Sam Darnold Overlooked in Pro Bowl Fan Voting as Seahawks Face Challenges
The NFL Pro Bowl often ignites discussions among football enthusiasts about its relevance. While the event’s significance is frequently questioned—especially with the league’s recent pivot to a flag football format—there remains a strong case for the roster selection process. Capturing a snapshot of the league’s elite players each year is vital for current recognition and for historical context in the sport.
Unlike the Associated Press All-Pro team, which is determined by a national panel of media members, the Pro Bowl selection relies on a tripartite system: votes from coaches, players, and fans each contribute equally to the final tally. This method presents a unique challenge. Coaches and players may have a clearer understanding of talent, but their objectivity can be swayed. Meanwhile, fan voting often skews towards popularity, prioritizing beloved players over those who may perform better statistically.
Current State of Seahawks in Pro Bowl Voting
Examining the current Pro Bowl fan voting reveals mixed fortunes for the Seattle Seahawks. Several players have garnered attention, but others, notably quarterback Sam Darnold, are facing an uphill battle.
Darnold, who previously ranked in the top ten for the NFC, has seen his standing drop as the season has progressed. Currently, he trails behind notable quarterbacks including Caleb Williams, Matthew Stafford, Dak Prescott, Jordan Love, Jalen Hurts, and Jared Goff. The fan voting process has highlighted some peculiarities, as Williams leads despite a completion percentage that ranks 36th in the league and his offense sitting 12th in dropback EPA (expected points added).
Although Darnold’s performance has been inconsistent, his team remains in the top three for scoring and ranks eighth in dropback EPA, indicative of a capable quarterback. Many fans and analysts feel he deserves recognition over players like Hurts and possibly even Goff.
Running Back Picture
In the backfield, neither Ken Walker nor Zach Charbonnet has made a significant impact in the fan voting. Despite improvements, the Seahawks’ run game struggles, currently positioned 24th in EPA. Walker has showcased flashes of brilliance during his best season yet but lacks the volume and consistency to break into the top ranks, having only found the end zone five times this season. Charbonnet, while contributing with nine touchdowns, has not delivered the expected performance outside of those scores.
Fullback Recognition
Robbie Ouzts sits at ninth in fan voting for fullbacks, a position often overlooked in contemporary NFL offenses. While he may be a recognizable name, his contributions have been minimal—playing 168 offensive snaps, missing games due to injury, and failing to record a touch this season. His high fan ranking seems more a result of name recognition rather than on-field impact.
Wide Receiver Spotlight
On a more positive note, Jaxon Smith-Njigba is making headlines with his extraordinary performance. He currently ranks first among wide receivers in fan voting, achieving one of the most impressive seasons in NFL history, especially considering the Seahawks’ limited passing attack. His ability to secure accolades reflects not only his talent but also the potential to reshape the perception of the team’s receiving corps.
Tight End and Offensive Line Status
A.J. Barner is the only tight end from Seattle worth mentioning, yet he currently ranks 21st in receiving yards among his peers. While he contributes to the offense, he lags behind other prominent tight ends in the conference.
On the offensive line, Grey Zabel ranks seventh in fan voting. Although some metrics suggest he’s been performing at a high level, many observers remain skeptical about his Pro Bowl credentials. While Zabel shows promise for the future, he still has a way to go before being considered among the elite.
The Pro Bowl fan voting process illustrates the complexities and challenges of accurately recognizing talent in the NFL. As the Seahawks continue to navigate their season, the outcomes of these selections may reflect the broader narrative of their efforts on the field.
