2011 NFL Pro Bowl: Is Ryan Fitzpatrick Worthy?
by Brian Galliford on Dec 1, 2011 9:11 AM EST
in Buffalo Bills Opinion
Email
Print
I'm not big on the Pro Bowl accolade, but it's interesting nonetheless to ponder whether or not Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is worthy of making the trip to Hawaii this season. The folks at ProFootballFocus.com like his chances, for now.
On the season, Fitzpatrick has completed 64 percent of his throws - by far a career high - for 2,549 yards, 19 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Every game counts, however, and a horrid three-game stretch have made his otherwise excellent numbers (17:7 TD:INT ratio) look fairly pedestrian.
However, the crop of worthy signal-callers in the AFC is quite thin this year. Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger seem like mortal locks, but Peyton Manning, Matt Schaub and Matt Cassel are injured, and others - like Philip Rivers, Joe Flacco and Mark Sanchez - have been disappointing.
Still, the Pro Bowl is largely a popularity contest. Matt Hasselbeck has some voting longevity, even though he's been average-at-best this year. Andy Dalton could get some consideration for being a solid rookie on a surprising team. Nobody is more popular than Tim Tebow. Even in a down year for AFC quarterbacks, it seems to me that Fitzpatrick has some stiff competition. What do you think?
65 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
If you are honest about it
No.
I think Tom Brady, Matt Schaub & Andy Dalton are more deserving. But I would put Fitzy 4th. So given Schaub’s injury I guess I will vote for Fitzy.
Rebuilding a team properly takes time and patience
Could someone explain to me why Schaub is allowed in the Probowl and not Freddy?
Rebuilding a team properly takes time and patience
I don’t want to vote yes but I feel like I have to. Most fans around the league will vote for Tebow or Sanchez, or Dalton but I think Fitzpatrick is having a better season than all of them. The AFC crop SUCKS with a capital Hoover. If Brady or Big Ben make the Super Bowl, Fitz could back in, too.
LOL......please please please let Tebow get voted to the Pro Bowl
Meril Hodge’s head might actually explode :-)
"Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there." - John Wooden
"Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances." - Sun Tzu
If Schaub is on IR, then he is not eligible – No way Fitz makes it this year – It will be Brady, Roethlisberger and someone else who’s playing well and whose team is in contention – probably Dalton
The question is, is he worthy, not will he make it. I happen to think he’s played well enough that he is worthy of consideration, but he won’t make it, in my opinion, for the reason you give.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
To be honest, I haven’t really watched enough of the other AFC QBs this year to compare Fitz to them. I’d have to say he is only doing an average job (in a bubble), but compared to whoever else is eligible…???
Give a monkey a typewriter and infinite time, and he’ll eventually release Maybin. -- stetzwebs
No one circles the waiver wire like the Buffalo Bills!
Can't vote yes
I agree with Brady and Cheeseberger but I hit no on Fitzpatrick. While his stats are good he still doesn’t get the ball down the field like the forementioned quaterbacks. Many reasons for that, but without big play highlights like the other two hard to see him generating much attention nationwide on a 5-6 team.
by Matty Coco on Dec 1, 2011 9:29 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Might get picked at end
If top candidates are injured, turn it down or make it to Super Bowl.
NO WAY
Fitzmagic witch i dont see any magic what so ever. dose not belong in prow bowl conversation… im sorry but that 4 game strech was terrible, yes we had injuries on the Oline, he couldt barely compleate a pass against NYJ game 1 Dallas and Miami,,
its all about being consistant. and fitz has not been, definitely Brady Big ben and Dolton with out a doubt has played better not only with better Oline and recievers, but over all smarter>>>>
One more thing
We definitely over paid for Fizmagic, to me hes not worth his 59million dollar contract..
if we can opt out of it, or restructure… that would be great.. to me we will be prolly picking in the uper 13th in the 1st round, and theres a lot of nice qbs comming out, also why not trade for vince young, i think he could run this offense better than fitz,, what dose anyone think????
So it would appear that you disagree with a pro bowl for our franchise QB?
Never confuse movement with action.
~Ernest Hemingway
by NolaBillsFan on Dec 1, 2011 10:08 AM EST up reply actions
I think I'll have what you're smoking.
Vince Young has been atrocious on a team with supposedly a whole lot more talent.
