Arizona Cardinals Send Three Players to Pro Bowl

Dec 8, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Kellen Clemens (10) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker John Abraham (55) during the fourth quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the rams 30-10. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

The good news is the Arizona Cardinals are sending three players to the Pro Bowl on January 26, 2014 in Honolulu.  The bad news is linebacker Karlos Dansby isn’t one of them.  The Cards are sending cornerback/special teamer Justin Bethel, linebacker John Abraham, and cornerback Patrick Peterson.

I would agree with all three selections, maybe on the fence with Peterson, although he does have three picks this season.  You’ll find absolutely no argument from me with either Bethel or Abraham.  Bethel got in for his special teams play.

Abraham is in his 14th season and is just with his third team.  He currently has 11.5 sacks in 2013 with 35 tackles and one of the sacks resulted in a safety.  He has found success in Arizona when many thought he’d be washed up after his free agency signing in the off-season.

Bethel has just 19 tackles but it is his ability to play on special teams that his him earning his first trip to the Pro Bowl in just his second season in the NFL.  Of course his propensity to block kicks has earned him the reputation as a special teams outstanding performer.

As for Peterson, he does have the three interceptions as noted but he has been picked on a lot this season.  He has previously gotten in on special teams as a punt returner and also as a cornerback.  He is getting in on his defense this season.

Getting in as alternates for the Cards are receiver Larry Fitzgerald, defensive end Calais Campbell, defensive tackle Darnell Dockett, and linebacker Daryl Washington.