Buccaneers: 5 players that deserve a spot in the Pro Bowl
By Rob Leeds
While several Buccaneer linemen should have a decent shot of reaching the Pro Bowl, Ryan Jensen has made the best case so far. Jensen hasn’t missed any time, is performing at an extremely high level, and has proven that he is one of the best centers in football.
For linemen, especially players on the interior, the voting process is more flawed than anywhere else. Interior offensive linemen give up sacks at a lower rate than tackles, so the numbers are much harder to track.
When the numbers aren’t the only way to account for a player’s performance, linemen often make it into the Pro Bowl based on recognition over talent. Tons of centers throughout the league can go numerous games without giving up a sack or a pressure, so it helps to be on a good team or on a well-respected unit. Fortunately, Ryan Jensen has both to go with his stats.
The Buccaneer offensive line has been one of the best in the NFL this season, and they are playing with one of the most talked-about players in the league. Tom Brady and the high levels of success that the Bucs have experienced have placed Ryan Jensen’s incredible talent in the limelight amongst potential Pro Bowl options.
Jensen would make a case on his own merit as a Pro Bowler without success by the Bucs, but the odds are as good as ever that he will make his first Pro Bowl this season.