Seven Ravens Headed To Pro-Bowl
by lastcallbmore on Dec 28, 2011 7:01 AM EST
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PrintCongratulations to Marshal Yanda, Ray Lewis, Ray Rice, Terrell Suggs, Ed Reed, Vonta Leach and Haloti Ngata for being voted to this years Pro-Bowl. It is so special that we have this many great players being recognized by he fans and their piers for their excellent play.
There were several other players voted to be alternates at the pro-bowl as well. The one I am most happy for is safety Bernard Pollard. Pollard was one of the Ravens most underrated off-season moves and has helped re-energize the Ravens defense this year.
Pollard started the year behind Tom Zbikowski on the depth chart and has played his way onto the field and never looked back. He has played with reckless abandon this year and it seems the fans in Baltimore were not the only ones to notice.
Perhaps the biggest snub for Baltimore is corner back Lardarius Webb. Webb has been a play-maker and a difference maker this year for the Ravens and is playing at a higher level than anyone else in the secondary. I guess the AFC is stacked at the corner position and with all the big names it is hard for a guy like Webb to get noticed. If he keeps playing like he has this year that will not last for long.
After the jump is the official statement from the Baltimore Ravens.
Statement from Baltimore Ravens
Seven Baltimore Ravens were voted to the Pro Bowl, the NFL announced Tuesday evening. LB Ray Lewis, S Ed Reed, LB Terrell Suggs, DT Haloti Ngata, FB Vonta Leach, RB Ray Rice and G Marshal Yanda were selected to play in the NFL’s All-Star game, which will be held on Jan. 29, 2012, at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii.
LB Ray Lewis (13th Pro Bowl Invite – Starter)
Lewis, who was selected as an AFC starter, was named to the 13th Pro Bowl of his 16-year career. Despite missing four games due to injury, Lewis has recorded a team-high 88 tackles this season, adding two sacks, one interception, six passes defensed and two forced fumbles. Lewis leads a Ravens’ defense that ranks third in the NFL (285.7 ypg).
S Ed Reed (8th Pro Bowl Invite – Starter)
Also named a starter for the AFC, Reed was selected to the eighth Pro Bowl of his 10-year career. In 15 games this season, he has totaled 48 tackles, three interceptions, one sack, eight passes defensed and one forced fumble. Reed, whose 57 career thefts lead all active players, has generated at least three interceptions in each of the past six seasons. He (1,463) is 21 interception return yards shy of setting the all-time NFL record, currently held by Hall of Famer Rod Woodson (1,483 yards).
"It is definitely an honor and blessing," Reed stated. "To come back after an injury last year and to be voted by my peers and fans is special. I am very appreciative of this honor, but right now, there are bigger goals in mind. With the Bengals coming up this week and a push to the playoffs, we have a lot of work ahead of us, but this is definitely something I am proud of and am thankful for."
OLB Terrell Suggs (5th Pro Bowl Invite – Starter)
Also starting on the AFC squad, Suggs has registered both a conference- and career-high 13 sacks through 15 games, en route to earning his fifth Pro Bowl nod in nine seasons. In addition, he has posted 64 total tackles, two interceptions and five passes defensed. His six forced fumbles tie a Ravens’ single-season high, which he set in 2003 and 2005. Suggs is the franchise’s all-time leader in sacks (81.5) and has produced three three-sack performances this season.
"First off, I definitely want to give a tremendous amount of credit to my coaches, especially Clarence Brooks and Ted Monachino," Suggs said. "Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am now. I felt like a kid when I got the call; I was excited and honored. This wouldn’t be possible without my teammates. Without the secondary making the QBs hold the ball, or the linebackers plugging up those holes, I wouldn’t have the chance to do what I do, and I am thankful for them. I also want to thank the fans who voted for me. But to be clear, I have no intentions of playing in the Pro Bowl. I plan on being in practice with my teammates that week, getting ready for the Super Bowl."
DT Haloti Ngata (3rd Pro Bowl Invite – Starter)
Named a starter in the third Pro Bowl of his six-year career, Ngata has produced 61 tackles, five sacks and four passes defensed. He has also set career highs with two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. Ngata also recorded his first-career touchdown with a 28-yard scamper off a fumble recovery at St. Louis. Reinforced through Ngata’s efforts, the Ravens’ run defense ranks second in the NFL (91.8 ypg) and third in points allowed per game (16.7).
"It is a privilege and honor to be considered one of the best at your position among your peers, coaches and fans," Ngata stated. "When I found out, I felt the same way I did the first time I made it. I know that this wouldn’t be possible without my teammates. Hopefully, though, I won’t be able to play in the Pro Bowl, because I want to be playing in Indy [at the Super Bowl]."