Limited time only! Spend $50 & get free S/H w/ code "SHIPFREEUS"
by twoeightnine on Dec 1, 2011 10:21 AM EST up reply actions
I thought about replying about the first part but you think Vince Young is better so I guess you won’t agree. :-)
by MattRichWarren on Dec 1, 2011 10:30 AM EST up reply actions
Voted yes
Because I am a totally unobjective homer.
by Munchausen on Dec 1, 2011 9:45 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
99 Helens agree that “honesty is the best policy”
by JustAskTheAxis on Dec 1, 2011 10:08 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
It's not about him being the best QB
Just one of the best three on the board. Frankly, outside of the top two I don’t think anyone who is eligible is particularly better than Fitz. I think the recent stretch of bad games probably taints his production in the same way Ravens fans get p/o’d at Flacco for not being able to score points on Jacksonville, or Mark Sanchez for being…well…Mark Sanchez.
I think, if anything, there is probably an anti-homer tilt to folks who say no given how intimately they know Fitz’s play, and likely to gloss up other players they know by name (Hassleback, Flacco, etc.) but don’t see as often.
I didn't want to mention this, but Tebow will blow him out in fan voting.
Since that is 33% of the criteria, I have a feeling Tebow will make it to the pro-bowl.
Hopefully the players and coaches will put that non-sense to bed and vote someone like Fitz, Dalton or Hasslebeck instead.
"I got no problem with 7-9 coming off of 4-12 as long as I don't buy a couch there, you got to keep moving" - Mike Schoop
No, I’d like to see Tebow in the Probowl. He’s a popular QB right now and if the voting fans vote him in then he deserves to be in. Unfortunately for him, I doubt they will tailor plays just for him so he will need to compete like every other QB and drop back and throw which will probably prove to be ridiculous.
Rebuilding a team properly takes time and patience
I watch the ProBowl if he made it just to see the AFC get shutout.
.
When the job is finished no one remembers how long it took, just how well it was performed.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Dec 1, 2011 9:16 PM EST up reply actions
It would be nice to see what kinda numbers fitzmagic would put up in the pro bowl with the best oline and recievers..
by touchdownsyndrome on Dec 1, 2011 9:59 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Voted undecided...
That 3 game car wreck really hurt, but it would be painful to have to see Sanchez or Tebow go instead.
"Nick Barnett is everywhere. He is behind you right now." - Munchausen
by RedStickBillsFan on Dec 1, 2011 10:02 AM EST reply actions
the results in this poll are disturbing
and even more justification for why the Pro Bowl is meaningless.
The fact that “No” leads the poll is just another example of Bills fans loathing their own players until they go somewhere else so we can complain about how we always let talent get away….
Matt Schaub is on IR. Tom Brady is a given, Big Ben is having a nice year. Ryan Fitzpatrick is so clearly the third QB in line in the AFC its absurd. When you then consider that Ben or Tom are likely to be playing in the Super Bowl and its even more obvious the answer to this poll is “yes”.
Sigh….
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
by poz on Dec 1, 2011 10:08 AM EST reply actions 7 recs
Rec'd.
Spot on.
.
When the job is finished no one remembers how long it took, just how well it was performed.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Dec 1, 2011 10:16 AM EST up reply actions
Ryan Fitzpatrick is so clearly the third QB in line in the AFC its absurd.
I don’t agree with that at all – and I think good arguments can be made for Fitzpatrick in this case. You didn’t make one, though. You just called Bills fans out. :)
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Dec 1, 2011 10:20 AM EST up reply actions
You just called Bills fans out. :)
yes, indeed, felt it was justified in this case – even more so after the lovefest with him through the first 8 weeks of the season
You are right, there are good arguments to make for Fitz over others. Namely, his stats are deflated (As you noted) by a three game slump in which a great many starters were on IR and receivers were tipping passes left and right into the arms of defenders. He still maintains more yards than Andy Dalton, Matt Hasselbeck and Mark Sanchez , a higher completion percentage than Big Ben, Matt Hasselbeck, Joe Flacco, Andy Dalton, Mark Sanchez and Phillip Rivers, and more touchdowns than Big Ben, Mark Sanchez, Phillip Rivers, Andy Dalton, Matt Hasselbeck and Joe Flacco.
Is that better ;)
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
I would argue however that stats are not the only criteria at work here. I look at what Andy Dalton has done and it’s quite impressive. Let’s not forget that the poor kid must play the Steelers and Batimore twice. He’s been solid and in control. He has not had the breakdowns that Fitz has had, although you could argue that the Cincy Defense is so much better than ours that it should factor in as well. Anyway, I think Andy is as deserving as Ryan.
