Kerby Joseph’s season with the Detroit Lions was nothing short of spectacular. He led the league in interceptions and showcased incredible defensive skills. So, you must be wondering, why was he snubbed from the Pro Bowl? Well, let’s get into it!
Understanding Kerby Joseph’s Performance
Joseph had a remarkable season this year. He was arguably one of the best safeties in the NFL. With nine interceptions, he was at the top of the charts. What makes this even more surprising is that he excelled in multiple areas according to Pro Football Focus. He ranked first in overall and coverage grade. That’s impressive, right?
Key Statistics Highlighting Joseph’s Skills
When you break down the numbers, Joseph isn’t just good — he’s elite. Here’s a glance at his stats:
- Interceptions: 9 (leading the league)
- Passes Defensed: Tied for second in the league with 12
- Pro Football Focus Overall Grade: 1st
- Completion Rate Allowed: 59.3%
- Passer Rating Allowed: 74.8
These are stats that usually get players noticed, so why didn’t they work in his favor this time?
Understanding the Pro Bowl Selection Process
The Pro Bowl is decided through a combination of fan voting, player voting, and coach voting. Each category counts for one-third of the total vote. Joseph ranked first among free safeties in the fan voting but fell short in the players and coaches voting. It’s frustrating to see talent not recognized when the numbers are there!
Aaron Glenn’s Insights on the Snub
Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn had some thoughts about this situation. He said, “I think we all know that, but it is what it is.” This statement suggests that Glenn believes there are reasons behind the voting that go beyond the stats.
The “Dirty Player” Label and Its Impact
So, what is the potential reason for this snub? Some believe it has to do with the “dirty player” label Joseph has received after incidents last season involving injuries to other players. Former Lions’ quarterback Matthew Stafford even called him “dirty as [expletive].” While it’s important to hold players accountable, does this label overshadow his talent?
Official Reactions from Other Players
Joseph’s former teammate, T.J. Hockenson, defended him, stating he didn’t believe Joseph intended to cause injuries. Hockenson, who played with him in 2022, voiced his support by saying, “You go back on the tape and you see what happened. I don’t think it was intentional.” This kind of backing shows that Joseph is respected among his peers.
What This Means for Kerby Joseph’s Future
Joseph’s Pro Bowl snub might sting now, but it could also fuel him for the future. Being passed over can motivate a player to elevate their game even further. This could be just the spark he needs to prove the critics wrong.
How Are Fans Responding?
Lions fans are understandably upset over this snub. Social media is filled with comments supporting Joseph and expressing disbelief over his exclusion. Fans know how talented he is, and they’re letting their voices be heard!
Comparing Other Safety Performances
Looking at the players who were selected for the Pro Bowl, fans are puzzled. It’s hard not to compare performance stats. Xavier McKinney from the Packers made the roster but doesn’t have Joseph’s impressive interception total. It raises questions about how selections are made.
Conclusion
Kerby Joseph deserved a spot in the Pro Bowl based on his outstanding performance this season. The numbers don’t lie. However, labels and biases can cloud judgment. Here’s hoping that Joseph’s talent shines through, leading to the recognition he truly deserves in future selections. Let’s keep cheering him on!
FAQs
- Why was Kerby Joseph snubbed from the Pro Bowl?
The combination of not securing votes from players and coaches, alongside a perceived “dirty player” label, seems to have influenced the decision. - What are Kerby Joseph’s key statistics this season?
Joseph led the league in interceptions with nine and performed well in various Pro Football Focus metrics. - How does the Pro Bowl selection process work?
Voting is divided into three parts: fan voting, player voting, and coach voting—each counts as one-third. - What did Aaron Glenn say about the snub?
Glenn indicated that there are underlying factors that influenced the voting, beyond just performance stats. - Why is Joseph considered a “dirty player”?
Past incidents where he injured other players have led to the labeling, though many, including former teammates, believe these incidents were accidents.
