Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowl Selections Analysis
Nov 30, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker C.J. Mosley (57) gets introduced prior to the game against the San Diego Chargers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Pro Bowl rosters are set for 2015. Though the game remains borderline unwatchable, a Pro Bowl selection remains a badge of honor. Let’s take a look at the three Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowl selections.
C.J. Mosley has become a fan favorite in Baltimore, gaining recognition for his block shedding and reliable tackling. He is seventh in the league in tackles, and Pro Football Focus ranks him 10th among inside linebackers (behind, among others, current Raven Daryl Smith and former Raven Rolando McClain). What earned Mosley the Pro Bowl berth was his stat sheet stuffing: three sacks, two interceptions and eight passes defended are impressive numbers for an inside linebacker, and few could match it.
Elvis Dumervil was another deserving choice. Ranked third in the league in sacks with 17 sacks, Doom was the Ravens’ most consistent pass rusher this year.
Like Mosley, Doom was ironically not the highest rated player at his position on the team per Pro Football Focus. In fact, Dumervil ranks behind both Pernell McPhee and Terrell Suggs. All three pass rushers rank in the top-four, however, so Dumervil was by no means a reach. His tremendous sack numbers carried him, as by and large he has been fairly one-dimensional this year.
Finally, Marshal Yanda made the cut for his incredible season. He is the highest rated guard on Pro Football Focus, and it’s not close. Further, Yanda has had arguably his best season in terms of run blocking. Despite just average size, Yanda was the definition of a mauler, constantly mauling the big defensive tackles of the AFC North.
First alternates for the Pro Bowl were: Justin Forsett, Terrell Suggs, Sam Koch, Jacoby Jones (as a return specialist, and that should not need to be specified), and Kyle Juszczyk.
Of those players, Suggs and Forsett were the most deserving choices. In fact, Forsett probably was the Ravens’ biggest snub, as his production far exceeds Jamaal Charles. Suggs was a tough guy to exclude, but the players above him are all deserving.
Juszczyk only garnered consideration for his statistics. Very few fullbacks have any kind of statistical impact, so Juszczyk’s 19 catches stood out. After having some issues with fumbles, though, this seems like a bit of a reach.
If there weren’t a bias against right tackles, Rick Wagner would have garnered more consideration. He had a tremendous first year in the starting line up, but left tackles are the bigger stars, so they make the Pro Bowl.
A quick glance at the Twittersphere shows that Ravens fans are upset about the exclusion of Justin Tucker. They shouldn’t be. He currently ranks 16th in the league in field goal accuracy. His four-for-nine mark from beyond 50 yards hurt his chances, at least for this year.
The Ravens’ three selections were their fewest since 2005. That said, they had numerous near misses, and a few of those first alternates have a good chance to make the Pro Bowl in the end.