/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47838971/usa-today-8884337.0.jpg)
The Miami Dolphins, as a team, have been bad this year, despite lofty pre-season expectations. That does not mean there are not players on the team who have played well. There are some stars on this roster, players worthy of a berth in the NFL's annual all-star game, the Pro Bowl. One player, despite being a dominant performer and worthy of the honor, may not be receiving the Pro Bowl love he would if the team were playing better.
As of the league's last update on the status of the fan vote for the Pro Bowl, safety Reshad Jones was sixth among the strong safeties. He has been moving up, having been ninth in the first set of votes released, but still not up to the level at which Jones is playing. The Dolphins' safety is tied for eighth in the league in interceptions, leads the league in interception returns for a touchdown, and is ahead of every other strong safety in the league in tackles by at least 21 tackles, with his 107 tackles putting him fourth in the league and the only non-linebacker in the top ten.
Jones is dominating at safety, but he is not seeing the love from the Pro Bowl voting - and it is starting to not be just Dolphins fans who are noticing. On Monday, NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal published his list of "eleven players who need more Pro Bowl love." This on his list is Jones:
This forgettable Dolphins season shouldn't prevent Jones' outstanding season from being recognized. He's a run-stopping playmaker who also holds his own in coverage. He's currently sixth among strong safeties. Charles Woodson is way out in front of this group, but Jones is having the best season at the position.
Pro Bowl players are selected by fans, players, and coaches, with each group getting one-third of the vote. Starting in 2014, the NFL removed the conference alignment from the Pro Bowl, allowing the best players, regardless of playing in the AFC or NFC to be selected to the game, with a "fantasy draft" conducted by former NFL greats establishing the roster for the game.
The fact that Jones is buried down in the fan voting is disappointing. Hopefully the coaches and players will recognize the special year that Miami's safety is having, fixing the oversight from the fans.
If you would like to help Jones' Pro Bowl voting standing, head over to the NFL's Pro Bowl voting website. Voting is open until midnight on Monday night. The 2016 Pro Bowl will be played January 31, 2016 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii.