Dallas Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee was absolutely robbed of a spot in 2012 Pro Bowl. Lee is by far one of the best linebackers in the NFL and is the league’s purest tackler. His statistics and toughness alone should get him into the NFL’s annual all-star game. His leadership and resilient play should make him the NFC starter at his position.
The two players selected to the Pro Bowl at inside linebacker for the NFC are the San Francisco 49ers’ Patrick Willis and the Chicago Bears’ Brian Urlacher. Both players are absolute studs and both deserving of this honor, but not more deserving than Lee.
Willis heads the NFL’s most stifling defense; he is their unquestioned leader and playmaker. With 93 tackles, 13 passes defended, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one interception, Willis is truly a Pro Bowl-caliber player.
Urlacher is the leader of one of the most consistent defenses in the league in that the Bears are an above average unit year in and year out. Urlacher has recorded 92 tackles, 10 passes defended, two fumble recoveries and three interceptions this season.
Lee has more tackles than either of the two Pro Bowl linebackers in the NFC with 94. Lee’s pass coverage ability rivals that of a strong safety, the position he played in high school. He proved that this season with 11 passes defended and four interceptions. Lee is a ball hawk and has a nose for it as well; he’s recovered two fumbles this season.
Lee played a majority of this season with a dislocated wrist. The ignorant fans who voted for the Pro Bowl rosters obviously have no idea how painful or difficult it is to do that. Lee is by far the Cowboys’ leading tackler and the unquestioned leader of Dallas’ defense. The fact he missed the Pro Bowl this season is a crime.
I’m not saying either Willis or Urlacher aren’t deserving of their spots in the Pro Bowl, but the league is so corny about making sure every decent player gets in. Especially with that in mind, Lee should be purchasing some floral shirts for his trip to Hawaii in January.
The NFL should really reconsider allowing fans to vote for the Pro Bowl. Most who do only fill out the positions they see on television. I assure you the total votes for quarterbacks more than quadruples the total votes for fullbacks. This is such an honor and should truly go to the best players at each position, not the most popular. Sean Lee is a Pro Bowl linebacker and I think anyone with any football knowledge would argue that, no matter how much they like or dislike the Cowboys.
Follow Jeric Griffin on Twitter @JericGriffin
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I’d have to say Lee was definitely deserving, yet Willis played in two less games to get up to his numbers. I applaud Lee for being able to play with a dislocated wrist as well.
Who truly was robbed of the Pro-Bowl was London Fletcher. 162 tackles, 7 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions and 1.5 sacks. Also, there’s a chance that Lee could get in if the 49ers make the Super Bowl.