Chicago Tribune

(MCT)

Despite team-run voting campaigns for fans, the buddy system and indifference, the Pro Bowl teams that were announced Tuesday weren't half bad.

They could have been better, of course. But they weren't terrible.

It was good to see deserving players make the team for the first time such as Brandon Marshall, Chris Johnson, Thomas Jones, Nnamdi Asomugha, Cortland Finnegan, Roddy White, Chris Snee, Michael Turner, Jon Beason, Antoine Winfield and Nick Collins.

Enough voters took their responsibility seriously so that most of the deserving players were recognized.

The object of this exercise, after all, is to reward the players who had the best seasons. It is not to scratch your friend's back or honor as many players from one team as possible.

By itself, the fan vote alone was problematic. There were players voted on the team who were limited by injury (Champ Bailey), playing poorly on poor teams (numerous Redskins) and selected out of position (Devin Hester).

Thankfully, the fan vote counts for only one-third of the total vote.

In the future, the NFL would be served best to take the ballots away from the fans and give one-third of the vote to a media committee, whose members would be more objective and more informed.

NFC offense

Quarterbacks: Drew Brees, Saints; Eli Manning, Giants; Kurt Warner, Cardinals

Yes, Matt Ryan is a rookie, but he belongs on this team ahead of the guy with the ring on his finger who comes from the royal family of football.

Wide receivers: Anquan Boldin, Cardinals; Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals; Steve Smith, Panthers; Roddy White, Falcons

Given the team circumstances to which Detroit's Calvin Johnson was subjected, his production warrants him a spot. I also would argue for Greg Jennings ahead of Boldin.

Tackles: Jordan Gross, Panthers; Walter Jones, Seahawks; Chris Samuels, Redskins

Walter Jones will be in the Hall of Fame one day, but not for anything he did this year. Dave Diehl of the Giants should be in his place.

Guards: Leonard Davis, Cowboys; Steve Hutchinson, Minnesota; Chris Snee, Giants

Centers: Andre Gurode, Cowboys; Shaun O'Hara, Giants

Tight ends: Chris Cooley, Redskins; Jason Witten, Cowboys

Running backs: Adrian Peterson, Vikings; Clinton Portis, Redskins; Michael Turner, Falcons

Matt Forte and DeAngelo Williams are having great seasons, but these three are the right picks.

Fullback: Mike Sellers, Redskins

I'll take Madison Hedgecock of the Giants, please.

NFC defense

Ends: Jared Allen, Vikings; Julius Peppers, Panthers; Justin Tuck, Giants

It's hard to argue against any of these three, but John Abraham of the Falcons has a right to gripe.

Tackles: Jay Ratliff, Cowboys; Kevin Williams, Vikings; Pat Williams, Vikings

Outside linebackers: Lance Briggs, Bears; Derrick Brooks, Bucs; DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys

Inside linebackers: Jon Beason, Panthers; Patrick Willis, 49ers

Barrett Ruud has had an awfully nice season for the Bucs and belongs in this game.

Cornerbacks: Asante Samuel, Eagles; Antoine Winfield, Vikings; Charles Woodson, Packers

Strong safety: Adrian Wilson, Cardinals

Free safeties: Nick Collins, Packers; Brian Dawkins, Eagles

NFC specialists

Punter: Jeff Feagles, Giants

Kicker: John Carney, Giants

When you factor in kickoffs as well as field goals, the best kicker in the conference has been Seattle's Olindo Mare.

Kick returner: Clifton Smith, Bucs

Special teamer: Sean Morey, Cardinals

AFC offense

Quarterbacks: Jay Cutler, Broncos; Brett Favre, Jets; Peyton Manning, Colts

What? No Philip Rivers? The Chargers have been a disappointment, but their quarterback has not been.

Wide receivers: Andre Johnson, Texans; Brandon Marshall, Broncos; Reggie Wayne, Colts; Wes Welker, Patriots

Tackles: Jason Peters, Bills; Michael Roos, Titans; Joe Thomas, Browns

Broncos rookie Ryan Clady might have played better than any of them, and Peters did not have a Pro Bowl season.

Guards: Kris Dielman, Chargers; Alan Faneca, Jets; Brian Waters, Chiefs

New England's Logan Mankins was the best guard in the conference this year.

Centers: Nick Mangold, Jets; Kevin Mawae, Titans

Tight ends: Antonio Gates, Chargers; Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs

Running backs: Ronnie Brown, Dolphins; Chris Johnson, Titans; Thomas Jones, Jets

How does Ronnie Brown make this team ahead of Steve Slaton? The Texans rookie has more yards and a better average per carry.

Fullback: LeRon McClain, Ravens

AFC defense

Ends: Dwight Freeney, Colts; Robert Mathis, Colts; Mario Williams, Texans

Tackles: Albert Haynesworth, Tennessee; Kris Jenkins, Jets; Shaun Rogers, Browns

Outside linebackers: James Harrison, Steelers; Joey Porter, Dolphins; Terrell Suggs, Ravens

Unless there is a "one outside linebacker per team" policy, LaMarr Woodley should be joining his teammate Harrison.

Inside linebackers: Ray Lewis, Ravens; James Farrior, Steelers

Cornerbacks: Nnamdi Asomugha, Raiders; Cortland Finnegan, Titans; Darrelle Revis, Jets

Free safety: Ed Reed, Ravens

Strong safeties: Troy Polamalu, Steelers; Chris Hope, Titans

AFC specialists

Punter: Shane Lechler, Raiders

Kicker: Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots

It's a coin flip between he and Rob Bironas of the Titans.

Kick returner: Leon Washington, Jets

Tough competition. This spot could have gone to Leodis McKelvin, Josh Cribbs, Darren Sproles or Ellis Hobbs as well.

Special teamer: Brendon Ayanbadejo, Ravens