The Seahawks won’t be making it back to the playoffs in 2011. But they’ll potentially be well represented at the Pro Bowl in Honolulu.
John Boyle of the Everett (Wash.) Herald reports that five members of the team have been named as alternates for the league’s annual all-star game. While the information isn’t generally publicized by the NFL, the league informs each team of the players who will serve as the understudies if/when members of the main team aren’t available, due to injury, qualification for the Super Bowl, or lack of desire to attend.
According to the report, cornerback Brandon Browner, safety Kam Chancellor, and fullback Michael Robinson are first alternates, running back Marshawn Lynch is a second alternate, and punter Jon Ryan is a third alternate.
Several of the Seahawks’ alternates have a shot at playing in the game. The NFC roster has only one fullback -- John Kuhn of Green Bay. If the Packers make it to the Super Bowl, Kuhn will be out and Robinson will be in.
Lynch already may be guaranteed a berth in the game. Matt Forte, who was placed on injured reserve today, surely won’t put his knee at risk as his rookie contract expires. (The fact that he’s finishing the season on IR probably gives him an automatic exemption from the game.) Assuming that the first alternate is Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, who tore an ACL over the weekend, the guy who likes to taste the rainbow will be parked under a real rainbow in Hawaii.
As to Browner (pictured), there’s a good chance that Charles Woodson won’t play, regardless of whether the Packers make it to the Super Bowl. If he qualifies, Browner will polish off in style one of the best stories of the entire season. Undrafted in 2005, the 27-year-old is technically a rookie after four seasons in the CFL. He has six interceptions on the season, tied for second best in the NFC.
And so, as the Seahawks try to finish with a better record than they did in 2010, there is reason to believe that the foundation is in place for future success. Some of the men responsible for this season’s strong finish undoubtedly will be on display next month.
