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Seven Arizona Cardinals players were selected for the 2016 Pro Bowl. One was an alternate. For the most part, you can argue all the selections were good and that no one got snubbed. However, one important player did get passed over and teammates believe he was snubbed -- safety Rashad Johnson.
Patrick Peterson and Deone Bucannon had something to say about his not making it.
Idk what more @49foyamind49 have to do to get in. #biggergoalstho
— Patrick Peterson /P2 (@RealPeterson21) December 23, 2015
Once again robbed @49foyamind49 but congrats too @RealPeterson21 @Mathieu_Era @Jbet26 @Campbell93 for getting to the ProBowl true ballers!
— Deone Bucannon (@deonebucannon20) December 23, 2015
Johnson has 64 total tackles and five interceptions on the season. Those are fantastic numbers. He isn't a one-hit wonder either. Last season he had 101 total tackles, a sack and four interceptions.
However, being listed at strong safety, he is hurt because of big names. Eric Berry, Kam Chancellor and Charles Woodson are the three at strong safety who made it.
All three have name recognition with fans. All three have the respect of coaches and players.
Statistically, all of them are right there about equal.
Johnson: 64 total tackles, five interceptions
Berry: 61 total tackles, two interceptions
Chancellor: 91 total tackles, two interceptions
Woodson: 65 total tackles, four interceptions
Yes, Johnson statistically matches up. He is a leader on one of the best defenses in football. It isn't even his first year playing at a Pro Bowl level. But which of the players who made it would you replace?
It is a numbers game, and he also falls victim to having a safety teammate who gets the fame in Tyrann Mathieu.
Did Johnson deserve a Pro Bowl berth? Perhaps. Was he snubbed? I'm not sure you can say that.