It’s early yet, but the first wave of results of fan voting for the Pro Bowl are in, and it shows that fans might be paying attention to the actual games this year.
While there have been valid criticisms of the NFL’s all-star game as a popularity contest, the early indicators are the top teams and top performers are being recognized.
The top five overall vote-getters are led by Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, followed by Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton, which you can sort of expect with former MVPs and quarterbacks of undefeated teams.
But Falcons running back Devonta Freeman, who wasn’t a name brand prior to the season but leads the league in touchdowns is fourth in the voting, which gives us some hope for the populace.
Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was fifth overall in fan voting so far, followed by Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer, Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones, Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and Cardinals wideout Larry Fitzgerald.
But some of the position-by-position leaders also indicate some degree of discernment by the voters.
Most notable is Panthers outside linebacker Thomas Davis, who is the leading vote-getter at his position. That’s not notable because Davis isn’t worthy, but he’s also fighting uphill since 4-3 outside linebackers rarely get recognized because their 3-4 counterparts pile up big sack numbers.
Likewise, usual suspect Darrelle Revis is second in the voting at cornerback, but well behind Panthers corner Josh Norman, who is playing exceptionally well for an undefeated team.
As deadlines draw closer, ballot boxes will be stuffed, and casual fans will vote for names they know. But it’s good to see, if even for a moment, that the guys playing at the top of their games are being recognized.
