gooden, who is as good as cover linebacker as we’ve ever had next to AD. He can take away a TE or a RB.
I think the Sky is the limit for our D.
Dawan landry (if the injury doesn’t bother him) He should be in the probowl.
I think if we play up to our potential, and all goes well.
We should have 5 pro bowlers from our D
Dawan
Ed
Ray Lewis
Ngata
Suggs.
by RAVEN'SD#1 on May 23, 2009 2:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Landry could but will need to get his name recognition up. That could take a couple years. With Rice, McClaine and Willis fighting for carries none of them go. Mason will get snubbed. Ray will go for many reasons. Koch will go. Reed in. Suggs in. Ngata yes.
Flacco-no. I think the league figures him out some and he has a tough year. Like a rookie pitcher. He’ll be successful but his weaknesses are being studied as I type.
by raven on May 24, 2009 12:46 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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