Texans Recieve Franchise Record 4 Selections To 2010 Pro Bowl

For the first time in team history, Houston will be well represented in the Pro Bowl. With the selections announced last night, four Texans starters will be playing in Miami the week before the Super Bowl (which still sounds weird, doesn’t it?).

On the defensive side of the ball, three will be going. LB DeMeco Ryans gets his 2nd nod and it is well deserved. Also going with his first selection in as many opportunities is fan favorite LB Brian Cushing. Cush is the only rookie to be representing the AFC and should even more show he is a lock to win the Defensive Rookie of The Year award at seasons end.

I'm sure I'm not going out on a limb when I say I want Brian Cushing and DeMeco Ryans to play their entire careers together as Texans.

“Cush got me this year. He’s had more big plays” Ryans commented about the rookie. “Brian is a special player. I saw that when he first stepped on the field. It was my job this year to give him the knowledge to go with his athletic ability. It’s been great to watch him grow week in and week out. I felt so proud. He’s like my little brother out there.”

“I’m thrilled” Cushing had to add. “This is one of those things you look forward to growing up. When coach called me today, I was ecstatic. I couldn’t believe this actually happened. You always have it in your thoughts, but you don’t know how things are going to pan out. I’ve never played in the NFL; I’m adapting to a new system. At the beginning, you’re just trying to fit in. Once you get over that hump, it’s something you realize you’re capable of doing.”

The third selection from the Defense has been met with early criticism. DE Mario Williams seems to have made it on popularity alone. Even Mario would be the first to tell you that he hasn’t played up to even his own standards this season. But it probably was a make up for being snubbed in 2007 when he had 14 sacks and didn’t get selected. Something that I honestly hate that the Pro Bowl voters do. Which brings me to the offense.

I wrote earlier this week that Andre Johnson would get into the game with no problems. This was the case as AJ got his 4th selection as a Pro Bowler. It is truly a no-brainer and I would be shocked if he doesn’t end up being All-Pro this season.

"...Hey Matt, just wanted to tell you that you got hosed. Apparently you aren't enough of a pretty boy to go to The Pro Bowl..."

Notice that I left anyone out? Yeah, not only was Matt Schaub NOT selected, but he was given even more of an insult being named a SECOND alternate…behind Ben Roethlisberger. First of all, Tom Brady did not deserve to be selected. Strictly a popularity contest on that one. But Roethlisberger over Schaub is just damn insulting. I won’t go over the numbers, as I already did that earlier last week. But you’re telling me that the leading passer in the entire NFL is only the 5th best QB in the AFC this year? It is utterly ridiculous. Insulting and demeaning. To put it simply, it is just flat out wrong.

The NFL Pro Bowl is quickly getting as bad as the MLB & NBA All Star games with some of these ludicrous decisions based off of strength of name over strength of performance. I think it is insulting to the fans and the players and the league should be ashamed of themselves.

FB Vonta Leach was also named an alternate, as was WR Jacoby Jones. Jones has been a pleasant surprise after he was on the bubble to be cut in training camp.

Overall, I am happy with how well Houston will be represented, but absolutely disgusted with how Matt Schaub was treated in all of this. Hopefully, he takes it out on New England this Sunday in the season finale.

Tags: Andre Johnson, Ben Roethlisberger, Brian Cushing, DeMeco Ryans, Jacoby Jones, Mario Williams, Matt Schaub, New England Patriots, Tom Brady, Vonta Leach