RB Ray Rice (2nd Pro Bowl Invite – Starter)
Rice, who was selected as an AFC starter, was named to the second Pro Bowl of his four-year career. Entering the NFL’s final week, Rice has recorded a league-high 1,869 scrimmage yards and is third in the AFC with 1,173 rushing yards. A dual-threat back, he is tops in receiving yards (696) and second in receptions (74) among all running backs. Furthermore, with four receiving yards in Week 17, he will become just the second player in NFL history to record multiple seasons with at least 1,000 rushing and 700 receiving yards (Marshall Faulk accomplished the feat four times).
"This is a great honor, and I really want to thank my offensive line and coaches for helping me to become the player I am," Rice said. "This is a team award, and I hope that everyone on our team can take pride in the fact that they helped seven of their teammates attain this honor. Also, thanks to my peers, coaches and fans that voted me in. But, I will celebrate after the season. We have unfinished business to take care of over the next few weeks."
FB Vonta Leach (2nd Pro Bowl Invite – Starter)
In his first year with the Ravens, Leach was named an AFC starter for the second time in his eight-year NFL career. He has helped pave the way for Rice, who currently leads the NFL in yards from scrimmage (1,869) and is fifth league-wide in rushing yards (1,173). Aside from blocking, Leach has posted a career-high 11 carries for 34 yards, and adding 12 receptions for 51 yards.
"This means a lot to me, especially with it being my first year on a new team," Leach affirmed. "With changing teams, the lockout and trying to learn a new playbook, I am so proud and happy to be going with my backfield mate [Ray Rice]. This is a great thing and something to celebrate. But, that will have to wait until after the season. Right now we are getting ready for Cincinnati and a strong playoff run."
G Marshal Yanda (1st Pro Bowl Invite)
Yanda earned the first Pro Bowl nod of his five-year NFL career, serving as a stabilizing force on the offensive line. Behind him, Rice leads the NFL with 1,869 yards from scrimmage and is fifth in rushing (1,173). Rice is also tied for first in the AFC with 10 rushing touchdowns. Yanda, who has not committed an offensive penalty this season, has also graded out with a "winning performance or better" in every game, according to the Ravens’ coaching staff.
"I am ecstatic, that is really the only thing I can say," Yanda said. "This is such a great honor, something that I never really expected. When I made it to the NFL, I was so happy to be on a team and playing in the league, and now, to be a part of a Pro Bowl team is something very special. You don’t get there alone; you have to be on a good team and playing well as a unit. I am thankful for my teammates and coaches who helped me get to where I am."
Pro Bowlers
LB Ray Lewis (starter), S Ed Reed (starter), LB Terrell Suggs (starter), DT Haloti Ngata (starter), RB Ray Rice (starter), FB Vonta Leach (starter), G Marshal Yanda
First Alternate Note
One Raven who did not make the Pro Bowl but was selected as a first alternate is G Ben Grubbs. He would receive an invitation if a player in front of him cannot attend due to injury or Super Bowl participation.
First Alternate
G Ben Grubbs
Second Alternate
ST Brendon Ayanbadejo
Third Alternates
QB Joe Flacco and S Bernard Pollard
Fourth Alternate
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Just needs to get name recognition. Hard to beat out guys with names like Revis and Bailey.
Flacco has to trust his receivers to make catches, but shouldn’t throw towards coverage. He needs to attack deep more often, but shouldn’t hold onto the ball so long. He needs to show more awareness in the pocket and move to extend plays, but nothing good comes of him leaving the pocket. He should run with the ball if nobody’s open, but he definitely can’t run with the ball.
Flacco should have the awareness of Roethlisberger, the elusiveness of Vick, the control of the offense of Manning, the leadership of Brady, the accuracy of Brees, and the arm strength of … Flacco? - Ampallang
I'm really glad for Yanda
The fact that Yanda made it and Oher didn’t, despite the fan voting, shows that the coaches’ and players’ votes are weighted pretty strongly and it works. Congratulations for Marshal.
I love it knowing that there are a handful of Ravens fans in this area who despise the fact that Joe will be our QB for the next 10 years. --Mr. MaLoR
Yea, Yanda is definitely deserving. I bet the coaches and players are watching game tape each week and their jaws drop after seeing Yanda man handle a DT 5 yards backwards on a run play. The guy is vicious.
I’d almost be pissed off if Oher made it, quality RT, not pro bowl worthy.
