By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com
Despite not having a Pro Bowl game in 2020, the NFL the would-be rosters for the game on Monday night. Among those selected are three Patriots, with cornerback Stephon Gilmore, special teams ace Matthew Slater, and punter Jake Bailey representing the AFC.
This is Gilmore’s third consecutive Pro Bowl selection, and fourth overall. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year totaled an interception and three pass breakups in 11 games for the Patriots this season. Gilmore’s season ended prematurely this week, with the report on Monday that he’ll be having season-ending quad surgery.
2020 is Slater’s ninth Pro Bowl selection, which extends his record for the most by a special teams player. The 35-year-old has recorded five special teams tackles this season, and serves as a gunner on one of the league’s best punt coverage units.
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Speaking of the punt team, Bailey was selected to his first Pro Bowl in just his second season in the NFL. His 46.1 yards per punt far and away leads the NFL. Bailey also leads the AFC with 24 punts being downed inside the 20, while recording only three touchbacks.
Notable absences from the Patriots include cornerback J.C. Jackson and center David Andrews. Jackson is second in the NFL with eight interceptions, while Andrews was the leading center during fan voting.
With no Pro Bowl being played this year due to COVID-19, the NFL will instead hold a week-long virtual event featuring players from both conference’s rosters. An exact start date has not yet been released.
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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at Alexander.Barth@bbgi.com.