The Patriots had eight players named to the Pro Bowl (LINK).
Offense Skill Positions
Tom Brady
Wes Welker
Rob Gronkowski
There is no doubt Brady, Welker and Gronkowski deserve recognition.
Offensive Linemen
Logan Mankins
Brian Waters
Both are absolutely deserving. Mankins is now a perennial Pro Bowl selection. Waters walked in off the street and has been one of the teams best players.
Defensive Linemen
Vince Wilfork
Andre Carter
Less cut and dry selections because the defense has been so bad. Wilfork has been solid, as usual. Carter has had a very good year, but will not be able to play in his first Pro Bowl due to injury.
Special Teams
Matthew Slater
I am happy for Slater - because I have watched him since he came in the league as a definite fringe player. Could have been cut his rookie season. Now he is a special teams captain. Great hustle all the time; the one thing that bothered me was to watch him over-run plays on kick coverage. I don't know every candidate for this spot, but he appears to be a worthy recipient.
Missed the Cut
Aaron Hernandez (TE)
Jarrod Mayo (LB)
Kyle Arrington (CB)
Zoltan Mesko (P)
Nobody who missed the cut has a complaint. Hernandez has had a nice year. Mayo was injured for a few weeks. Mesko has had a good year, but not better than Shane Lechler. Arrington has played admirably and has seven interceptions, but is not a premier cornerback. Devin McCourty has had a disappointing season.
My hope is that zero Patriots play in the Pro Bowl. The game is once again played before the Super Bowl, so conference champions do not participate in the game.
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