Although this season has been disappointing for the Las Vegas Raiders, there are still a couple of players in Sin City who deserve their flowers for their efforts this year. Despite their 2-10 record, the Silver and Black have playmakers on both sides of the ball who stick out each week.
Offensively, this is a team that struggles to put points on the board. With 18.6 points scored on average, only five teams league-wide average less points per contest than the Raiders.
Their defensive stats aren’t much better, either. While they allow the 13th-least total yardage this season with 3,932, their 333 points surrendered stand as the fifth-most in the NFL.
And yet, there are multiple players on the roster who deserve a Pro Bowl nod.
This year, the Pro Bowl will take place in Orlando, Florida on February 2nd. Voting has already opened and fans can cast their votes in a multitude of ways. Before the game, fans can vote online or on X via retweeting.
Members of the Las Vegas Raiders who deserve a Pro Bowl nod
Brock Bowers, Tight End
Currently, Brock Bowers stands as the leader at the tight end position for the Pro Bowl, and deservingly so. The Georgia alum has exceeded each and every expectation during his rookie campaign, setting himself up for a record-breaking season.
Usually, the 13th-overall pick in any given NFL draft is not projected to compete for the Rookie of the Year Award. Bowers is an exception, however, as proven by his league-leading Pro Bowl votes at the tight end position.
Just announced: Leading Pro Bowl vote-getters for the AFC and NFC:
Offense:
QB: Lamar Jackson, Jayden Daniels
RB: Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley
FB: Carson Steele, Kyle Juszczyk
WR: Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson
TE: Brock Bowers, George Kittle
T: Joe Alt, Penei Sewell
G: Joe… pic.twitter.com/HmmephQDU7— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 2, 2024
The Raiders rookie is almost guaranteed an invitation to the game and has a legitimate chance at winning Rookie of the Year. After 12 games, Bowers has stuffed the stat-sheet in a major way. He currently has 84 receptions and 844 receiving yards with four touchdowns.
Altogether, Bowers has showcased his superb talents while enjoying a monster season.
Maxx Crosby, Defensive End
“The Condor” is both the leader of his team’s defense and the face of the Raiders franchise. The last three NFL seasons have rewarded Maxx Crosby with three trips to the Pro Bowl, an All-Pro honor, and a Defensive Player of the Year nominee.
To Crosby’s standards, this is not an amazing year. Compared to the average defender, however, it’s a great one. Through 11 contests, the Raiders All-Pro edge rusher has compiled 16 tackles behind the line on running downs in addition to seven sacks.
Most impressively, Crosby has been able to post these numbers despite missing two of his starting teammates on the defensive line. The 27-year-old is simultaneously battling injuries, to the point he had been sidelined for the very first time in his career at the start of a contest.
Crosby is the best player on the field every snap he takes. It would be a shame to not have Crosby representing the Silver and Black in this year’s Pro Bowl.
Last, but not least for Raiders Pro Bowlers
A.J. Cole, Punter
Cole has been a big asset for the Raiders’ defense, continuously placing opposing offenses in difficult situations. Currently, he leads the entire league in punt gross average. Although the team has not produced many wins, it has been no fault of Cole.
With the offensive struggles, Cole is relied on multiple times each week. And, to his credit, he delivers each time.
His stellar ability to pin opponents within their own 20 yard-line creates uphill battles for opposing offenses every game. It would be a pleasure to see him compete against the best punters in the league and represent the Raiders one week before the Super Bowl.
*Top Photo: Chris Unger/ Getty Images
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