Is Jalen Hurts, Baker Mayfield, and Geno Smith More Deserving of the 2024 Pro Bowl Than Jordan Love?
There's always someone just outside the bubble, and it leads to speculation and debates. In particular, was Jordan Love snubbed for the 2024 Pro Bowl by the NFL? Should Jalen Hurts, Baker Mayfield, and Geno Smith be prioritized instead? Let's dive into the details and weigh the arguments.
Understanding the Pro Bowl Context
The Pro Bowl is often seen as a formality, no longer enjoying the luster it had during its heyday in Hawaii. Most NFL players prefer to recuperate and focus on healing injuries before the next season, knowing that the season ends with physical strain.
Most fans and players would agree that the Pro Bowl is less of a showcase and more of a formality. If the Pro Bowl were redesigned, moving it back to the week following the Super Bowl, but keeping it as a flag football game, it might not be as appealing to the players, but fans would get more enjoyment out of a bad game before the next season.
Are Jalen Hurts, Baker Mayfield, and Geno Smith More Deserving?
A few players stand out as strong contenders for the Pro Bowl, with Jalen Hurts, Baker Mayfield, and Geno Smith being notable examples. However, Jordan Love's performance towards the end of the season could also warrant consideration.
Without dismissing the performance of Jalen Hurts, who started strong but then struggled towards the end of the season due to injuries and team struggles, it's easy to see why his late-season form might have detracted from his overall ranking. Baker Mayfield and Geno Smith, both had solid campaigns, and potential for more in future years.
The case for Jordan Love can be made based on his performance as the season progressed. Despite starting relatively strong, Love’s improvement throughout the season signifies that he could be a formidable presence in future seasons. However, for the Pro Bowl, there may need to be more data and consistent performance to lock in a slot.
Conclusion: The Complexity of Pro Bowl Selection
The Pro Bowl is not just about recent performance but also about the legacy of a player and their overall impact on the team. While Jalen Hurts, Baker Mayfield, and Geno Smith had commendable seasons, Jordan Love's growing success might eventually see him earn a place in the Pro Bowl.
Ultimately, the Pro Bowl is a combination of factors, including public voting, injury status, and long-term potential. As we move towards the 2024 Pro Bowl, the debate around who should or should not be included will continue, and it will be interesting to see how the votes unfold.