Flacco has to trust his receivers to make catches, but shouldn’t throw towards coverage. He needs to attack deep more often, but shouldn’t hold onto the ball so long. He needs to show more awareness in the pocket and move to extend plays, but nothing good comes of him leaving the pocket. He should run with the ball if nobody’s open, but he definitely can’t run with the ball.
Flacco should have the awareness of Roethlisberger, the elusiveness of Vick, the control of the offense of Manning, the leadership of Brady, the accuracy of Brees, and the arm strength of … Flacco? - Ampallang
I would’ve been pissed if Oher made it too. The fan voting aspect is really just a popularity contest, I’m glad the players and coaches got it right.
Its is pretty cool though to see that we’re slated to have 6 starters in the Pro Bowl, twice as many as the Steelers. But just like Suggs pointed out, our guys will practicing for the Super Bowl that week, so unfortunately Ray & Co. will be unable to attend.
by StuckInUtah on Dec 28, 2011 9:48 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
But Oher is an great RT. He’s durable, has amazing athleticism, one of the best first steps in the league, and all he does is help us win. Sure, he has some penalties here and there, but you’ve got to expect it when things are changing around him all the time. He’s moved from LT, in college, to RT, in the pros. Then back to LT for a year, and now back to RT. How can we expect him not to occasionally make mistakes when he basically changes his dominant hand every year(sometimes even in the middle of the game). We should be ecstatic he’s our RT, and hope he’s here for the next ten years. Don’t ever doubt him. smh…
daytime commentator. night time ninja.
Oher is a good RT, but far from one of the best. Maybe in another year or two, but he’s definitely not Pro Bowl material yet.
by StuckInUtah on Dec 28, 2011 11:04 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Since Oher is far from one of the best in your eyes, do you think it’d be wise to try out Jah as an option to replace Oher next season?
daytime commentator. night time ninja.
No, I don’t think Oher is THAT bad. He is a quality RT, one of the better RT’s in the league. I like him at that position and hope he stays there his entire career.
While Oher is not pro bowl material, he really hasn’t done anything to indicate us that Jah Reid could possible replace him.
Flacco has to trust his receivers to make catches, but shouldn’t throw towards coverage. He needs to attack deep more often, but shouldn’t hold onto the ball so long. He needs to show more awareness in the pocket and move to extend plays, but nothing good comes of him leaving the pocket. He should run with the ball if nobody’s open, but he definitely can’t run with the ball.
Flacco should have the awareness of Roethlisberger, the elusiveness of Vick, the control of the offense of Manning, the leadership of Brady, the accuracy of Brees, and the arm strength of … Flacco? - Ampallang
Every training camp is a battle. If the coaches see something that makes them think Jah deserves Oher’s spot, then I’ll trust in their evaluation. I’m not trying to bag on Oher, I do think he’s our long term solution at RT. He just hasn’t panned out as the 1st round LT pick that he hoped we were getting.
by StuckInUtah on Dec 28, 2011 12:01 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Agreed. I don't think he's a pro-bowler either.
That said this year he has had a lot less negatives about him than last. He’s growing for sure. If we can keep him at RT and let him work out the negatives he will be a top tier tackle.
We don’t see him getting beat very often. His problems more so is the penalties. Those little things can be fixed relatively easily.
Flacco has to trust his receivers to make catches, but shouldn’t throw towards coverage. He needs to attack deep more often, but shouldn’t hold onto the ball so long. He needs to show more awareness in the pocket and move to extend plays, but nothing good comes of him leaving the pocket. He should run with the ball if nobody’s open, but he definitely can’t run with the ball.
Flacco should have the awareness of Roethlisberger, the elusiveness of Vick, the control of the offense of Manning, the leadership of Brady, the accuracy of Brees, and the arm strength of … Flacco? - Ampallang
Too bad none of these guys will be going.
Flacco has to trust his receivers to make catches, but shouldn’t throw towards coverage. He needs to attack deep more often, but shouldn’t hold onto the ball so long. He needs to show more awareness in the pocket and move to extend plays, but nothing good comes of him leaving the pocket. He should run with the ball if nobody’s open, but he definitely can’t run with the ball.
Flacco should have the awareness of Roethlisberger, the elusiveness of Vick, the control of the offense of Manning, the leadership of Brady, the accuracy of Brees, and the arm strength of … Flacco? - Ampallang
I had a story posted to go up right after this
on the total number of possible Pro Bowl players, including alternates. Delayed its posting until later today. Smart thinks alike!
aka 'Rexx'
By doing his best Charlie Sheen impression.
by Roa on Dec 28, 2011 1:44 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
That’s what I am wondering. Tyrod Taylor, Marc Bulger and Troy Smith clearly all deserved that over him.
