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It is no secret that the Buffalo Bills are not exactly known for their star players. However, that does not mean that there weren’t many players worthy of making this year’s Pro Bowl.
One of those players is four-year safety Jairus Byrd.
Byrd certainly isn’t the most popular player in the NFL, but he has been one of the best defensive players in football this year. A part of a defense that has struggled in every aspect of the game, Byrd excelled. Heading into Week 17, Byrd has 71 total tackles, four forced fumbles and five interceptions. He is quietly one of the most exciting cities in all football has drawn comparisons to the player that took his Pro Bowl spot.
Ed Reed.
Now look, am I the type of guy to say that a four-year player deserves to make it over a future Hall of Famer? Of course not. However, Byrd needs to start getting the respect he deserves. Let’s look at the comparisons for the season, shall we?
Reed has 13 less tackles, four less forced fumbles and one fewer interception than Byrd. Yes, I’m well aware of the pedigree that comes with the name Ed Reed. The guy is a surefire future Hall of Famer and is without a doubt the greatest safety to ever play the game. But the NFL needs to realize that there are other younger players who are having much better seasons, such as Byrd. I think the whole popularity contest that comes with the Pro Bowl needs to be put to bed. Players should be voted in based upon their play now, not what they’ve done throughout their career. I mean, how else are the younger players supposed to get noticed?
Look, am I mad that a guy like Ed Reed is finding himself in another Pro bowl? No way. But I do feel that Byrd was one hundred percent snubbed this year. He is one of the emerging young defensive players in all football and teams will realize that coming into this off-season when he’s a free agent.
Adam Pfeifer is a featured fantasy football columnist for Rant Sports.
You can follow him on Twitter @aPfeiferRS.
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