With the 2016 NFL season more than half in the books, players, fans, and pundits alike have begun to discuss awards. While the Pro Bowl may not be considered relevant to some, to players and agents, a Pro Bowl nod is still a tremendous bargaining chip. The Buffalo Bills may be struggling less than a month after a surge that was preceded by more struggles, but there are a few players who certainly deserve Pro Bowl consideration. In no particular order, here are the players most deserving of that honor.
LeSean McCoy, RB
A no-brainer, the Bills’ MVP and offensive leader is a clear-cut candidate for the Pro Bowl. One could make the argument that he is a top-3 back in the league in his age-28 season. Shady is healthy and as shifty as ever, averaging 5.1 yard per attempt and 100 yards per game from scrimmage. His six rushing touchdowns are double what he had last season, and he is on pace to gain in the neighborhood of 1,200 yards on the ground. Of all running backs in the top-10 in total rushing yards, only Jay Ajayi has fewer carries (127) than McCoy (133). McCoy is third in the league in yards per attempt, as well. Resurgent seasons from DeMarco Murray, Melvin Gordon, and Matt Forte may blcok McCoy’s path to the Pro Bowl, but his success should not go unmentioned.
Lorenzo Alexander, OLB
While McCoy might be Buffalo’s most important player, Alexander will be the trendiest pick to represent the Bills in Orlando. The NFL’s sack leader is having a career-year at age 33, and his contributions on defense and special teams should be more than enough to earn him a Pro Bowl nod. Even if he doesn’t sack another quarterback this season, he will still earn plenty of consideration. Alexander is well-respected around the league, and should earn plenty of votes.
Zach Brown, ILB
While he no longer leads the NFL or AFC in tackles (that honor goes to Cleveland’s Christian Kirksey), the first-year Buffalo Bill has been one of the team’s most consistent defenders this year. His 89 tackles lead the team, and he’s also contributed three sacks and two forced fumbles. Brown has parlayed his one year deal into a possible big payday this offseason; a Pro Bowl nod would help him to earn even more cash next year. Hopefully, the Bills are a strong contender to maintain his services in 2017.
Cordy Glenn, LT
John Miller, OG
I’ll talk about these two in tandem, since offensive line play is often highly subjective (and Pro Bowl nods are often based on reputation more than production). Miller has easily been Buffalo’s most improved player from last season, and Glenn continues to show himself to be a solid player in both the run game and the pass attack. EIC Chris Trapasso’s efficiency score ranks both players as the Bills’ best linemen by a long shot, and leading the NFL’s best rushing attack may go a long way towards earning them trips to Orlando.
Hopefully, none of these guys will be able to participate in the Pro Bowl (hey, I can dream, right?), but at least earning the nod will give them some much-deserved recognition.
Who am I snubbing? Fire away in the comments!