The Pittsburgh Steelers have always been well represented at the annual Pro Bowl, possessing one of the more talented rosters on a yearly basis. Fans have disliked the Pro Bowl for several years now due to a variety of reasons. The game itself lacked any sort of real competitiveness, as guys wanted to avoid injuries. The voting felt like a popularity contest, something all major sports deal with in their respective All-Star games.
Credit: A.J. Mast/The New York Times
As a result, NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell felt it was time for a change this year. He took a model that the league used several years ago, which is having several events throughout the weekend. It's a way to showcase the talents of several more players from several more teams. The updated version also draws in more fans throughout the week, as opposed to just on Sunday for the game.
As for the game, it's now flag football, similar to a backyard feel in the childhood days. The game may still be a snoozefest, but Goodell's changes are still a breath of fresh air. As the player voting came out for this year's honorees, it was clear that there is still room for improvement. The voting process as a whole is where Goodell's next step should be. Look no further than Baltimore Ravens quarterback, Tyler Huntley "making" the Pro Bowl Games.
Yes, he made it due to other injuries and Super Bowl participants. The Pro Bowl (Games) is meant to honor the best of the best in this league. Huntley started just four games in 2022, passing for two touchdowns and three interceptions. That doesn't exactly seem like the best of the best. The point in having alternates is having backup plans for injuries and other circumstances that pop up. When you get to a guy like Tyler Huntley though, the line should be drawn.
Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett was more deserving than Huntley surely, but neither of them deserve a spot based off their 2022 performances. Both guys would probably tell you that. Move over to the defensive side of the ball, where Miami Dolphins edge rusher, Bradley Chubb was selected to the 2023 Pro Bowl Games earlier this week. He replaced Khalil Mack of the Los Angeles Chargers, who can't participate due to injury.
In 16 games, Chubb had eight total sacks, five tackles for loss, 20 quarterback hits, and three forced fumbles. Compare that to the numbers of a lesser name like Alex Highsmith of the Steelers. In 17 games, Highsmith put up 14.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, 12 tackles for loss, and 20 quarterback hits in his third NFL season. Obviously there will always be gripe with the selections with these games. As of now, voting is split into thirds, as fans, players, and coaches all have an even amount of input on the voting.
Stuff like this shows Goodell still has a ways to go in completely rejuvenating Pro Bowl weekend. Some have suggested to just scrap the game as a whole. In that case, the Pro Bowl selections would be essentially the same as the All-Pro, where no game is played. The additions to the weekend this year should bring back some viewers. Now, Goodell has to take another step in improving the overall voting process.
#SteelerNation
