young2rice
Rockstar
Bradshaw's Mid-Season Pro Bowl Picks
**Sacrificing realism of certain teams being in certain conferences due to the actual game. (Seahawks, etc)
NFC
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Quarterbacks
-Seahawks - Dave Kreig
-49ers - Joe Montana
-Eagles - Randall Cunningham
Reasons: Dave Kreig is silently piecing himself a potential league leading season with the Seahawks Brian Blades. Kreig's 1,734 yards and 19 touchdowns are top notch and will solidify him a spot in Hawaii if it's continued. Meanwhile the perennial favorite of Joe Montana will without a doubt be once again brought to the Pro Bowl, he's a staple how could I not put him down? Then there's Randall Cunningham who is having a great year despite missing last week with an injury. Luckily for him it's not serious so we should expect him to return to pro bowl form for the second half and get his plane tickets.
Running backs
-Lions - Barry Sanders
-Bears - Neal Anderson
-49ers - Roger Craig
Reasons: Sanders is leading the NFC in rushing, so he's well on his way to entering the Pro Bowl in his second year. Sanders should easily pop into the top voting ranks come this time in February. Neal Anderson has been the sole bright spot in an otherwise lackluster Chicago season. With Anderson consistently putting up rushing stats accumulating 797 yards and 6 touchdowns, there's no doubt that he's going. Meanwhile the third pick was tricky, but I decided on 49ers running back Roger Craig, not only does he have the prestige of his team, but Craig's 824 yards and 5 touchdowns are certainly nothing to be snubbed at. He's having a breakout season.
Fullbacks
-Eagles - Keith Byars
-Rams - Buford McGee
Reasons: Keith Byars is one of the more productive offensive fullbacks in the NFC. So far this year he's averaging a solid 6.1 yards per carry and has managed to punch into the end zone 2 times (including a 77 yarder.) His pass catching skills have also garnered him another touchdown. Which is something I can see Philadelphia exploiting more in the future. Meanwhile Buford McGee of the rams is one of my sleeper picks. McGee has silently been having a better season than even Byars. He may only average a still respectable 4 yards per carry, but in his 26 catches he's managed to pull down 3 in pay dirt, so keep an eye out for him.
Wide Receivers
-Seahawks - Brian Blades
-Vikings - Hassan Jones
-Rams - Willie Anderson
-49ers - Jerry Rice
-Redskins - Gary Clark
-Eagles - Calvin Williams
Reasons: I went with a few surprise picks here, and some well deserved picks by players breaking out. The best receiver in the NFC without a doubt is surprisingly, Brian Blades of the Seattle Seahawks. With 706 yards and an amazing 10 touchdowns, only half way through the season? There's no doubt, even if he stopped catching TD's today, that he's going to the Bowl. My sleeper pick for a top in is Hassan Jones of the Minnesota Vikings. He seems to be the only guy Rich Gannon can hit that isn't wearing an opposing team's jersey. Hassan has 48 grabs for a respectable 658 yards and 5 touchdowns. He's also taking over punt and kick returning duties for Herschel Walker for the remainder of the season. Jones will be there, mark my words. The Rams Willie "flipper" Anderson can easily be seen in Hawaii blue this year because he's having a great season hooking up with Jim Everett 51 times for 687 yards and 6 touchdowns. Jerry Rice, is..well, Jerry Rice, enough said, he'll get in just on popularity alone. Gary Clark should be sneaking in the lower ranks come later this year due to his solid first half performance this year. Clark and Rypien have been connected on 7 touchdowns so far this year, accounting for 33% of Rypien's surprisingly high total. Finally I have Eagles rookie wide receiver, Calvin Williams, sneaking into the Pro Bowl this season. While he has 3 less catches and 19 less yards then teammate Fred Barnett, he has one more touchdown at 4. Williams and Barnett are two outstanding rookies that are really tagging along for the Randall Cunningham show, and I think Williams will surpass Barnett now that we've reached the midway point.
