There are four Atlanta Falcons who should clearly make the Pro Bowl
The Pro Bowl is never the most exciting event or the most important event but it is still another achievement that will help any player make the Pro Football Hall of Fame and get more respect as a player. Certainly, the Atlanta Falcons will not have too many players going to Las Vegas for the event but there are clearly four players who deserve to be on the roster.
Last season, the Falcons had two players make it, those being Josh Harris and Kyle Pitts. Neither of them will represent this year because one isn’t with the team anymore while the other is injured.
There were at least three players snubbed last season from the Falcons, so expect the same to happen this year. In fact, there is a chance that no one on this team will receive enough votes as crazy as that is. They just do not get the media attention or fan attention to make a name for themselves.
Despite all of that, it doesn’t take away from the fact that there are four players on this team that are qualified to make the Pro Bowl.
Cordarrelle Patterson – Running back/Returner
Cordarrelle Patterson was one of the many Atlanta Falcons that were snubbed from the Pro Bowl roster last year. In a way, it was kind of shocking that he didn’t make it because he was and is a player that most people recognize.
However, this year he should make it, even if it is just as a special teamer, he has earned it. He has been a bulldozer at running back and he also broke the kick returns for touchdowns record a couple weeks ago, that alone should get you voted in.
Who knows if he will, however, because the Vikings have a kick returner who will definitely challenge him in votes. It seems unlikely that he will make it as a running back due to his injury that really halted his crazy production to start the season.
Hopefully, he makes it as a small reward for breaking a huge NFL record that will never be touched ever again.
Chris Lindstrom – Right guard
Yes, the Atlanta Falcons have the best offensive guard in the entire league. Chris Lindstrom has been elite for a while but this year he has been on a whole different planet.
Without a doubt, Lindstrom is the best run-blocking offensive guard and one of the best run-blockers overall. Pro Football Focus has him graded as the best guard in the league by a decent margin, the best run-blocking guard, and the second-best run-blocker among all offensive linemen. Only Trent Williams has a higher grade.
It is long past due for him to make his first Pro Bowl, he should have been there last year and he has to be there this year. At the very least, people need to start viewing him as a top-three player at his position.
He has been the best player on the Atlanta Falcons, thus he deserves a Pro Bowl more than anyone.
Grady Jarrett – Defensive tackle
Grady Jarrett had his Pro Bowl streak snapped last year when he had a down year for the Atlanta Falcons but he is back to his old self.
He leads the team in sacks (not that it means much) and has been the clear leader for the defense. A defense that has been playing much better over these past weeks. Honestly, the defense is the only reason the Falcons have been competitive over the past few weeks.
He has been the best-run defender and most consistent pass rusher on the team. He helped close out two games this season. He doesn’t have much help around him but continues to play at a high level. It has been the story of his career. He deserves to make his third Pro Bowl.
Avery Williams – Returner
There is a big issue here, the Atlanta Falcons have two special teams players, at least, who deserve to be in the Pro Bowl but there is only one returner and one special teamer that makes the Pro Bowl roster.
The fact that Patterson isn’t a special teamer and Avery Williams isn’t known for his special teams’ coverage compared to his kick and punt returning, means we are unlikely to see both of them in the Pro Bowl. Unless CP can wiggle his way on as a running back.
Avery Williams is the league leader in punt return average. He may not have a return touchdown but having a guy that gets the most yards per punt return is more valuable since taking it the distance is so rare.
He needs more attention but he may get enough votes since he is the league leader as a returner.