Of all the Pro Bowl snubs — John Abraham, DeAngelo Williams, Philip Rivers being the most egregious in my eyes — there’s one in particular that stands out to me. It’s not so much that Wes Welker made the Pro Bowl because I do believe he’s deserving over All-Star-type accolades, but I’m wondering how Welker made it to the Pro Bowl over his teammate and fellow receiver, Randy Moss. Sure, Welker has more catches and yardage this year than Moss, but it’s a chicken/egg type discussion that goes in favor of Moss.
While Welker is a very good possession receiver, Randy Moss is one of the most dangerous play-making threats in the NFL. It’s Randy Moss who teams need to double-cover and shade with a safety to avoid giving up the big play. It’s the type of attention that Randy Moss attracts from defenses that allows the short passes and underneath stuff to work so well for the Pats. No doubt that Welker has excelled in his role and should have been a Pro Bowler last year, but it’s because of Moss that Welker looks this good. Take Moss and stick him on any team with any quarterback and he’s still scoring touchdowns. Do the same with Welker and he won’t have anywhere near 100 catches and 1,100 yards.
Moss’ overall numbers aren’t stellar, but he does lead the AFC with 10 receiving touchdowns. The one game he was left with single coverage he scored three of those touchdowns. It’s that big-play explosiveness that strikes fear into the hearts of opposing defenses and allows Welker to accumulate the stats he does. Not the other way around. The Pro Bowl voters need to get it right.
