One month into Pro Bowl fan voting, the Patriots have players leading the AFC in seven different positions. The leaders: # WR Randy Moss # LT Matt Light # KR Wes Welker (kick returner) # IL Vince Wilfork (interior lineman) # ILB Tedy Bruschi # ST Larry Izzo (special teams) # P Chris Hanson QB Tom Brady has the third highest vote total among all NFL players, but he is behind Colts QB Peyton Manning in the AFC. WR Randy Moss has the fourth highest vote total of all players. Fan voting on NFL.com accounts for one-third of the Pro Bowl selection process. Coaches and players account for the final two-thirds of the process. Fan voting continues through Dec. 11. Players and coaches vote Dec. 13. Packers QB Brett Favre has the highest total of fan votes among NFL players. http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/2007/11/pro_bowl_update_1.html
With all respect to what Washington has done this year in kick returning, I honestly don't think he's the best returner on OUR team, let alone the AFC. Justin Miller was a far better returner when healthy than Washington. Now I know he leads the league and I'm not dumb- I saw those three returns, but I think they had more to do with blocking/scheme than Washington per say. He does a great job finding space and he's fast as lighting, but Miller did alot more himself IMO. Having said that, Welker certainly isn't the best returner in the AFC either. That distinction belongs to Joshua Cribbs of Cleveland IMO.
Great concept. Belichick's ego may actually agree to the game. I'd actually just go with NE versus the best of the league, regardless of conference. If Brady is getting the shaft for Peyton, it is pretty hard to complain about Leon. LW's real competition should be from Joshua Cribbs in Cleveland.
I think I read where Leon's only the 11th player in NFL history to return 3 KOs for TDs in one season. I think the record is 4, set by a couple of guys. With 6 games to go, he has a pretty good chance of getting that #4 or possible even getting 5. I'm such a Leon fan, that would absolutely blow me away. If he doesn't get into the pro bowl I'll be pissed.
Its funny that you mention this- the other day, on NFL network there was a highlight on special teamers and KOR. Hester is mentioned, then some other clown- but no mention of our beloved Leon. I guess that when your team only has 1 win, as was the case last week, it's very tough for some networks to highlight any aspect of the team, especially ST.
In Peter King's MMQB column today, he mentions that you can arguably put Leon and Cribbs in the same class as Hester.
WIth 2/3 counting from players and coaches, I would be shocked if Leon is not in the pro bowl. To a previous poster, I am not sure that I agree that Justin is better. Both are excellent.
I think Joshua Cribbs will beat Leon out, he's much more versatile and gives the Browns good field position every kick. Leon has been hit or miss with his KO returns -- either touchdown or touchback. Also, LOL @ Hansen leading the punting department, what, has he punted like 3 times all season?
I don't think you can blame Leon for touchbacks as (unless you are Ellis Hobbs) most returners are instructed not to run out of the end zone if the ball is kicked more thant 2 yards deep. I am not sure about Cribbs, but the fact that teams rountinely kick away from Leon is a testament to his ability. The Jets average starting field position on kick-offs was probably the 31 or 32 yard line, just by catching the pooch kick. What I continued to not like was seeing people step in front of Leon, even on the short kicks.
Cribbs just started turning it on the last 3 weeks or so... Leon's been consistently awesome (as is evident by his huge average).... Welker shouldn't even be on the ballot... I hate NFL fans
Absolutely.... KRs aren't judged by wins and losses, or at least they shouldn't be... And I'll reiterate it... I hate NFL fans... The average Joe Schmo NFL fan wants to see more offense... So the NFL puts in ridiculously stupid roughing the passer and pass interference rules... The average NFL fan actually believes that a team like New England is as classy as it gets... The average NFL fan votes guys like Welker this year, and John Lynch last year into the Pro Bowl, because they're likable and white guys, whose names you can recognize by watching Sportscenter once a week... It makes me sick....
It's amazing the hatred people have for the Jets, last year John Lynch gets voted ahead of Kerry Rhodes for the pro bowl, now Wes Welker over Leon. The pro bowl voting has really become a joke.
When Leon runs one back against the cheaters in a few weeks to seal a Jets victory he'll be in the Pro Bowl
