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More links for today, including some about A-Dub wondering how he made the Pro Bowl, and the possibility that Breaston will be gone after this season ends. Something that I hope does not happen.
Another Pro Bowl Start For Wilson
Veteran safety says teammate Rhodes more deserving of spot
A tale of two safeties
Adrian Wilson is nothing if not self-aware. And blunt. Maybe that’s why, after a decade, I have come to appreciate dealing with him (sure, that means jumping through hoops sometimes with faux-grumpy A-Dub, but that’s OK). So was I surprised to hear him talk about how Kerry Rhodes deserved today’s Pro Bowl nod over him? Not at all.
Arizona Cardinals' Steve Breaston faces unknown future role
It's difficult to say which was the bigger surprise from the Cardinals on Christmas night: that rookie Andre Roberts was such a big part of the offense, or that Steve Breaston was not. Breaston started at receiver opposite of Larry Fitzgerald, but it was Roberts, the third-round pick, who played in most of the two-receiver sets. And it was Roberts who caught five passes for 110 yards, including a 74-yard touchdown.
KTAR.com - Did Adrian Wilson deserve to make the Pro Bowl?
The NFL Pro Bowl is an odd popularity contest. It's part fan favorite, part reputation and part merit based. It's just like voting for prom royalty in high school. Except instead of a crown and flowers, players receive $25,000.
Long snapper Leach earns Payton Award
The Arizona Cardinals announced that long snapper Mike Leach was named the Arizona Cardinals/Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year. The NFL will grant $1,000 to the charity of Leach’s choice for receiving this honor and he will be presented with a trophy to recognize his accomplishment.
Considering Breaston
Let me start by saying this, in the interest of full disclosure: I am a big fan of Steve Breaston, both the player and the person. Maybe more the person. Watching him create his spot in the NFL after very little was expected of him — then-OC Todd Haley admittedly didn’t think Breaston would ever be more than a return man after his fifth-round selection, and I had media friends in Michigan who were leery he could make it on this level — was impressive. I had no doubt he would fill the receiver void left when Anquan Boldin was traded, and I think, even with injuries and uneven-at-best QB play, he has. But Breaston is scheduled to be a free agent after the season (and assuming the new CBA doesn’t drastically change the free agent process, he’ll be unrestricted). Then Breaston played much less than usual against the Cowboys in lieu of Andre Roberts, and naturally, it raised eyebrows. Kent Somers covers all the ground very well today in a story about the situation.
How I See It: NFC West Stock Watch - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Cardinals defense. Darnell Dockett had two sacks. Calais Campbell, Clark Haggans and rookie O'Brien Schofield had one apiece. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Greg Toler returned interceptions for touchdowns. Rodgers-Cromartie had three passes defensed. The Cardinals' defense played with renewed energy, helping Arizona build a 21-3 lead.
2011 Pro Bowl roster - NFL Nation Blog - ESPN
Here is the roster for the 2011 Pro Bowl. The match will be played a week before the Super Bowl on Sunday Jan. 30, 2011 in Honolulu.
Jonas Hiller, Anaheim Ducks humble Phoenix Coyotes
So much for any welcome-home party the Coyotes thought about holding Tuesday night in front of 14,032 fans. That idea disappeared faster than the $1 beers they were selling at Jobing.com Arena.
NFC West Pro Bowl analysis - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Made it on rep: The Arizona Cardinals' Adrian Wilson began the season with a memorable performance at St. Louis, but this hasn't been a strong season for him overall. Wilson has struggled in coverage against tight ends. He hasn't made as many impact plays. Wilson has even publicly criticized his own play, saying it cannot be sugar-coated. There have probably been years when Wilson deserved to go and did not, however.
Pro Bowl prospects in the NFC West - NFC West Blog - ESPN
A quick look at each position in advance of the announcement
KTAR.com - Cardinals' Adrian Wilson selected for Pro Bowl
Though the Cardinals have struggled this season there have been some impressive individual seasons, and safety Adrian Wilson's campaign was recognized Tuesday as he was selected to be a starter for the NFC in the 2011 Pro Bowl. Wilson, selected for the fourth time (and third consecutive), has tallied 84 tackles, two interceptions and two sacks so far this season.
