Arizona Cardinals going defensive in Pro Bowl

The Arizona Cardinals had a fourth member of their defense make the Pro Bowl roster this past weekend

The Pro Bowl, which is scheduled for this Sunday here in Glendale, Arizona, will now have four Arizona Cardinals participating in the annual pre-Super Bowl event.  Cornerback Antonio Cromartie was added to the Pro Bowl roster over the weekend.

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Cromartie joins defensive end Calais Campbell, cornerback Patrick Peterson, and special teamer/cornerback Justin Bethel.  Of course they’d all rather be spectators instead of participants because then that would mean they would be preparing for Super Bowl XLIX in the same building the following week.

Clearly there is respect around the league from teams. players, and fans for the Cardinals defensive to get four guys into the game.  It also helps that they are the host team for this event.  Normally the game takes place in Honolulu, Hawaii however the NFL moved it to Glendale this year to coincide with the Super Bowl.  The event is expected to return to Honolulu in 2016.

Cromartie had 49 tackles in 2015, his first with the Cardinals after coming over from the New York Jets. He had three interceptions and one fumble recovery and an impressive 10 passes defensed.  He also had a huge interception of Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton in their Wild-Card playoff game a couple of weeks ago.

As for Peterson, he didn’t have the best of seasons and he’ll be the first to tell you that.  However he did have his first career pick-six against the St. Louis Rams.  He had 50 tackles and three interceptions.  He was beat often though this season.  Atlanta Falcons receiver Julio Jones torched him for 10 receptions and 189 yards with one touchdown.

Campbell had a good season too.  He finished with seven sacks, down two from 2013, however he easily could have had another dozen or so.  He just missed on many occasions. He also had one interception.

As for Bethel, he had just 25 tackles as a backup cornerback but it was his special teams work that got him in.  He blocked a field goal and was known for helping pin the ball deep in opponent’s territory on punts.

Tickets are still available for the event.  The game is at 6:00 p.m. If you are interested in going, please click here.  Cris Carter and Michael Irvin will serve as team captains for the game and will be holding a draft tomorrow, Wednesday January 21st on the NFL Network.

Each offense will consist of 21 players.  Each defense will consist of 18 players.  There will be a Pro Bowl press conference for the coin flip today to determine who gets to select first.