Tight Ends
-Giants - Mark Bavaro
-49ers - Brent Jones
-Redskins - Jimmie Johnson
Reasons: Mark Bavaro has been pounding through defenders all season long, and is showing no signs of slowing down. He is tied for the team league in touchdowns, while being a mere 5 catches behind the teams' leader, Stephen Baker, in receptions. For a tight end in New York those are some solid stats. However it's what he does after the catch that gets him my vote. The 49ers Brent Jones is having a great year and should continue. Expect to see him donning the Pro Bowl uniform next year. The Washington Redskins have a great third option on their team behind Art Monk and Gary Clark, and that's 25 year old Jimmie Johnson. Johnson's acquired 30 receptions this year and will no doubt continue his stellar performance in the remaining 7 weeks.
Tackles
-49ers - Bubba Paris
-Cowboys - Nate Newton
-Giants - Doug Riesemburg
-Lions - Harvey Salam
Reasons: The 49ers Bubba Paris will lead the NFC into Hawaii in my eyes this season. He's a rather large, figuratively speaking, reason for the 49ers successful running attack with Roger Craig, and the solid protection that Joe Montana is getting this year in the pocket. Nate Newton will once again go to Hawaii as he has anchored the Dallas line for rookie Emmitt Smith. The Giants Doug Riesemburg is surprising many New York fans this year with his team leading 37 pancakes. Meanwhile the Lions Harvey Salam is voted in on the mere mention of Barry Sanders' name as a contributor to his outstanding rushing season so far.
Guards
-Redskins - Russ Grimm
-Seahawks - Bryan Millard
-Giants - William Roberts
-Buccaneers - Tom McHale
Reasons: Redskins Russ Grimm is having a breakout season in Washington, contributing greatly to the pass protection of 21 touchdown' Mark Rypien. The Seahawks will have a rare lineman potentially going to the bowl as I give recognition to Bryan Millard for his great year. The Giants snag another lineman in William Roberts who is only 7 pancakes behind Doug Riesemburg. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers surprise everyone with a rare pro bowl voting from myself in guard Tom McHale. McHale is helping Testeverde struggle in that lackluster Tampa Bay team.
Centers
-Eagles - David Alexander
-Giants - Bart Oates
Reasons: David Alexander�s' 33 pancakes with only 5 sacks allowed is priming him for his trip to Hawaii. Cunningham will certainly agree that having Alexander on the lineup is a blessing. Meanwhile a third Giant will represent the final open position in the lineman lineup as Bart Oates' 31 pancake, 5 sacks allowed season will not go unrecognized.
Defensive End
-Vikings- Chris Doleman
-Packers - Reggie White
-Seahawks - Jacob Green
-Redskins - Charles Mann
Reasons: Chris Doleman is holding together a loose fitting Minnesota defense this year helping greatly to achieve their 4-5 record currently. Doleman has pulled down 49 tackles, one short of the team lead (Joey Browner), however he makes up for it with 6 sacks on the year. The Packers Reggie White has always been a staple and continues to prove it this season as he will go to Hawaii in my books. Meanwhile another Seahawk surprise this year was defensive end, Jacob Green. Only 31 tackles to show for so far this year but a solid 7 sacks put him on my list. Meanwhile the Redskins Charles Mann could pop up in a pro bowl uniform if he continues his aggressive play style.
Defensive Tackles
-Vikings - Henry Thomas
-Bears - William Perry
-???
Reasons: The Vikings pass rush has gotten off on the right foot this year, and it's evident in defensive tackle Henry Thomas' stat line. His 38 tackles were accompanied by 6 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and a recovery boosting him as the top DT in the NFC in my opinion. Meanwhile the Bears great William Perry shall be waddling over to Hawaii in February.
