Arizona Cardinals: A foursome goes to the Pro-Bowl

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 25: Quarterback Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys throws a pass under pressure from safety Budda Baker #36 of the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 25, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 25: Quarterback Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys throws a pass under pressure from safety Budda Baker #36 of the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 25, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /
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Despite a non-winning record for the second consecutive season, the Arizona Cardinals are sending four players to the Pro Bowl

Clearly the Arizona Cardinals defense was superior to the offense in 2017.  That showed in the announcement of those voted into the Pro Bowl on Tuesday evening.

Cornerback Patrick Peterson, linebacker Chandler Jones, and rookie safety and special teams extraordinaire Budda Baker all made the team from the defensive side of the ball.  Baker was just one of four rookies to make the Pro Bowl.

Baker, who has increasingly gotten better and better at his safety position, has excelled all season on special teams.  He was selected for his performance there.  He is just the fifth Cardinals rookie to make the game since 1970.

Jones heads to the game in little surprise.  He currently leads the NFL in sacks with 15.  No Cardinals player has ever lead the league in sacks.

Peterson is going to the Pro Bowl for the seventh consecutive season.  He has made the squad all seven seasons he’s played in the NFL. He is the third player in NFL history to make seven Pro Bowls before turning 28.

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Also selected for the 10th time was receiver Larry Fitzgerald.  Fitz is still performing at a very high level in his 14th NFL season.  He currently has 92 receptions for 982 yards.  He may play yet another season after signing an extension a few weeks back.

To send four players to the game in what potentially could end up being a losing season for the Cardinals is quite something.  The votes were made up of one-third fans, one-third coaches, and one-third players.

The defense has played well enough in most games to send the Cardinals to victory.  The offense however, has been a bit of a bust.  Fitz though has been the lone star on that side of the ball.

The announcement says a lot.  it says there is some great older talent and great younger talent on this team.  That balance is there.

Now its a matter of putting it all back together on offense with a few changes on defense and the Cardinals will be back to their winning ways in 2018.  For now, congratulations to the four Pro Bowl selections.