Six Cowboys Named to Pro Bowl

With a guaranteed spot in the playoffs, the Cowboys were rewarded with six players being named to the 2010 Pro Bowl in Miami.  In an interesting move the NFL decided to move the Pro Bowl for one year only to Miami, and for it to be played before the Superbowl. 

Although many would disagree, I like the idea of the Pro Bowl being played on the Sunday before the Superbowl.  It adds to the already lavish festivities.  The player representatives from the two teams in the Superbowl will obviously not compete in the Pro Bowl.  Let’s hope the Cowboys are sitting in the stands and enjoying the game as spectators.

WR – Miles Austin (74 receptions, 1230 yards, 16.6 ypc, 11 TD’s)

What more can we say about the emergence of Miles Austin?  He has been the bets receiver in the NFL since Week 5.  Imagine Cowboys fans what his stats would be if he started all 16 games?  The guy is one heck of a talent, and I think he will quickly become a regular in this game. 

TE – Jason Witten (88 receptions, 954 yards, 10.8 ypc, 1 TD)

Many people look at Witten’s stats and are not enamored by his year.  Other tight ends such as Brent Celek (Eagles) and Tony Gonzalez (Falcons), have had more touchdowns than Witten.  However, Witten is the heart and soul of this Cowboys offense.  He continuously game in and game out makes the big catch on critical third downs.  He only has one drop this season as well.  In my opinion he is the game’s most complete tight end.  He deserves this spot more-so than many others. 

OLB – DeMarcus Ware (56 tackles, 11 sacks, 5 forced fumbles)

Once again, Ware is having another phenomenal season.  When he was carried off on a stretcher in the Chargers game, many, including myself, feared the worse.  He inspired the team by returning on a short week to play the undefeated Saints.  He is the perfect franchise player and the Cowboys are lucky to have him in their organization.  He will win multiple defensive player of the year awards before his time is done.

DT – Jay Ratliff (39 tackles, 6 sacks, 2 forced fumbles)

Six sacks from the nose tackle position is a revelation.  He has been just that for the Cowboys.  His never ending motor and perfect technique dominates opposing offensive lineman.  In my opinion he has been the best defender for the Cowboys this year.  It is a sham that he is not starting in the Pro Bowl. 

OG – Leonard Davis

Davis has been pretty good this year, but this pick was probably on name recognition more than anything else.  He has struggled at times pulling due to his massive size.  Nevertheless, he remains one of the league’s most dominating forces at guard. 

C – Andre Gurode

This is another lineman who made the Pro Bowl on mainly name recognition.  He has had an up-and-down year in the middle for the Cowboys.  Opposing DT’s are getting a push up the middle this year more-so then in year’s past.  However, with so few dominating centers it is tough to criticize Gurode’s selection. 

Tags: Andre Gurode, Dallas Cowboys, DeMarcus Ware, Jason Witten, Jay Ratliff, Leonard Davis, Miles Austin, NFL, Tony Gonzalez