Nope, this has nothing to do with the 17-9 loss to the Vikings last night. This has nothing to do with the horrible penalties called against them by the referees. Nope, this is actually less to do with the Chicago Bears as a whole, but more to do with one specific player — Roquan Smith.
The NFL revealed some of the 2022 Pro Bowl roster ahead of tonight’s game — specifically the four teams that played tonight — Browns, Raiders, Vikings and our beloved Chicago Bears. The problem is, Roquan Smith was not one of the names included. Robert Quinn was deservedly selected. He recorded another two sacks tonight and has 16 on the season. That total puts him second in the NFL behind T.J. Watt (17.5). It is also only two sacks away from overtaking the Chicago Bears single-season sack record, which is held by Richard Dent.
Jakeem Grant has been great for the Bears too in the return game. I have no problem with him advancing to the Pro Bowl in that area. It is funny how the Bears always seem to get a special teams return specialist in the Pro Bowl each year. Not seeing Roquan Smith selected seems like a horrible decision by the NFL and the voting process.
Chicago Bears linebacker, Roquan Smith was snubbed from the Pro Bowl again
I understand that the Pro Bowl is a popularity contest many times, but that does not excuse that Roquan Smith was overlooked once again. Smith deserved to be selected last season and he might deserve it, even more, this season.
In 13 games, Roquan Smith has 130 total combined tackles (78 solos). He is seventh in the NFL in solo tackles and sixth in combined tackles. Among the leading tacklers, Smith leads the way with nine tackles for loss. With his performance tonight, his solo tackles are actually now 81 (good for 4th) and his total tackles jumped to 140, which ranks him third amongst his peers.
To top it off, Roquan Smith has one interception, which he returned 53 yards for an interception. In fact, he is the only one of the top tacklers who has a defensive touchdown. He also has three pass deflections and three sacks on the year. His sacks are second among leading tacklers by the way.
Although the full 2022 Pro Bowl roster has yet to be released, it is clear that Roquan Smith should be included — even without knowing the other linebackers selected. To see him snubbed from this again is downright awful. He better be selected as a First-Team All-Pro or we might have to riot. Disgraceful.