Riggo's Rag
FanSided

Why it makes sense that Zach Brown is a Pro Bowl alternate

By Jacob Camenker

SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 05: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is pressured by inside linebacker Zach Brown #53 of the Washington Redskins during the second quarter of the game against the Washington Redskins at CenturyLink Field on November 5, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. The Redskins won 17-14. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 05: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is pressured by inside linebacker Zach Brown #53 of the Washington Redskins during the second quarter of the game against the Washington Redskins at CenturyLink Field on November 5, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. The Redskins won 17-14. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Some may have been upset that Zach Brown was not selected to the Pro Bowl roster. He did make it as an alternate, and that’s the most sensible spot for him this year.

There’s no doubt that Zach Brown is one of the better linebackers in the NFL. When Brown signed with the Redskins in 2017, the team was desperately in need of a presence in the middle of the defense. Will Comtpon and Mason Foster had been a below average duo the previous season, and Brown’s presence was supposed to give the team a three down presence. And it did.

Currently, Brown is tied for first in the NFL with 127 tackles. That said, one could conclude that Brown might belong in the Pro Bowl as a starter. However, he was only listed as an alternate, and that actually was the right spot for him.

There’s two major reasons that Brown didn’t make the Pro Bowl squad. Luke Kuechly and Bobby Wagner. It’s that simple. Kuechly is the best linebacker currently in the game and he excels in all facets of the game. He’s an elite run stuffer thanks to his instincts and he is also very good in coverage. Meanwhile, Wagner has dealt with injuries in recent weeks, but he has a similar attacking style to Kuechly. His 122 tackles are fifth in the NFL, and if he was fully healthy, he would be challenging Brown for the lead tackler spot.

More from Riggo's Rag

Compared to those two players, Brown would be slightly behind them. The separation isn’t huge, but Brown isn’t quite as good in coverage in the other two players. That’s part of the reason that the Redskins have struggled against tight ends during the season. Brown just isn’t quite as good at tracking players without the ball. But once they get the ball, look out. He’ll hit you hard.

It’s quite possible that Brown will end up playing in the Pro Bowl. If Wagner’s injury lingers, he may not be able to play. Meanwhile, Kuechly’s Panthers will have a legitimate shot at returning to the Super Bowl, so there’s a chance he won’t be available for the Pro Bowl either. If either misses, expect to see Brown suit up for the game.

Next: Previewing Redskins free agent O-linemen

Overall, this is still an honor for Brown. He had a case to make the All-Star game, but the fact of the matter is that he was properly ranked behind the two middle linebackers that made the NFC squad.

Home/Commanders News