Outside Linebackers
-Rams - Kevin Greene
-Giants - Lawrence Taylor
-Saints - Ricky Jackson
-49ers - Charles Haley
Reasons: Kevin Greene should shatter his personal best tackle record as he's already knocked together 74 on the season. But not only is Greene leading the Rams in tackles by 21, he's also leading the team in sacks with 7 by 3 more than his closest competitor. Green's 3 interceptions and 14 deflections have proven he can cover the pass with the best of them. A breakout season for a great player. The Giants Lawrence Taylor plays with an unmatched intensity that surely gets him in the Pro Bowl every year because of how well he produces, this year, will be no different. The New Orleans Saints have a great set of linebackers, and Ricky Jackson is a step above the rest. His 78 tackles, 8 sacks, and 4 fumble recoveries are putting him on the radar of many fans that may not have paid attention prior. The 49ers once again put their prestigious tack on things with Charles Haley bumping up into the bottom spot. Expect his 70 tackles, and especially his 4 sacks, to improve greatly through the second half.
Middle Linebackers
-Falcons - Jessie Tuggle
-49ers - Matt Millen
Reasons: The small MLB, Jessie Tuggle, is certainly much taller on the field mentally, than physically. It's his brute strength that has put this speedster up with 65 tackles and 6 sacks throughout the first half. And despite his stature his 10 deflections are proving he can hang with the best. A relatively sleeper-ish pick from me will be the 49ers MLB, Matt Millen who is having a great 53 tackle, 2 sack, 3 forced fumble start to the year. Millen may not be the flashiest player on the 49er defense, but he's a workhorse that is definitely getting its reps this year.
Cornerbacks
-Eagles - Izel Jenkins
-Seahawks - Patrick Hunter
-Cardinals - Jay Taylor
-Redskins - Martin Mayhew
Reasons: The Eagles Izel Jenkins is the surprising team leader in interceptions with 5. With a secondary including Wes Hopkins, Eric Allen, and Andre Waters it's a surprise that Jenkins is actually my favorite for the top spot. Meanwhile Seahawks cornerback, Patrick Hunter, is not far behind with 4 on the year to tag onto his 34 tackles and 9 deflections. The Cardinals Jay Taylor ties up with Jenkins as far as interceptions goes, but differs with his 27 tackles and 7 deflections. Mayhew is doing a solid job as the understudy of Darrell Green, and is actually outshining him in my opinion, at least in interceptions as he's managed to pull away 4 on the year.
Free Safety
-Packers - Mark Murphy
-49ers - Ronnie Lott
Reasons: Mark Murphy chose a great time to breakout, when he's 32 years old. The veteran is really enjoying himself out there this season, and Green Bay loves him for it. Murphy has 50 tackles, 6 sacks, 2 forced and recovered fumbles, 5 interceptions, and 6 deflections on the year. There is just no stopping him it seems. Murphy has really helped the Packers pass defense get to where it is. Meanwhile Ronnie Lott will once again be heading back to Hawaii as he managed to get 64 tackles, 4 sacks, 4 fumble recoveries, and 3 interceptions so far this year with the 49ers.
Strong Safety
-49ers - Dave Waymer
-Cardinals - Tim McDonald
Reasons: With Ronnie Lott getting all the attention many forget about a great veteran in Dave Waymer. And Waymer has put up 36 tackles and 4 interceptions, including a touchdown, so far this year. The NFC has been relatively weak in the strong safety department, and Waymer should pick up the second half as most players usually do. The Cardinals Tim McDonald will probably pass Waymer if the fans are smart by the time the voting ends. McDonald already has 51 tackles, 4 sacks, 3 fumbles recovered, and 8 deflections. He only has a single interception on the year, but has publicly stated he's expecting and attempting to grab more as the season progresses.
Kicker
-Lions - Eddie Murray
Reasons: Eddie Murray has kicked in 90% of his 30 field goal attempts (27) and has contributed greatly to the unexpected success of the Detroit Lions. Murray has managed to single handedly won two of the Lions seven victories this year with game ending field goals. He's my pick.
Punter
-Buccaneers - Mark Royale
Reasons: If there's one thing being assigned to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers roster can guarantee, it's a lot of punting. And Mark Royales will reap those negative rewards in the Pro Bowl as he will more than likely soar above the crowd.
