The Philadelphia Eagles had 6 players selected for 2024 Pro Bowl. That’s actually the third most (tied) of any team in the NFL. However, several players really should’ve been given the same honor.
Jalen Hurts
Jalen Hurts hasn’t exactly had a year as glistening as his 2022 campaign where he was an MVP candidate, but he has at least done enough to make the Pro Bowl for an NFC team that appointed…Matt Stafford.
The 14 interceptions stand out, but when comparing stats of Matt Stafford and Jalen Hurts, it’s hard to really argue why the quarterback of a 9-7 Rams team was picked over Hurts, who adds so much more to an offense through his efforts on the ground.
DeVonta Smith
A.J Brown made the Pro Bowl, but DeVonta Smith did not. The third-year wideout was snubbed once again despite eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark for the second year in a row and notching 7 touchdowns on the season. That feels Pro Bowl-worthy to me, but you could at least argue that Mike Evans or Puka Nacua have had better campaigns.
The Hurts decision makes no sense whatsoever, this is at least understandable, although you could argue that Smitty’s production as a #2 option in this offense is deserving of a spot here.
Jalen Carter
As runaway favorite to win Defensive Rookie of the Year, should Jalen Carter not also be named a Pro Bowler?
The 22-year-old rookie has amassed 30 tackles (8 TFL), 6 sacks (9 QB Hits), and 2 forced fumbles (recovering one for a touchdown). He’s been one of the lone consistent stars on an otherwise inconsistent defense and has done more than enough to warrant a place on the Pro Bowl roster as a starter.
Sure, missing a game might’ve played an impact, and the fact he was very quiet against Dallas probably calmed the storm a bit. But a Pro Bowl berth should be representative of the season a player has had, and few have made the impact that Jalen Carter has.
Jake Elliott
Jake Elliott has had an incredible year, it just so happens that former Bethlehem Steel product, Braden Aubrey, has had an even better one. Only one kicker per conference makes the Pro Bowl, and Aubrey hasn’t missed a single field goal all year. It’s remarkable.
With that said, Elliott’s unrelenting ability to kick clutch field goals from lightyears away is generational.
Britain Covey
The Eagles have been weirdly good when it comes to punt returns this year. It’s been something that has completely lacked in recent years, with the Eagles struggling to do much of anything positive on special teams.
That changed this year when Britain Covey decided to break out. As our writer Chris Infante notes, he’s not just been good, but he’s been great.
Covey has been a breath of fresh air for an ailing special teams unit and while it’s disappointing to see him snubbed from the Pro Bowl, it’s also just a good opportunity to recognize how brilliant he’s been this year.
AP Photo/Chris Szagola
