According to the Indianapolis Star’s Stephen Holder, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has been passed over on the AFC’s Pro Bowl roster again–only this time for Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith among all conference passers:
With Alex Smith being named Pro Bowl replacement, my understanding is Andrew Luck was a 3rd alternate. Makes him, what, 6th best QB in AFC?
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) January 17, 2017
In fact, not only was Luck snubbed yet again, but he’s also not even next in line, as he’s reportedly the third alternate–meaning there’s still another replacement quarterback ahead of him in the Pro Bowl pecking order.
It’s speculated that either Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota or Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (which still sounds weird saying) could be that quarterback.
Obviously, it speaks to what the Pro Bowl has become these days (i.e. an abomination). I mean are there really five AFC passers now that are better than Luck?
Specifically, the fact that Smith with all of 15 passing touchdowns to 8 interceptions, 3,502 passing yards, and a passer rating of 91.2 (as a glorified game manager) received the nod over Luck (a superstar), who had 31 passing touchdowns to 13 interceptions, 4,240 passing yards, and a passer rating of 96.4, is nothing short of ridiculous.
Luck should’ve been named the replacement for Derek Carr (broken leg); however, instead a player’s team’s success was once again rewarded over his actual production. Namely, Smith being added as a replacement over Luck is purely a byproduct of the Chiefs’ 12-4 record compared to the Colts finishing just .500 at 8-8.
Nevertheless, it looks as though Luck could still very well get in.
Either one of the New England Patriots Tom Brady or Pittsburgh Steelers Ben Roethlisberger will assuredly drop out of the Pro Bowl at quarterback if their team reaches the Super Bowl respectively.
The loser may also drop out too due to fatigue and recovery, especially in Roethlisberger’s case–who’s battled both a recent foot injury and a torn meniscus this season.
Next: Colts Getting Early Look at Running Backs in East-West Shrine Game
If Mariota is actually the top replacement now–having been elevated from second in the wake of Smith’s promotion, it clearly bodes well for Luck, as the young Titans quarterback is still rehabilitating from a broken ankle suffered in late December.
As it stands, Luck has a strong case of still sneaking into the Pro Bowl. That being said, it should’ve never come to this point, as he already had a stronger claim than Roethlisberger, let alone Smith–the latter which is borderline laughable.