Al Wilson to the Pro Bowl (1 Viewer)

[Islander]

I have not seen Al Wilson play much this year. Why is he in the Pro Bowl? I could probably find 20 ILBs in the AFC that have better stats than him. The AFC is loaded with ILBs that had good years, like Vilma, D Edwards, M Peterson, L Fletcher, O Thurman, Andra Davis, etc. etc. What has he done this year (watching him play) to deserve the Pro Bowl selection?

 

[stevec]

From what I've seen, I agree with you.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

no idea how or why he made it this year. he's been a great player in the past, but like you said his stats are nothing special this year. I've also read reports that indicate he may be starting to slow down and become more of a liability in coverage. Ian Gold has been the star of that LB group this year by far.

 

[TME]

Agree. Wilson has been solid but unspectacular. Him and Pryce get way too much love IMO. But, Denver does have a top D against the run and overall scoring, and some individuals have to be recognized for that fact though it appears to be more of a team effort.But, on a side note, I personally do not belive stuffing a stat sheet on the defensive side of the ball is the route to the pro bowl year in and year out...though it certainly will get you the occassional nod (especially in the secondary). Wilson is the leader of the D...a good D, and an every down MLB. Plus, with Denver's clock control O, the D is not on the field as much, which limits tackle opportunities. Denver deserves to have some guys recognized.

 

[thatguy]

His stats aren't great, but he has still been a huge part of Denver's D this year, and I disagree with whoever said he is slowing down. He has never been a stat monster, but has been considered one of the league's top LBs for a while now. Realize that the players play large in part in deciding who goes to the Pro Bowl, so they probably know more than you do. If you base your disagreeance with this solely on his stats, I strongly urge you to watch a few Denver games to see the impact he has.There are a few things he brings to Denver's D. He is a great leader and gets them pumped up for every play. He is a great run stopper. He is consistently the first man on the ball carrier in short yardage, and very rarely gets pushed back. He has also improved as a blitzer this year. In the past he had trouble getting through the line, but this year he has gotten great pressure on the QB when called upon to blitz.And if anything, Trevor Pryce doesn't get enough love. He has been an absolute beast this year, consistently drawing double teams and still collpasing the pocket. His sack numbers are low, but he has been a tremendous force.Just my two cents.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

His stats aren't great, but he has still been a huge part of Denver's D this year, and I disagree with whoever said he is slowing down. He has never been a stat monster, but has been considered one of the league's top LBs for a while now. Realize that the players play large in part in deciding who goes to the Pro Bowl, so they probably know more than you do. If you base your disagreeance with this solely on his stats, I strongly urge you to watch a few Denver games to see the impact he has.

There are a few things he brings to Denver's D. He is a great leader and gets them pumped up for every play. He is a great run stopper. He is consistently the first man on the ball carrier in short yardage, and very rarely gets pushed back. He has also improved as a blitzer this year. In the past he had trouble getting through the line, but this year he has gotten great pressure on the QB when called upon to blitz.

And if anything, Trevor Pryce doesn't get enough love. He has been an absolute beast this year, consistently drawing double teams and still collpasing the pocket. His sack numbers are low, but he has been a tremendous force.

Just my two cents.

I'm a big Al Wilson fan who has been consistently disappointed by his fantasy production.The report I read was in the Sporting News by the reporter who covers the Broncos. He said that the team has had to protect him more in coverage this year b/c he's lost a step. Take that for what its worth. In the past, Wilson's speed and coverage ability was always one of his greatest strengths. In fact, that is likely a big reason why he didn't rack up a ton of tackles.

I think Jonathan Vilma, Mike Peterson, Donnie Edwards, and London Fletcher all probably deserved to go more than Wilson this year.

 

[thatguy]

His stats aren't great, but he has still been a huge part of Denver's D this year, and I disagree with whoever said he is slowing down.  He has never been a stat monster, but has been considered one of the league's top LBs for a while now.  Realize that the players play large in part in deciding who goes to the Pro Bowl, so they probably know more than you do.  If you base your disagreeance with this solely on his stats, I strongly urge you to watch a few Denver games to see the impact he has.

There are a few things he brings to Denver's D.  He is a great leader and gets them pumped up for every play.  He is a great run stopper.  He is consistently the first man on the ball carrier in short yardage, and very rarely gets pushed back.  He has also improved as a blitzer this year.  In the past he had trouble getting through the line, but this year he has gotten great pressure on the QB when called upon to blitz.

And if anything, Trevor Pryce doesn't get enough love.  He has been an absolute beast this year, consistently drawing double teams and still collpasing the pocket.  His sack numbers are low, but he has been a tremendous force.

Just my two cents.

I'm a big Al Wilson fan who has been consistently disappointed by his fantasy production.The report I read was in the Sporting News by the reporter who covers the Broncos. He said that the team has had to protect him more in coverage this year b/c he's lost a step. Take that for what its worth. In the past, Wilson's speed and coverage ability was always one of his greatest strengths. In fact, that is likely a big reason why he didn't rack up a ton of tackles.

I think Jonathan Vilma, Mike Peterson, Donnie Edwards, and London Fletcher all probably deserved to go more than Wilson this year.

Ah, thanks for clearing that up. It may be the case, but I just haven't noticed it. From what I've seen this year he's still pretty good in coverage.I'm not necessarily defending his being chosen over the guys you mentioned--just defending Al Wilson as a player. His stats have never been great, but he is darn good LB and the emotional leader of Denver's D.

 

[MUBB]

I think Wilson made it in because his team is winning and got more PR. Great player and I like his tough play, but I just don't see how he made it in and Vilma didn't.