Jared Allen will have somebody to hang out with in Honolulu after all. On Monday the NFL announced that Jared’s teammate Chad Greenway has been named to his first Pro Bowl. Greenway replaces the Bears’ Lance Briggs who had to drop out due to injury. Greenway expressed his gratitude in a statement saying, “I’m excited to be going to the Pro Bowl, representing the Vikings and to be there with Jared. I couldn’t have done it without a lot of help and support from my teammates and coaches. Even though we didn’t have the kind of season we wanted to as far as winning games, we have guys who are proud and want to get back to the top. I’m honored to be thought of as a Pro Bowler and will make the most of the opportunity.”
What do I think of when I look back on Chad Greenway’s 2011 Pro Bowl season? I think of him whiffing while trying to sack Cam Newton. I think of him being blown up on a couple of James Starks’ game-clinching runs late in the Packer game at the Dome. I think of him and E.J. Henderson both coming up to tackle a “scrambling” Philip Rivers and leaving Mike Tolbert wide open for a touchdown. In short, I do not think Pro Bowl thoughts.
I just don’t see how a case can be made for Greenway as a Pro Bowler. Don’t talk to me about tackles. A lot of middle-of-the-road linebackers end up with high tackle totals. Talk to me about impact plays. Greenway went a large chunk of the season without making a single play behind the line of scrimmage. He ended up with no interceptions. On a team desperate for playmakers, Greenway consistently failed to step up. That’s the plain truth of it. But if you want to stick him in the Pro Bowl because he’s had three or four decent seasons in a row, go ahead. Consistent okayness deserves recognition too. I guess.
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