The Miami Dolphins had just one Pro Bowler this season, and that player felt bad for one particular teammate.
Center Mike Pouncey was awarded his third Pro Bowl nod when the team was announced Tuesday night. However, Pouncey couldn’t help but recognize the major snub of a teammate, safety Reshad Jones.
Jones leads the team in tackles (124) and interceptions (five), and he's been by far the team’s most consistent player. That's no secret to anyone in South Florida who follows the Dolphins closely. However, the Pro Bowl is a national vote among fans, players and coaches that sometimes comes down to popularity contest.
“I feel so bad for Reshad,” Pouncey said. “I felt like, and I know, that he’s the best safety in the NFL. For him not to make it is very disappointing. I told him when I got off the phone with him earlier that I wish I could give him my Pro Bowl nod because I feel like he’s a guy that deserves it more than any guy on our football team and any guy throughout the NFL the way he’s played. He’s an impact player on the football field.”
Jones was passed over for more well-known AFC safeties Charles Woodson, Eric Berry and Reggie Nelson. Jones has more tackles than all three of them. Only Nelson (eight) has more interceptions than Jones.
The Dolphins' 5-9 record also played a factor. The team isn’t in the national conversation, so many of Jones’ big games this year have gone with little recognition.
“For him not to make the Pro Bowl, obviously it has to be bigger than just what you’re putting out on the football field by himself,” Pouncey said. “I mean, does anybody have better numbers than him?”