John Abraham, Matt Ryan Pro Bowl Are Alternates

by Dave Choate on Dec 18, 2008 8:00 AM EST in Falcons News

At least they're only an injury or a vacation in Europe away from the Pro Bowl, right?

The AJC's D. Orlando Ledbetter reports that both John Abraham and Matt Ryan are Pro Bowl alternates. While you could certainly argue that Ryan deserves a spot--and I would grab a fan by the front of their shirt and shake them like a rag doll if it would help to convince them that Abraham belongs there--this is the nature of the Pro Bowl. It's a popularity contest in which great teams and familiar names are rewarded. If Abraham's name was Chamois Buttripper, he'd have been selected for the fifth straight year.

Still, good news for us! Thoughts?

Tweet Comment 10 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Matt Ryan

is a pro bowler (alt) in his first year. Next year? Starting for the NFC. Mark my words.

Abe will be there too next year. The Falcons making a name for themselves this season and next season, they’re going to utterly destroy those ballots.

"The nice thing about supporting a bedraggled-cum-decent team? Watching all those analysts eat their words."

by Adam Schultz on Dec 18, 2008 11:26 AM EST reply actions

I still think Abe should have gotten the nod over Jared Allen

and Allen and Aries Spears coulda been alternates.

by VenomySnicket on Dec 18, 2008 1:19 PM EST reply actions

shiiit. marcus spears.

by VenomySnicket on Dec 18, 2008 1:20 PM EST up reply actions

Where can I find a complete list of all alternates?

I can usually find anything and everything online (search is my job) but for some reason I just can’t find one.

In a way, each of us has an El Guapo to face.

by runningback on Dec 18, 2008 1:34 PM EST reply actions

I'm actually surprised

that Matty Ice scored the #4 QB spot for the probowl… It was no surprise about Abraham though (the surprise that he wasn’t a starter).

Maybe Drew Brees could break his leg in the fourth quarter after NO massacres Carolina in week 17. That’s a fair enough wish…. he’ll be fine again by next season… he’ll just miss the pro bowl for our super rookie. That’s not too bad to wish on someone, is it?

by MentallyMIA on Dec 18, 2008 2:17 PM EST reply actions

I'm delighted

Coming from where we were last year and with no media coverage I think this is a great accomplishment.

by dollmanr on Dec 18, 2008 3:56 PM EST reply actions

Wouldn't it be Sweet Justice

Atlanta wins the Superbowl. Ryan wins MVP. Pro Bowl officials feel like jerks due to not inviting Matt to Pro Bowl.

by Funballad on Dec 18, 2008 7:03 PM EST reply actions

Woot

More good news. I get to watch the game on TV. Only the second time all season here in Portland. Looks like i gotta try to rearange my home somehow so i can run from the TV to the Office for the PC. Last time i almost broke a leg once or twice running back and forth.

by Funballad on Dec 18, 2008 7:31 PM EST reply actions