Trent Williams, LT, fifth Pro Bowl selection: Williams has played well this season, once again showing his freak athleticism. But his inclusion is a mild surprise, considering he missed four games because of a drug suspension. Still, Williams has been Washington’s best linemen for many years now and is in the discussion for best left tackle in the game. The Redskins’ line has done a good job in protection this season, and Williams has been a key part of that success.
Ryan Kerrigan, LB, second Pro Bowl selection: Kerrigan leads Washington with 11 sacks, and his sack/fumble clinched a win at Philadelphia in Week 14. He played better two years ago, when he recorded 13.5 sacks and forced five fumbles but was snubbed for the Pro Bowl. But Kerrigan has been a model of consistency in his career, having always had at least 7.5 sacks. He isn't the flashiest, but he’s highly respected.
Jordan Reed, TE, first Pro Bowl selection: Reed was more dominant last season because he was able to stay healthy. Until he injured his left shoulder on Thanksgiving this season, Reed was having another excellent year. But the past two games, slowed by the shoulder, he caught two passes for 16 yards. There’s no doubt many will remember what he did in Dallas after getting hurt, catching eight of his 10 passes for two touchdowns in the second half. He has 61 receptions with five touchdowns. Reed remains Washington’s biggest mismatch and clearly is one of the most dangerous receiving tight ends in the NFL.
Brandon Scherff, G, first Pro Bowl selection: The Redskins drafted Scherff with the fifth pick in the 2015 draft and moved him from tackle to guard, where he’s much better-suited. Scherff went through typical rookie struggles but has been excellent in 2016. He has shown that he can pull and block on the move and set well in pass protection. Perhaps his best game came in Week 6 vs. Philadelphia, when he quieted Fletcher Cox with a strong performance, highlighting his development in one season.
SNUBS
Josh Norman, CB: He was named an alternate, so it’s not that he was completely left off. The reality is that Norman needed to make a few more big plays to earn a spot; he has one interception and two forced fumbles. But I think there was so much attention paid to him by other players around the NFL, often in a negative way, and that likely hurt him. To live up to his contract and all the attention he receives was going to be tough. There are other corners playing well, and it’s hard to argue that Norman has played better. But he also isn't benefitting from a consistent pass rush, like some others are. He has been Washington’s best defender this season. The corners who made it: Xavier Rhodes, Janoris Jenkins, Richard Sherman and Patrick Peterson.
Jamison Crowder, KR/PR: He also was named an alternate after leading the NFC in punt returns at 13.09 yards on 22 tries. Crowder's punt return for a touchdown was the difference in a 16-10 win over Baltimore. He's dangerous because of his shiftiness and vision in the open field. But in fairness, Minnesota's Cordarrelle Patterson averaged an astounding 31.54 yards on kick returns and was a deserving representative for the NFC.