2018 Pro Bowl snubs: 4 Detroit Lions players who should have made it

The Detroit Lions were only awarded one Pro Bowl spot on the original 2018 roster. Although several others earned as a spot as alternatives, we don’t think that’s necessarily fair. We think there were a few players that shouldn’t have to be wait-listed. They should be in.

Here are four Lions players that should have made the 2018 Pro Bowl roster:

Matthew Stafford

(Named the second alternative)

This is a no brainer. Matthew Stafford should have been named to his first Pro Bowl (he played in the game in 2014 after being named an alternative).

Here’s where Matthew Stafford ranks among NFC quarterbacks through Week 15:

Yards: 1st (3,920)
Passer rating: 3rd (99.1)
Yards per attempt: 3rd (7.82)
Completion percentage: 3rd (66.3)
Touchdowns: 3rd (25)

So a quarterback who ranks in the top three in all major quarterbacking categories, while dealing with the second-worst running game and getting sacked more than anyone else in the conference couldn’t make his way into the top 3 NFC quarterbacks? Absolutely ridiculous. Shit be so crazy, indeed.

Glover Quin

(Named the fourth alternative)

Quin’s stats may not be as impressive as his cohorts, but anyone who has seen the man play knows how amazing he has played this season. He’s tied for fifth among all defensive players with three forced fumbles (first among safeties). His three interceptions are also tied for the most among safeties.

But Quin’s value goes so much more beyond turnovers. He’s a solid run defender (four tackles for loss), he’s a playmaker (1 touchdown) and he’s the heart of a Lions secondary that has given opposing quarterbacks fits at times.

And to top it all off Glover Quin is the No. 5 rated safety in all of the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus.

Matt Prater

(Not an alternative)

No kicker has made more 50+ yard field goals as Matt Prater this season (7). Prater has only missed one out of 21 kicks from 49 yards or shorter.

His overall field goal percentage (87.1) only ranks him 12th in the NFL, but that’s largely because he’s attempted more 50+ yard field goals than any other kicker (10).

I’ll gladly admit that Greg Zuerlein deserves credit for the phenomenal year he’s having (95 percent accuracy; 6-of-7 from 50+ yards), but Prater should not be considered far behind. He certainly should have at least gotten an alternative designation.

Jamal Agnew

(First alternative)

Agnew has been arguably the most exciting special teamer in the entire NFL. He remains the only player with two return touchdowns on the year (including both kicks and punts).

The NFL decided to go with Rams returner Pharoh Cooper, instead. Cooper, too, is having a fantastic season. He leads the NFL in kick return yards (845) and is second in yards per kick return (28.2). His 13.4 punt return average trails only Agnew.

So Cooper does have the advantage of being fantastic in both kick and punt returns. Agnew is objectively the better punt returner, but he hasn’t been given the chance to prove it as a kick returner. The Lions have only used him 11 times on kickoffs and he’s averaging just 17.8 yards per attempt.

But Agnew’s career is young. He should be in Pro Bowl consideration several times times in the next decade.

Do you think any other Lions players were snubbed?