NEWSLETTER
The Chicago Bears are being represented at the Pro Bowl by some of the league’s best at their respective positions.
No surprises here:
https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/1341171696414416899
At first glimpse, my reaction was: Ah, cool. That’s neat. Well deserved!
Cordarrelle Patterson makes his second Pro Bowl as a member of the Bears. Patterson has proved to be an excellent free agent signing by GM Ryan Pace during his two seasons in Chicago. In addition to leading the NFC in average yards per kick return, Patterson has carved out a spot among fan favorites on this team. Between his social media interactions with fans, attempts to recruit free agents to Chicago, and his post-win “How ’bout dam Bears!?” videos, Patterson’s signing has been a hit.
I can say the same about the Khalil Mack trade. This is Mack’s sixth Pro Bowl appearance and third since coming to Chicago. Mack has collected 8 sacks, 9 tackles-for-loss, 3 forced fumbles, and an interception. And he owns PFF’s highest grade among edge defenders. Sure, this is old hat for Mack, who has long established his excellence as a perennial Pro Bowler. But that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t appreciate his greatness while I can. Never take someone’s awesomeness for granted.
Speaking of taking someone’s awesomeness for granted, Allen Robinson II got snubbed hard. Again.
Robinson didn’t make the Pro Bowl cut despite reaching 1,000 receiving yards two games ago. Bears fans know how important Robinson is to the offense. He leads the team in targets (133), catches (90), and receiving yards (1,110). He shares the touchdown reception lead with Jimmy Graham. And on top of all that, Robinson has Pro Football Focus’ fifth-best grade for receivers. The three NFC receivers ahead of Robinson (Davante Adams, Justin Jefferson, DeAndre Hopkins) made the list, but he didn’t. Come on, man. Put some respect on Robinson’s name!
In the end, I’ll do my best not to get too out of sorts over Pro Bowl selections. After all, they’re not even playing the game this year. HOWEVER, if the whole point of having a Pro Bowl nomination process was to reward the league’s best players in this particular season, it’s tough for me to accept that Robinson isn’t one of the NFC’s best receivers. But maybe there is some sort of alternate path for Robinson to get his due. Until I figure out that path, I suppose using the written word to remind readers of Robinson’s excellence must suffice for now.