Rebuilding a team properly takes time and patience
by keysh67 on Dec 1, 2011 7:56 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Yep
I would vote Dalton, and depending on playoffs, Flacco ahead of Fitz. Fact is, that getting to the playoffs does (and probably should) be a factor. Should Ben or Brady be in the Super Bowl, then perhaps Fitz should be #3 or alternate.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
you took the words right out of my mouth
although you could argue that the Cincy Defense is so much better than ours that it should factor in as well.
you dag gum right it should factor in! our defense has forced fitz to totally abandon the run in order to catch up as they were out of the game by half-time (Dal, Mia). it’s pretty hard to score on any defense when they know you have to throw it just to catch up…well, unless you’re the buffalo bills defense of course which is exactly my point. to say dalton is more deserving than fitz is ludicrous! put fitz on the bengals with green and benson (thats all he needs with that defense) and then put dalton on our team facing the same situation as fitz with the injuries to starters, etc and the horrible defense putting more pressure on him, THEN get back to me.
Ryan Fitzpatrick is so clearly the third QB in line in the AFC its absurd.
So, if Brady and/or Ben can’t/won’t play, Fitz gets in….but does that make him “worthy”, or does he get there by default as the third runner up?
"Hallelujah, Noel, be it heaven or hell, the Christmas we get, we deserve"- Greg Lake
It makes him worthy of being the 3rd QB.
I doubt anyone is saying that he’s as good/worthy as Brady or Ben.
If you win bronze at the Olympics are you worthy or do you get it by default?
Limited time only! Spend $50 & get free S/H w/ code "SHIPFREEUS"
by twoeightnine on Dec 1, 2011 10:24 AM EST up reply actions
right
there are 3 QBs on the Pro Bowl roster fansince60. As twoeightnine rightly says, its clear hes not as worthy as Ben or Brady, but hes still worthy of getting on the roster. He might get bumped to the second spot in the case of a Super Bowl appearance for either guy in front of him.
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
Ok I didn’t look at it that way. Thanks
"Hallelujah, Noel, be it heaven or hell, the Christmas we get, we deserve"- Greg Lake
no problem
for what its worth, I think each QB gets decent playing time. Im not entirely sure as I havent really watched the Pro Bowl with interest since Moorman got absolutely demolished by Sean Taylor in whatever year that was.
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
default or just 3rd string?
the same could be said about kyle williams last yr also. we’re not talking about “deserving” to be the AFC starter, just the 3rd string QB. I would have to say he is deserving to be the 3rd string QB, but if the two aforementioned QB’s were to get injured then you could call tht “by default.” just like you can call any other RB making it to the probowl ahead of Freddy due to his injury status.
See, personally I think...
They’re not saying he’s not worthy of consideration, per se, according to all the comments, they seem to be saying he won’t get in.
I really do think he’s worthy and voted as such, but I don’t think he’ll get in except backing in on an injury, because sadly we’re not quite the voting bloc that Tebowmaniacs are. Yes, I think he will make it for the reason that he’s so well-liked, despite his … rather unconventional style of playing. Which is to say, he plays the Rocky style of fighting. (Get beat to the ground 14 rounds and score a KO in the 15th.) Unless of course we eat Denver alive.
"The soul collectors are going to be in full charge mode this Sunday" -- abayarde
If Tim Tebow makes the pro bowl, I’m never watching football again.
NOBODY circles the wagons like the Buffalo Bills.
by heff17 on Dec 1, 2011 10:23 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
What’s the math for the Pro Bowl? Is it 1/3 fans, 1/3 players, 1/3 coaches?
by MattRichWarren on Dec 1, 2011 10:32 AM EST up reply actions
Yup.
Limited time only! Spend $50 & get free S/H w/ code "SHIPFREEUS"
by twoeightnine on Dec 1, 2011 10:39 AM EST up reply actions
Be prepared for this to be your last year watching then.
He will own the fan vote ahead of the other #3 options and I can see some players voting for him too, coaches doubtful though.
It will be interesting, and likely sad, to watch the nominations.
"I got no problem with 7-9 coming off of 4-12 as long as I don't buy a couch there, you got to keep moving" - Mike Schoop
But if Vick makes it again????
"Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there." - John Wooden
"Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances." - Sun Tzu
you might as well
find an alternative now b/c if the fans have anything to do with it, he will get in on popularity and the fact that while his stats suck, he just wins baby!!
Why?
:(
Buffalo Bill's are like family to me. dysfunctional mind you, but after some thought, just like my family:) Go Bill's!
by buffalobacker on Dec 2, 2011 2:03 AM EST up reply actions
The stats alone have to put him in the conversation. Among active AFC QBs:
2nd in Completion Percentage
5th in Total Yards
2nd in TDs
(2nd in Ints)
4th in QB Rating
So he’s definitely “worthy”… but is he “likely”? Doubt it.
