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The Miami Dolphins have four players representing the team in the 2014 Pro Bowl. Despite the ups and downs of the season, there have been some players that have been very good all season long. Here's a look at the Dolphins nominations:
Brandon Fields
Oddly enough, this is Fields first Pro Bowl selection. Fields has been a field position weapon for the Dolphins and his numbers reflect that. He is second in the league in punting average (48.8 yards per punt) and second in the league in net yards (42.8 net yards per punt). He has been a top-5 punter for several seasons now and is finally getting the recognition he deserves.
Brent Grimes
Brent Grimes has clearly been the free agent steal of the season. He is rated the 4th best CB on PFF and has the stats to back it up. He has 15 passes defensed and 4 INTs, one of which was a 94 yard touchdown on a Thursday Night game against the Bengals. Grimes has not allowed a touchdown all season. He has a passer rating of 65.2 when thrown at. Grimes is only the third Dolphins CB to get voted to a Pro Bowl, the others being Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain.
*note to Jeff Ireland or whomever the new GM is: RESIGN THIS GUY ALREADY!!!
Mike Pouncey
Pouncey has been the one bright spot on what has been an otherwise abysmal offensive line. Offensive linemen have tough times getting into the Pro Bowl because most fans don't watch the offensive line. Many of them vote for players on their favorite teams or just names they recognize. Pouncey, despite outplaying his twin brother for the majority of their careers, struggled to get votes over his brother who played for the Steelers. The better Pouncey finally gets the recognition he deserves and earns a well deserved spot on the Pro Bowl roster. Hopefully this will be the first of many more to come.
Cameron Wake
Wake is the biggest star on the Dolphins roster and is finally becoming a household name. He has been a disruptive force ever since he came into the league and is now getting name recognition as well. Wake has not had the total sacks fans expected of him, but that is due to an injury he suffered in week 3 and the team eased him back into the starting role. But even without the numbers, he is always a force to be reckoned with and demands the attention of every OC he faces. His presence has opened up things for emerging player Olivier Vernon to succeed and fans understand that he is one of the best in the game. That's why he's going back to the Pro Bowl.
There are some other Dolphins that have numbers deserving Pro Bowl consideration, such as Charles Clay and Olivier Vernon. Perhaps their day will come soon. But for right now, congrats to these four players for this honor.
*Other Pro Bowl notes: The Dolphins tied with the Patriots for the most players nominated from the AFC East. The Patriots also got four players (Brady, Mankins, Talib, and Matthew Slater). The Bills got three players (Mario Williams, Kyle Williams, Jairus Byrd), and the Jets had zero nominations.