Flacco has to trust his receivers to make catches, but shouldn’t throw towards coverage. He needs to attack deep more often, but shouldn’t hold onto the ball so long. He needs to show more awareness in the pocket and move to extend plays, but nothing good comes of him leaving the pocket. He should run with the ball if nobody’s open, but he definitely can’t run with the ball.
Flacco should have the awareness of Roethlisberger, the elusiveness of Vick, the control of the offense of Manning, the leadership of Brady, the accuracy of Brees, and the arm strength of … Flacco? - Ampallang
Here's the case for Webb to make it in right here:
From BaltimoreRavens.com: “Webb has not allowed a touchdown pass this season, reports Kolko. He has also recorded five interceptions, the third most in the AFC and more than the three corners selected to go to Hawaii.”
That’s crazy that he’s had such a good season and doesn’t get his due, but it is just a popularity contest. I voted for him everytime though, haha. Oh well.
Maybe next year we can send a few “new” faces like Webb, Jimmy, Torrey, or McPhee. That would be awesome.
"Don't throw it, don't throw it, don't throw it. I know y'all going to throw it, they going to throw it anyway. I wouldn't throw it. Don't do it." - Ed Reed
You say tomato, I say tomahto. You say Six, I say Sweep.
by WestminsterRaven on Dec 28, 2011 1:13 PM EST reply actions
Usually, guys get named to the pro bowl a season after they deserve it. Just the way it is.
daytime commentator. night time ninja.
I know, a guy can dream though. Webb’s been crucial to our team’s overall success and #3 overall ranked D. For a guy like Webb coming from a tiny school, with small size and having fought the injuries he’s had to be as integral as he’s been in a defensive juggernaut is impressive as hell. Not to mention his value in retiring punts and what not. Glad to see him doing well, and hope he keeps it up for a long time. Looking forward to a nasty secondary in years to come.
"Don't throw it, don't throw it, don't throw it. I know y'all going to throw it, they going to throw it anyway. I wouldn't throw it. Don't do it." - Ed Reed
You say tomato, I say tomahto. You say Six, I say Sweep.
by WestminsterRaven on Dec 28, 2011 1:50 PM EST up reply actions
Interesting
That Flacco is even made it as an alternate as bad as he is. He constantly overthrows; he constantly underthrows; he does not complete 80 – 90 percent of his passes; he cannot read defenses, he doesn’t get the team to the line quick enough; he has lousy pocket presence, does not protect the football and has zippy mobility.
But seriously, the QB’s ahead of him in the AFC: Brady, Ben, Rivers, Dalton and Tebow. Dalton and Tebow? Dalton’s and Flacco’s number’s for the year are surprisingly similar. But I gotta believe you give the nod to the veteran over the rookie as a tie-breaker. And Tebow is not better than Flacco, no way no how, at this point in his career. Extremely compelling story? Absolutely. But the Pro-Bowl is not about compelling stories.
From a Pro-Bowl perspective, I can understand Brady, Ben and maybe Rivers over Flacco, but that is it. And even Rivers I have to question somewhat because he is having a “bad” year for him, relatively speaking (although upon further examination, Rivers numbers aren’t bad relatively speaking for the conference, just down for him).
Admittedly this is homerism, but I gotta put Flacco as the AFC First Alternate, then Dalton, then Hasselback, then Tebow.
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After looking at everyone’s season stats, I agree. Flacco should be the 1st alternate.
daytime commentator. night time ninja.
Yea, this was a down year for AFC QB’s. All together, it was a down year for the AFC in general. Rodgers and Brees are light years ahead of the QB’s. No AFC player is top 5 in sacks. Guys like Roddy White aren’t making it, but Mike Wallace and AJ Green are.
The one that pisses me off the most is Clay Matthews getting a vote. 6 sacks on the year??? If Von Miller is making the pro bowl, so should the other rookie Aldon Smith. He leads all rookies in sacks!!!
Flacco has to trust his receivers to make catches, but shouldn’t throw towards coverage. He needs to attack deep more often, but shouldn’t hold onto the ball so long. He needs to show more awareness in the pocket and move to extend plays, but nothing good comes of him leaving the pocket. He should run with the ball if nobody’s open, but he definitely can’t run with the ball.
Flacco should have the awareness of Roethlisberger, the elusiveness of Vick, the control of the offense of Manning, the leadership of Brady, the accuracy of Brees, and the arm strength of … Flacco? - Ampallang
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