Completion%
Should require min. # of throws. Tebow’s game stats are like 4-7 two rushing TD’s. per game. He wins thats all that matters but hes not a passer like elite QB’s anyway shape or form quite yet.
Buffalo Bill's are like family to me. dysfunctional mind you, but after some thought, just like my family:) Go Bill's!
by buffalobacker on Dec 2, 2011 2:07 AM EST up reply actions
with such good stats u would think we would have a better record..
by touchdownsyndrome on Dec 1, 2011 10:54 AM EST via mobile reply actions
despite a failing defense
those stats did get us one of the best records in the league. Then injury caught up to the offense with both LTs, our center, and a slew of our receivers out or playing sick or hurt. Now we’re without Stevie. Its a shame but I really think injury derailed us this year.
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
glad you corrected that
b/c i was about to go take a 5th straight to the head if stevie was gone too! lol
Injuries Derailed Us
Like yeah this yr. and yr. before and yr. before that.
Buffalo Bill's are like family to me. dysfunctional mind you, but after some thought, just like my family:) Go Bill's!
by buffalobacker on Dec 2, 2011 2:09 AM EST up reply actions
There are many players that enter the pro bowl game by default
Default varies endlessly. Injury, illness, playoff/superbowl, popularity etc….. are some but not all. There are still five games left and many players will go to the probowl in place of players that have yet to get injured. My vote is undecided. I would like to see Fitz go and I would like there to be no questions about it. For that to happen he really needs to step up his leadership role on the team during these final five games. Freddy held that fort in the first half of the season and I don’t trust Stevie to resume things until he matures a little bit more. I don’t hold Ryan responsible for this four game slide, but the next five games could be very telling as we wind down the season. making a run at the end of the season doesn’t always get you to the probowl but it does provide hope going into the offseason and into next year. These last five games will sway my yes or no vote.
YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde
undecided
He’s way to much inconsistent. Today i’d put Dalton over him. Sanchez is horrid, please. Also, today Matt Moore is more deserving the pro bowl nod than Fitz.
by Fernando brazil on Dec 1, 2011 11:42 AM EST reply actions
The fact that Fitzpatrick has had an uneven season and is still 100% worthy of being in the discussion for a Pro Bowl birth, even before players start bowing out, speaks volumes as to why it was important to get him under contract. It also speaks volumes as to why Buffalo must continue to search for an upgrade.
"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix
by Port Royal on Dec 1, 2011 11:50 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
very deep point, Port
speaks volumes as to why it was important to get him under contract. It also speaks volumes as to why Buffalo must continue to search for an upgrade.
I dont think I’ve thought about it that way but this is really an interesting way to put it and raises a lot of deep points, I think. Your right, it does show why it was important, we have a significantly high performing starter in this league but it also shows how an elite QB changes everything by putting a team in such a rare class of competitiveness.
Somehow you managed to argue for extending Fitz and searching for a QB – well done.
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
All Pro is the only honor that is truly an honor
I voted yes for Fitzy as we are talking Pro Bowl here, but All Pro is the platinum standard for any player obviously. If Freddy hadn’t gone down he would have been in contention to be our first All-Pro since who — Jason Peters?
by AlwaysaBillinPhilly on Dec 1, 2011 12:33 PM EST reply actions
tough one
prob depends on the nest few games.
"Alright Men, lets go out there, bust um in the chops & get somebody bloody. Keep working hard till you get it right. Take the W in battle & make the Bills Nation Proud." coach Karma420
by Blood, sweat & Win on Dec 1, 2011 1:17 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Yes
Since the question on the poll was he worthy of consideration than yes. No way anyone can look at AFC QB’s by the numbers and say he isn’t worth consideration. Not saying he should go, but he’s in the top 5 this year so you have to consider him. I also think Fitzy has more national kout than ppl realize. The Harvard thing, the beard. Obviously it has fizzled as of late, but considering talent around him he should be in the conversation.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Buffalo Rumblings
Related FanShots on Buffalo Rumblings
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
SBNation.com Recent Stories
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Detroit Lions DT Nick Fairley arrested again; now has more NFL arrests than NFL sacks
- Former high-school star Brian Banks does serious time on trumped-up charge, now hopes for an NFL shot
- Former ‘idiot kicker’ Mike Vanderjagt in trouble after accosting junior-high heckler
- Adrian Peterson blows teammates away in footraces; appears to be on the mend
- UPDATE: Charlie Sheen didn’t buy Lawrence Taylor’s Super Bowl ring
