The New England Patriots sit at 11-3, clinched a playoff berth, and look to lock up an 11th straight AFC East division title against their division rival Buffalo Bills this Saturday.
The NFL recently revealed the Pro Bowlers for this season, players who have shown to be at the top of their game all season. The New England Patriots have three players who made the cut: cornerback Stephon Gilmore, linebacker Dont’a Hightower, and special teamer Matthew Slater.
As always the case during Pro Bowl voting, there are players that get left out that may have deserved to be recognized.
The Patriots do not play for the Pro Bowl, as they look to play meaningful games well into January, and the Super Bowl in February. However, there were some players who definitely deserved consideration for a Pro Bowl invitation as well. Players who have played at considerably high levels at their positions.
Let’s take a look at some of those players.
Kyle Van Noy
Kyle Van Noy has proven to be one of the most versatile defenders in the NFL.
He has accumulated 35 solo tackles, 6.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 6.5 sacks, and has even scored a touchdown. His ability to rush the passer is extraordinary, even though he isn’t primarily used as such, as he has 51 total pressures.
Van Noy has done it all for New England’s defense, which is arguably the best in the entire NFL.
However, he is in line for what is considered the most prestigious honor in the league: being named the Walter Payton Man Of The Year. This award honors those players who take the extra mile for their communities through things like volunteering and charity work. Winning this would overshadow missing out on a Pro Bowl nod.
Jamie Collins
Jamie Collins spent some time away from the New England Patriots but has come back with a vengeance.
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This season, Collins can be described as one thing: playmaker. There was even a time early in the season where he looked to be a Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
He has tallied 51 solo tackles (71 total), 6 sacks, three interceptions (one of which he returned for a touchdown), three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
Also like Kyle Van Noy, he sees very few pass-rush opportunities but has managed 24 total pressures. He is a major factor in both the passing game and run game.
He came back like he never left, playing like it was the 2015-16 season, a season in which he made his first and only Pro Bowl. Collins was also named Second-Team All-Pro.
The numbers may not be as gaudy, but his impact has been evident to anyone who watches.
J.C. Jackson
J.C. Jackson is definitely a rising star in this already very good New England Patriots secondary.
Teammate Stephon Gilmore, who is arguably the best in the league, is 2nd among all cornerbacks with a 32.8 passer rating when he is targeted. Jackson is 1st with 28.6 (Pro Bowlers Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters have allowed 81.1 and 67.4, respectively.)
To put that in perspective, a quarterback throwing the ball away the entire would give them a 39.6 passer rating (per Pro Football Focus). Jackson is very good at only 24 years old and will only continue to get better as the years go on.
Statistically, he is tied for 3rd in the NFL with 5 interceptions, has two games with 2 interceptions each, and has only allowed one touchdown and just 22 catches for 226 yards.
He may not be recognized as an All-Pro, but needs to be recognized as one of the best corners in the NFL, regardless of age.
Julian Edelman
Julian Edelman has never received a Pro Bowl invitation in his 10 seasons. This season should have definitely been the year.
There have been some things such as drops that have held him back some. He leads the league with 8 dropped passes, which is very uncharacteristic of him and maybe a big reason why he didn’t make the cut. However, his numbers have still been outstanding.
In 14 games, he has 92 catches, 1019 yards (11.1 yards per catch), and 6 touchdowns. He’s even thrown a touchdown pass. Edelman’s numbers have been better than, or at least on par with:
Jarvis Landry: 74 catches, 1018 yards (13.8 yards per catch), and 5 touchdowns.
Tyreek Hill: 46 catches, 727 yards (14.8 yards per catch), and 7 touchdowns.
Both of which made the AFC Pro Bowl roster.
Despite playing with multiple injuries and the offense struggling as it has been, Julian Edelman has been the best thing going for the New England Patriots on that side of the ball.