Last year, the NFL attempted to make the Pro Bowl more interesting (or, more accurately, less uninteresting) by wiping out the AFC vs. NFC format, lumping all players into one bucket, and securing a pair of Hall of Famers to preside over picking teams. It moved the needle, a little.
This year, the same format is being employed -- with considerably less buzz. But enough buzz to get us to write an article about the first phase of the player-picking process.
On Tuesday, teams captained by Cris Carter and Michael Irvin divvied up the players who play the less interesting positions, like offensive and defensive line. Specifically, guards, centers, fullbacks, interior defensive linemen, placekickers, punters, return specialists, and special teamers were chosen on Tuesday.
The process began with Irvin winning a coin toss and picking Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray and Browns cornerback Joe Haden as player captains. Carter selected Texans defensive end J.J. Watt and Steelers receiver Antonio Brown as Carter’s player captains.
Irvin also chose Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald, Jets defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson, Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins, Cowboys guard Zack Martin, Ravens guard Marshal Yanda, Bears guard Kyle Long, Cowboys center Travis Frederick, Jets center Nick Mangold, Raiders fullback Marcel Reece, Bengals punter Kevin Huber, Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri, Chargers special-teamer Darrell Stuckey, and Eagles return specialist Darren Sproles.
Carter picked Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus, Bills defensive tackle Kyle Williams, Chiefs defensive tackle Dontari Poe, Dolphins guard Mike Pouncey, Packers guard Josh Sitton, Eagles guard Evan Mathis, Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey, Eagles center Jason Kelce, Packers fullback John Kuhn, Colts punter Pat McAfee, Eagles kicker Cody Parkey, Cardinals special-teamer Justin Bethel, and Falcons return specialist Devin Hester.
So, basically, no teammates in the trenches will be playing against each other. Which will make the game a little less intereting (or, more accurately, more uninteresting).
The sexier positions will be filled on Wednesday, with a live show on NFL Network during which the rosters will be completed. And then the game will be played on Sunday in Arizona. And since the game has moved from broadcast to cable, the ratings will be lower than usual.
