No Lions Make Pro Bowl; Hanson and Johnson Named Alternates

Much to no one's surprise, no Lions were selected to the 2009 Pro Bowl.  Kicker Jason Hanson and wide receiver Calvin Johnson are really the only two players that even deserve to be included in Pro Bowl discussion, which is why both ended up being named alternates.  Hanson is a first alternate and Johnson is a second alternate.

The NFC kicker that made the Pro Bowl is the Giants' John Carney.  Carney's stats are nice, but I'm a tad disappointed that Hanson didn't make it.  His only miss this season was a blocked kick, and Chicago's awful field caused him to slip on his only missed extra point.  He has made eight field goals from 50 or more yards.  Probably the biggest reason he didn't make the Pro Bowl is because he plays for the Lions, which is really a shame considering how consistent he has been both this season and in his entire career.

Calvin Johnson not making the Pro Bowl isn't a huge surprise.  His stats (see below) are great considering he plays for the Lions and has had to deal with the worst QB situation in the league, but Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Steve Smith, and Roddy White are certainly deserving of their selections.  It's only a matter of time until Megatron is Pro Bowler if he keeps up this level of play, but the Lions have to improve both record-wise and at QB for that to happen.  Still, what he's done this season is certainly impressive.

For a look at the Pro Bowl's full rosters, head on over to NFL.com.