Kick Returners
-Saints - Vince Buck
-Rams - Daryl Henley
Reasons: Vince Buck has had to return a lot of punts and kicks so far this year, 80 to be exact. He finished mid-season just short of 1,000 yards on kick returns with 977, including his 96 yard touchdown in their upset victory over the San Francisco 49ers in week 2 that finished the game 24 to 21. Bucks vision should see him all the way into the bowl.
AFC
Quarterbacks
-Bills - Jim Kelly
-Chargers - Marc Vlasic
-Oilers - Warren Moon
Reasons: Jim Kelly is the reason the Bills are pumping on all cylinders, he's proving why Buffalo is one of the teams to beat on the race to the super bowl. Marc Vlasic has really surprised everybody this year. After getting the opportunity to start in San Diego, due to Billy Joe Tolliver holding out with contract issues, he's been on a tear. If Vlasic doesn't fizzle in the second half of the season, I expect him to garner his first trip to Hawaii. Warren Moon seriously needs to get into the Pro Bowl, however, despite being my MVP candidate and certainly having great stats, you can't take away from the media powerhouse of Buffalo putting Kelly over Moon. Not to mention the favorite pick of Vlasic.
Running backs
-Bills � Thurman Thomas
-Chiefs � Christian Okoye
-Colts � Eric Dickerson
Reasons: Thurman Thomas is a touchdown machine so far this season. Combining with Jim Kelly for one of the most potent offensive powerhouses in the league. Meanwhile Christian Okoye, the Nigerian monster is absolutely destroying everybody on the field. He is currently leading the league in rushing with an unheard of 1,227 yards half way through the year. The Chiefs running game has also seen backup Barry Word go for 409 yards, so a combined 1,636 between the pair in the first half could be setting some records come Week 17. Eric Dickerson is a shoe in as he�s managed to stay healthy thus far this season and put up solid numbers. Dickerson�s 771 yards on the ground are good enough to get him in the Bowl, but his 7 touchdowns on the ground are even more incentive.
Fullbacks
-Chargers � Tim Spencer
-Oilers � Allen Pinkett
Reasons: Tim Spencer will be the top fullback in the pro bowl in my opinion, due to the outstanding breakout year that the Chargers are having. Spencer is helping block for Marion Butts who already has 923 yards and 6 touchdowns on the ground! Spencer is a big part of that rushing equation, and his own 2 touchdowns on the ground have helped as well.
Wide Receivers
-Bills � Andre Reed
-Chargers � Quinn Early
-Broncos � Mark Jackson
-Broncos � Vance Johnson
-Oilers � Haywood Jeffries
-Oilers � Drew Hill
Reasons: Continuing with the Buffalo triplets is wide receiver Andre Reed who�s 53 catches, 691 yards, and 7 touchdowns at this point assure him the top spot on the NFC Pro Bowl team. Meanwhile the surprising coming out party of Quinn Early is far from over this year. While they have Anthony Miller, Vlasic�s favorite target has actually turned out to be Quinn Early who has 49 catches for 620 yards and 6 touchdowns a mere 10 weeks into the season. The dynamic duo of Mark Jackson and Vance Johnson in Denver are keeping the offense soaring. Johnson�s 52 catches and 513 yards lead the team, and his 6 touchdowns are solid. However teammate Mark Jackson will get the nod above despite having 10 less catches and 2 less yards, because of his outstanding 10 touchdown output so far this season, rivaling Brian Blades. Finally yet another duo will appear as the Houston Oilers run and shoot offense sees two key components in Haywood Jeffries and Drew Hill head to Hawaii. Jeffries has the team lead in catches and yards with 43 and 591 respectively, meanwhile his 5 touchdowns are certainly nothing to snub at. However teammate Drew Hill, much like Mark Jackson has the 7 touchdowns giving him a slight advantage over his teammate despite just a minimal drop in other statistics.
Tight Ends
-Oilers � Curtis Duncan
-Chargers � Craig McEwen
-Steelers � Eric Green
Reason: Due to the four and five wide receiver sets that the Oilers run the official listed position of Curtis Duncan is tight end, rather than wide receiver. Which causes some confusion in the Pro Bowl and may actually become a controversy come finalizing the team. However as long as he�s up there his 38 grabs for 384 yards are tops in the NFC in my eyes. Meanwhile Chargers young tight end Craig McEwen is playing well with 34 grabs and 3 touchdowns to this point, and we should see him going across the Pacific. Eric Green is my pick for the final spot as he�s second in the team in receptions with 34 and has 2 touchdowns under his belt.
