SELECTIONS

Patrick Peterson, CB, fourth Pro Bowl selection: Even though this hasn’t been Peterson’s most spectacular season, he’s been productive in coverage despite allowing eight touchdowns, according to Pro Football Focus. Peterson has been targeted 93 times this season and his completion percentage is 57 percent. Peterson has three interceptions, tied for third most on the team, including one returned for a touchdown. This season was different for Peterson because he spent the majority of the season defending the left side of the field.

Who he beat out: A whole host of cornerbacks around the league, including teammate Antonio Cromartie and Chicago’s Kyle Fuller.

Justin Bethel, ST, second Pro Bowl selection: Bethel has developed a reputation around the league as one of the NFL’s top special-teamers. He led the Cardinals with 18 special-teams tackles and blocked the third field goal of his career. Because of his quickness down the field, Bethel has forced teams to plan around slowing him down the field.

Who he beat out: Bethel beat out Philadelphia’s Chris Maragos and Green Bay’s Jarrett Bush.

Calais Campbell, DE, first Pro Bowl selection: A year after being an alternate, Campbell made the Pro Bowl with seven sacks and 54 tackles with a game to go. Campbell has been waiting seven seasons to be named a Pro Bowler. He’s become more dominant in the middle with experience and this was his sixth season of at least 50 tackles and six sacks. Campbell leads the Cardinals’ defensive line with 54 tackles even after missing two games this season because of a knee injury against Denver. He also has 17 quarterback pressures and 10 tackles for loss.

Who he beat out: Campbell beat out Buffalo’s Jerry Hughes and his 9.5 sacks.

SNUBS

Jared Veldheer, LT, no selections: Maybe it’s because this was his first season in the NFC or because he came from the Raiders, but it’s tough to argue against Veldheer’s numbers. He was one of four tackles who has played in all 15 games this season to allow one sack or less. He allowed four quarterback hits and 19 quarterback hurries while being rated the seventh-best tackle by Pro Football Focus. He also anchored an offensive line that has allowed 26 sacks, down from 41 a year ago.

Who he should have beaten out: Veldheer should’ve beaten out Denver’s Ryan Clady and Dallas’ Tyron Smith.

Rashad Johnson, S, no selections: Johnson has been playing some of the best football of his career this season and has the numbers to back it up. He’s allowed just one touchdown while intercepting four passes, two of which he returned for a touchdown. He has six passes defensed and has been the quarterback of a secondary that’s been a major reason why Arizona is 11-4.

Who he should have beaten out: Johnson should’ve beaten out Denver’s T.J. Ward.