Now that we are about halfway through the regular season, it is time to start considering which players are deserving of the Pro Bowl. For this series, we will look at the three most deserving candidates for each team. Obviously, some teams will have more or less than three players selected to the Pro Bowl, but for simplicity purposes, we will discuss the top three either way.
TOP MIDSEASON TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS PRO BOWL CANDIDATES
DOUG MARTIN
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been in transition this season, mainly due to their high-profile rookie quarterback, Jameis Winston. Despite throwing nine interceptions in nine games, Winston has made good decisions at points during the season. With a world of potential, the franchise’s future is bright. What makes Tampa’s tomorrow even shinier is the resurgence of running back Doug Martin. Missing a combined 15 games from 2013-2014 because of injury, Martin’s growth has been derailed. So far in 2015, Martin has returned to his 2012 Pro Bowl form when he rushed for 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns as a rookie. Fifth in the league in rushing yards with 706, he’s a key reason why the Bucs currently rank sixth in rushing. The Buccaneers may miss the playoffs this season, but with Martin’s production and the increased chemistry of Winston and wide receiver Mike Evans, a three-headed monster could be imminent.
MIKE EVANS
There’s Julio Jones for the Atlanta Falcons, Kelvin Benjamin for the Carolina Panthers and Mike Evans for Tampa Bay. Playing in only eight games thus far, Evans has four games of seven catches and 100 yards; two of those games he surpassed the 150-yard mark. Although his touchdown numbers are way down in 2015, the second-year wideout is on pace for 75 receptions and 1,241 yards. With Vincent Jackson taking a step back this season, Evans has been asked to carry the receiving load. Eclipsing the century mark in half his games, Jackson has become a go-to guy for Winston.
KWON ALEXANDER
Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy and linebacker LaVonte David are the defensive stalwarts for Tampa, but rookie Kwon Alexander has excelled this season. The fourth-round selection has 63 tackles, two interceptions and seven passes defended; he’s on pace for 118 tackles, four picks and 14 passes defended. In the road victory against the Falcons, Alexander recorded a gutsy 11-tackle, one-pick, one-forced fumble performance in the wake of his brother’s death the day before. His play has earned the respect of both his team and observers league-wide. The addition of Alexander helps form a potential “big three” within the Buccaneer front seven. With Tampa Bay silently placing 10th against the pass and 12th against the run, the defense will only continue to grow.
Tampa Bay’s offensive line has vastly improved in 2015, only surrendering 16 sacks on the season (10th best in football). With Martin’s return to excellence, at least one of the Bucs’ offensive linemen should receive minor consideration for the Pro Bowl.
Main Photo