Tackles
-Chiefs � John Alt
-Broncos � Ken Lanier
-Oilers � David Williams
-Bills � Howard Ballard
Reasons: The Chiefs John Alt is always a staple in the Pro Bowl and this year is no different as he continues to put up the numbers he�s famous for. Meanwhile the Broncos will be trying to send right tackle Ken Lanier who is having an amazing year with 34 pancakes and a team leading 2 sacks allowed. The Titans David Williams is crushing in the pancake side with 44 already throughout the year, while only allowing a man to get to the quarterback 6 times. The Buffalo Bills will send Howard Ballard whose 31 pancakes and 3 sacks allowed is a large reason for the Bills trio tearing things up offensively.
Guards
-Broncos � Doug Widell
-Patriots � Paul Fairchild
-Chargers � David Richards
-Steelers � John Rienstra
Reasons: The Broncos Doug Widell will pop in with teammate Ken Lanier for his efficient 29 to 4 year so far. Meanwhile the New England Patriots will get a rare pro bowl acceptance note for Paul Fairchild should he continue to play as well as he is now with 32 pancakes and only 4 sacks allowed. The Chargers David Richards may or may not get in, he�s tied for the team league in pancakes but his 9 sacks allowed can�t rise too much. John Rienstra of the Steelers is my final pick for the guards spot.
Centers
-Oilers � Jay Pennison
-Bills � Kent Hull
Reasons: The Oilers will send Center Jay Pennison to the Bowl assuming he progresses. Pennison is second on the team with 28 pancakes and only 3 sacks allowed, as the Center he�s holding together a very efficient line for the Oilers. The Bills will place a player in every offensive line position as Kent Hull should procure the final center position.
Defensive Ends
-Bills � Bruce Smith
-Chargers � Burt Grossman
-???
Reasons: Bruce Smiths� already packing on another great year as he�s acquired 41 tackles this season accompanying his 7 sacks. Thanks to him the Bills defense has been feared. San Diego Chargers defensive end, Burt Grossman, has been a sleeper this season that nobody saw coming. Half way through he�s on pace for double digits as he�s garnered 5 sacks and 3 fumble recoveries. The final defensive end selection for the AFC is a confounded mess that I won�t be able to select a final member from.
Defensive Tackles
-Broncos � Greg Kragan
-Raiders � Scott Davis
-???
Reasons: The selections that I�ve picked for DT are the players I think are the best, and both are relatively unknown to the top-tier level of play that they�ve put up so far. Firstly is the Broncos defensive tackle Greg Kragan who�s popped up with 5 sacks this season anchoring in Denver. Then there�s Oakland Raiders defensive tackle, Scott Davis. While only getting 19 tackles so far this year, 4 are for losses and 5 were sacks. Otherwise I�m clueless as to who is a clear #3 this year so far.
Outside Linebacker
-Chargers � Leslie O�Neal
-Chargers � Billy Ray Smith Jr.
-Chiefs � Derrick Thomas
-Bills � Cornelius Bennett
Reasons: Both of the Chargers outside linebackers will be going to Hawaii the way they�re crushing offenses. Their trio of O�Neal, Smith Jr, and surprising youngster Seau are really helping to promote their great year. O�Neal has a team leading 65 tackles for the season, and his 6 sacks, 2 forced and recovered fumbles, 7 deflections and interception returned for a touchdown make him the prime outside linebacker in the league at the moment. Teammate Billy Ray Smith Jr. isn�t far behind, he sacrifices 2 tackles for 1 more sack, and equals O�Neal in his 7 deflections. Meanwhile the Kansas City Chiefs star Derrick Thomas has had an equally as good 68 tackles 7 sack, 6 deflection year so far at his outside spot. The final slot will go to Cornelius Bennett who has 66 tackles, 4 sacks, a recovery and pick, as well as a solid pass protection 11 deflections.
