Detroit Lions: 2 who were snubbed from the Pro Bowl

The Detroit Lions did not have a great season. However, there are two other Lions who should have been in Orlando to play in the Pro Bowl this weekend.

The NFL’s version of an All-Star game, the Pro Bowl, will be played on Sunday. And there were a lot of snubs around the league. There were also a lot of questionable players who were chosen to attend the event.

This year, only one member of the Detroit Lions made it to the game in Orlando from the original ballot; cornerback Darius Slay. Slay managed to get in after another year of dominance at his position. Later, Detroit long snapper Don Muhlbach was selected to attend the Pro Bowl by the NFC coaching staff. However, there were two other Lions who should have been traveling to Orlando along with Slay and Muhlbach.

1. Damon Harrison, Defensive Tackle

Harrison had a huge impact on the Lions’ defense. He transformed them from the worst defensive run unit in the league to one of the best in just a couple weeks. There is no way to understate the amazing impact Harrison had for our defense this year.

Harrison wouldn’t get pushed back into the linebackers laps which made it immensely easier for them to do their job and fill gaps where needed. Harrison often gobbled up offensive lineman and destroyed a play in the backfield before it started. He would also consistently beat double teams and turned what would have been a big run into a loss of yardage; even if he wasn’t always the one making the tackle.

Harrison was passed over by four other NFC defensive tackles; which is ridiculous. He was passed over for Aaron Donald, Fletcher Cox, Akiem Hicks, and Kawann Short. I can buy Donald and Cox being selected over him, and I can even understand Hicks. But to suggest that Short was the better player this year is ludicrous.

Short posted one forced fumble, three sacks, 42 total tackles (12 tackles for loss), and seven quarterback hits. Harrison on the other hand outdid Short to the tune of two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, three and a half sacks, 81 total tackles (nine for a loss), and eight quarterback hits.

Harrison was clearly passed over for an inferior player in Kawann Short. Both the game tape and the stats prove this. It should be a crime that “Snacks” didn’t get in.

2. Devon Kennard, Outside Linebacker

Kennard proved to be one of, if not the best, offseason signing by general manager Bob Quinn last year. Kennard came in and immediately provided a much needed boost to the pass rush.

Kennard was able to cover receivers out of the backfield and could travel with others sometimes, but his biggest impact came when he rushed the passer. Kennard provided the Lions with one fumble recovery, seven sacks, 46 total tackles (nine for a loss), and 14 quarterback hits.

The outside linebackers selected to the Pro Bowl over him were Khalil Mack, Ryan Kerrigan, Anthony Barr, and Olivier Vernon. The selection I have a problem with is Barr getting in over Kennard.

Barr only produced one forced fumble, three sacks, 55 tackles total (eight for a loss), and four quarterback hits. The stats don’t lie. Kennard was more Pro Bowl worthy than Barr.