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It’s been a season unlike any other, as the NFL maneuvered their way through a pandemic which caused there to be a limited offseason schedule and no preseason games. With that threat in the background all year long, regular season games were postponed to later dates but to this point none have been canceled.
The NFL did, however, decide to cancel this year’s Pro Bowl, which was set to take place in Las Vegas, and will instead have Las Vegas host it following the 2021 season. The Pro Bowl selection however still took place, because while the game itself may be meaningless, but to be selected is a honor generally held for the best of the best.
In the official voting, kicker Younghoe Koo and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett were the only Falcons selected to the Pro Bowl. Thanks in part to the Falcons horrid red zone offense, Koo is arguably having the best kicking season in franchise history. With two games remaining, Koo has a franchise-high 35 field goals made and with one more field goal from 50+, he’ll have the most field goals made from distance in team history in a single season. It’s impressive considering the Falcons botched their first attempt at moving on from Falcons legend Matt Bryant, but with Koo kicking the way he is, they should be set at the position for the next decade. This is Koo’s first Pro Bowl selection.
Grady Jarrett is officially a Pro Bowler for the second time in his six-year career. The son of Jessie “The Hammer” Tuggle has year-after-year been the best player along the Falcons’ defensive line and is considered one of the best interior defensive lineman in the league. Through week 15, Jarrett is second in sacks on the team with four and has the most quarterback hits on the team with 18, generally bringing excellent play to a front seven that always needs more of it.
Obviously, Calvin Ridley feels like a snub given the tremendous season he’s having, and I’m sure you have other players you would’ve nominated. Still, given how miserable the season is, it’s good to see Falcons recognized.
Congrats to both Koo and Jarrett who have rightfully been selected to the Pro Bowl!