2014 Pro Bowl: Seahawks will send six players to Honolulu
Jan 26, 2013, Honolulu, HI, USA; General view of a flyover during the playing of the national anthem before the 2013 Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
While the Seahawks were busy preparing for their regular season finale against the St. Louis Rams, they learned that six of their players were selected to participate in the 2014 Pro Bowl.
Three of the players are from the offensive side of the ball while the other three are from defense.
Why these players? Here is a brief explanation:
Russell Wilson, QB: 2nd career Pro Bowl, 2nd-consecutive selection
Wilson has been stellar this year, helping lead the Seahawks to a 12-3 record even with a depleted offensive line. He has completed 63 percent of his passes this season for 3,185 yards and 25 touchdowns while only throwing nine interceptions. His 101.1 quarterback rating is fourth-best in the league for quarterbacks with at least 300 pass attempts.
Marshawn Lynch, RB: 4th career Pro Bowl, 3rd-consecutive selection
Lynch has rushed for an NFL-best 11 touchdowns so far this year, which matches his total from last season. His 1,160 rushing yards are fifth-most in the NFL this season and he is averaging 4.2 yards per carry, right on par with his career average.
Max Unger, C: 2nd career Pro Bowl, 2nd-consecutive selection
Unger has been the anchor of the offensive line and the key to Wilson’s protection and Lynch’s strong season. He has been a bright spot on an offensive line plagued by injury and inconsistency.
Richard Sherman, CB: 1st career Pro Bowl
Sherman received 552,600 fan votes, the most by any defensive player in this year’s vote. He leads the league with eight interceptions and has also defended 23 passes, tops in the NFL. It seems like whenever the Seahawks need a big play on defense, Sherman comes up with one. Remember his pick-six against the Texans?
Earl Thomas, FS: 3rd career Pro Bowl, 3rd-consecutive selection
Part II of the Legion of Boom, Thomas has recorded five interceptions and posted 103 tackles, second-most in the NFL by a player who’s position is in the secondary. He has also forced two fumbles.
Kam Chancellor, SS: 2nd career Pro Bowl
Another member of the LoB, Chancellor has recorded 90 tackles to go with three interceptions and a forced fumble. With three secondary players in the Pro Bowl, is it any wonder why the Seahawks have allowed the fewest passing yards per game in the NFL?
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The Seahawks also sent six players to the Pro Bowl last season, though the franchise-record is seven. Three alternates were selected from the Seahawks as well: Russell Okung, Steven Hauschka, and Golden Tate.
The game will be played differently this year than in other years prior. Conferences will not matter — teams will be divided after players are selected by Deion Sanders or Jerry Rice in a draft format.
The draft will be on Jan. 22.
If the Seahawks make it to the Super Bowl, none of the players from Seattle will play in the Pro Bowl, per NFL Rules. They will be replaced though their selection to the Pro Bowl will still be valid to put on their resume.