Middle Linebackers
-Patriots � Johnny Rembert
-Steelers � David Little
Reasons: My middle linebacker picks are going to be surprises at the Pro Bowl this year as I believe Patriots Johnny Rembert and the Steelers David Little will make it. Rembert has started strong with 44 tackles, 4 sacks, and 2 interceptions so far this year. He�s a bright star on the Patriots defense who should continue a great season. Meanwhile Pittsburgh�s David Little is surprising with his 41 tackle, 4 sack, 2 fumbles forced, and 2 interception year. Many criticize his pass defense ability, but with their talented young secondary the Steelers can overlook that.
Cornerbacks
-Dolphins � Liffort Hobley
-Raiders � Terry McDaniel
-Oilers � Patrick Allen
-Bills � James Williams
Reasons: Miami Dolphins cornerback, Liffort Hobley, has been the unsung surprise hero of this year�s defensive backfield. Nobody expected him to be leading the league in interceptions half-way through, let alone Miami. Hobley has 25 tackles, and an amazing 7 interceptions through the year, of which 3 have been brought back for touchdowns! Leading the league in defensive touchdowns. The Raiders Terry McDaniel however is right on Hobley�s heels as he�s picked off 6 passes this year with 8 deflections. He however has not brought back a pick for more than 3 yards this year. The Oilers Patrick Allen is a surprise pick of mine as his 31 tackle, 4 interception year is hopefully going to inflate as the Oilers progress down the line here. The Buffalo Bills will send another player to Hawaii in cornerback James Williams who has picked off 4 passes and ran one back for the TD.
Free Safety
-Bills � Leonard Smith
-Patriots � Fred Marion
Reasons: The Bills Leonard Smith is tops in the league so far, which is unexpected. Smith has caught 50 players for tackles, had 2 sacks, and 3 interceptions, bolstering an already solid Buffalo defense. Meanwhile long time veteran Fred Marion of the Patriots will be headed back once again to Hawaii the way he�s playing. He�s leading the team in interceptions and tackles with 3 picks and 67 tackles. He�s also grabbed 11 deflections, sacked a quarterback, and forced and recovered a fumble. Marion is an all around player that deserves to don a Pro Bowl uniform.
Strong Safety
-Browns � Thane Gash
-Steelers � Carnell Lake
Reasons: The lone Cleveland Brown that I see going to Hawaii is strong safety Thane Gash. Gash is leading the team in tackles with a great 68 so far, and his 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, recovery, and interception make him an all around player that is helping the struggling Browns drag along. The Pittsburgh Steelers will also send Carnell Lake to the Pro Bowl. This is no homer pick as he�s put up 46 tackles, a sack, a recovery and force, along with a great 5 interceptions and 9 deflections, which are top tier statistics for a safety.
Kicker
-Colts � Dean Biasucci
Reason: Biasucci will join Eric Dickerson as the only Colts in the Pro Bowl thanks to his outstanding leg that has knocked in 88% of his field goals, making 24 of 27 attempts.
Punter
-Patriots � Brian Hansen
Reason: The Patriots punter Brian Hansen has already kicked away 58 punts for 2,632 yards with a 45.3 average. He�s knocked an outstanding 26 inside the 20 with only 4 touchbacks. When you can kick 45% of your punts inside the 20, you become a very valuable member.
Kick Returners
-Chargers � Nate Lewis
-Oilers � Greg McNiel
Reasons: Nate Lewis has been to the end zone on two occasions off of punt returns. His 48 punt returns for 565 yards are reason enough. However you can also add 24 kick returns for 655 yards giving him a solid 27.2 kick return average. As if that isn�t enough he�s also caught 19 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown offensively for the Chargers. Also returning kicks will probably be Oilers backup wide receiver, Gerald McNeil. McNeil also has two touchdowns on returns this year, however one is a kick return, and one is punt return. His 679 yards on kick returns, and 450 on punt returns are solid. Expect him in Hawaii by the time the season is complete.
