Walkthrough 11.26: Bengals' Pro Bowl possibilities

[EnglishBengal]

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/blogs/2014/11/26/walkthrough-1126-bengals-pro-bowl-possibilities/19520639/ Walkthrough 11.26: Bengals' Pro Bowl possibilities

BENGALS BLOG

Paul Dehner Jr., Cincinnati11:58 a.m. EST November 26, 2014

(Photo: Jeff Swinger, The Cincinnati Enquirer)

TAGS

• Johnny Hekker
• National Football League
• George Iloka
• Andy Dalton
• Kevin Huber
• Cincinnati Bengals
• Pat McAfee
• Andrew Whitworth
• Thanksgiving

 92CONNECT 13TWEETLINKEDIN 2COMMENTEMAILMORE

Pro Bowl selection won't occur for another month, but online voting continues as the season starts winding down. We here at The Walkthrough don't want you to waste your time casting votes for just anybody. We'd like you to be an informed voter.

You can cast as many votes online as you would like.Follow the link here.

A number of Bengals will be in play for the game played in Arizona this year the Sunday prior to the Super Bowl. So, which Bengals players deserve consideration? Here's my list of the best Bengals hopefuls worthy of your vote.

1. Punter Kevin Huber

Cincinnati Bengals punter/holder Kevin Huber (10) walks off the field following their tie with the Carolina Panthers at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio Sunday October 12, 2014. The Enquirer/Gary Landers(Photo: Gary Landers, The Enquirer/Gary Landers)

 

As documented in Tuesday's story about the special teams, he's enjoying not just one of the best seasons for a punter this year, but ever. If the season ended today, both Huber (44.4) and Pat McAfee (44.7) would break the NFL record for net punting in a season. Johnny Hekker (44.2) set it last season with St. Louis. One note when comparing those other two: Huber would be the only one to play his home games in the elements. He's definitely among the two best punters in the game, so he should be on everyone's ballot to make his first trip to the PB.

2. Left tackle Andrew Whitworth

Cincinnati Bengals tackle Andrew Whitworth (77) celebrates with fans following the Cincinnati Bengals win over the Baltimore Ravens during at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati Ohio Sunday October 26, 2014. The Enquirer/Gary Landers(Photo: Gary Landers, The Enquirer/Gary Landers)

 

Fans don't often notice offensive linemen -- unless they do something wrong. They particularly don't notice them if they weren't picked at the top of the first round when it comes to Pro Bowl voting. Few know that better than Whitworth, who has been snubbed in the past, but did make one appearance in 2012. He deserves to return again this year. On top of the leadership he provides for the Bengals, he has not allowed a single sack along with just one hit on Andy Dalton all year, according to Pro Football Focus. He leads the NFL in the pass-blocking efficiency statistic and his seven total pressures allowed lead the league for players to take at least 50 percent of their teams' snaps. Whitworth should have more than one Pro Bowl appearance to his name entering this year, and it would be a sham if he didn't add another.

3. KR/PR Adam Jones

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Adam Jones (24) takes off on a kick return against the Carolina Panthers during the fourth quarter of their game played at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio Sunday October 12, 2014. The Enquirer/Gary Landers(Photo: Gary Landers, The Enquirer/Gary Landers)

 

Jones leads the NFL in kickoff return average and ranks fourth in punt return average. The only statistic missing from his application would be a touchdown return. If he can take one to the house in the next few weeks, his chances of earning a spot as the returner increase dramatically. Even without it, he's certainly in the conversation. Plus, he'll always win the eye test.

4. Safety George Iloka

Cincinnati Bengals strong safety George Iloka (43) returns the second of his two interceptions against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter of their game played at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio Sunday September 14, 2014. The Enquirer/Gary Landers(Photo: Gary Landers, The Enquirer/Gary Landers)

 

Few safeties defend the pass better than Iloka right now. His role as deep support can go underrated due to the proficiency the Bengals' cornerbacks have displayed, but Iloka's been a large part of that. He leads NFL safeties (50 percent of snaps) in catch percentage on passes thrown in his area at 40 percent reception rate. Only one other player is lower than 50. He leads the league in passer rating against on throws in his area. He has also grabbed three interceptions. He'll be further off the radar due to bigger names like Eric Weddle, Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor, but he deserves consideration specifically for his coverage.

5. Wide receiver A.J. Green

Bengals-Jaguars 11022014. Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) scores a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the fourth quarter of their game played at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio November 2, 2014. The Enquirer/Gary Landers(Photo: Gary Landers, The Enquirer/Gary Landers)

 

Finding Pro Bowl spots at receiver in the NFL can be a challenge. Green obviously has name recognition going for him, though his season-long numbers aren't at his normal standard due to injury. With a charge late in the season, though, a great argument could be made for Green's inclusion. He currently ranks 33rd in the NFL in total yards and only has four interceptions, but when taking his injury into account, he's been as productive as any receiver in football. If you take away the Atlanta game when he didn't play but a couple of snaps before the toe acted up and games against Jacksonville and Cleveland as he worked his way back from the injury, it's been his best season to date.

In the other five games, he's averaging 112.4 yards per game to go with four touchdowns. Picking and choosing those games wouldn't be fair and most won't see his season through that scope, though they probably should. But a late run now that he's feeling healthy could interject him back into the conversation.

 

[Bleeds Orange]

The Pro Bowl is meaningless.  Half the guys won't show and then undeserving players end up on the teams.   I'd rather consider who might be All Pro.

[HairOnFire]

Whitworth outplays Joe Thomas every season. A better leader too.

 

Huber deserves the nod for all of the reasons mentioned and because of how often the Bengals have downed a punt within the 5.

 

AJ Green will make it on reputation alone, and I'm fine with that.

 

Iloka is the most deserving of them all.

[|High School Harry|]

If not for injuries, Burfict would be there.

imho, anyway.

[T-Dub]

It's fun to imagine the Pro Bowl voting being based on performance but the fact is people like Brady would still be voted in if he was on IR from Week 3.