Arizona Cardinals' Adrian Wilson named to Pro Bowl
Arizona Cardinals strong safety Adrian Wilson was selected to represent the NFC in the 2011 Pro Bowl. It is his fourth selection overall and the third consecutive season (2006, 2008-2009) he was chosen. Wilson also was named a starter.
Mike Sando's MVP Watch - NFC West Blog - ESPN
A message for the roughly 1,696 players on NFL rosters at any point during the season: This concludes the meaningful portion of the MVP race. Thanks for playing. New England's Tom Brady, the NFL's highest-rated passer for the team with the league's best record, became the obvious choice Tuesday night without even playing. His only legitimate competition for the award, Michael Vick, took a physical pounding in defeat and barely finished the Philadelphia Eagles' game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Cardinals haven’t shown interest in re-signing Breaston | ProFootballTalk
The Cardinals may watch another one of their best young homegrown players walk away via free agency this offseason.
NFL Power Rankings, Week 17: The Packers Are Better With Aaron Rodgers - SB Nation Arizona
We're now headed into the final weekend of the NFL season and tons of big games are still on the schedule. Guess that's how it's supposed to be.
NFL Playoff Picture: Seahawks And Rams To Face Off For Best Of Worst Title - SB Nation Arizona
Only a week left and everything is pretty much set. For once you can enjoy the NFC West.
2011 Pro Bowl Rosters: A Story Of Reputation Over Performance - Desert Dirt - SB Nation Arizona
The 2011 Pro Bowl features a lot of familiar faces. There is the usual Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Adrian Peterson, Julius Peppers, and Drew Brees. There are new faces like Arian Foster, Jamaal Charles and DeSean Jackson. There is also the comeback story of Michael Vick. Naturally, there are snubs and some picks that raise eyebrows.
Frazier: Favre will start if healthy in finale | ProFootballTalk
Vikings coach Leslie Frazier couldn’t bask in the best win of his short head coaching career for long before he got the question. Yes, Brett Favre will start over Joe Webb at quarterback next Sunday against the Lions if Favre is healthy.
Tucker Carlson: Michael Vick should have been executed | ProFootballTalk
In the two days since Peter King first reported on Football Night in America that President Obama had applauded the Eagles for giving Michael Vick a second chance, the story has moved from the sports world into cable news — where there have been some harsh comments for Vick and for Obama. On Monday there was a fierce debate on Fox News Channel about the matter, but that was nothing compared to what Tucker Carlson said on Tuesday about Vick.
Vick sounds unlikely to play Sunday | ProFootballTalk
After Philadelphia’s crushing loss Tuesday night, we said that the Eagles would get their bye week, just a week earlier than they hoped. Coach Andy Reid essentially confirmed that the team will rest Michael Vick and likely other starters without exactly saying it on Wednesday.
Jacksonville Jaguars QB David Garrard out for key game Sunday - ESPN
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback David Garrard will miss the season finale at Houston because of a finger injury.
Brett Favre fined for not cooperating in sexting probe - ESPN
The NFL concluded its investigation into the Brett Favre/Jenn Sterger case Wednesday and said that commissioner Roger Goodell "could not conclude that Favre violated league policies relating to workplace conduct" but fined the Minnesota Vikings quarterback $50,000 "for his failure to cooperate with the investigation in a forthcoming manner."
The Shutdown Corner Pro Bowl Snubs List: NFC Version - Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
Now that the 2010 Pro Bowl rosters have been announced, it's time to argue! Everyone has their own thoughts on who should make the team, and one of the best parts of seeing the teams are the under-/overrated arguments that ensue.
The Shutdown Corner Pro Bowl Snubs List: AFC Version - Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
Now that the 2010 Pro Bowl rosters have been announced, it's time to argue! Everyone has their own thoughts on who should make the team, and one of the best parts of seeing the teams are the under-/overrated arguments that ensue.
Vikings vs. Eagles - Recap - December 28, 2010 - NFL - Football - SI.com
Considering everything else the Minnesota Vikings have endured this season, it was silly to think two extra days sitting around a hotel room would bring 'em down. No way a determined rookie quarterback named Joe Webb was going to let that happen.