The 2021 Pro Bowl selections are out. As usual, this has opened up discussion of who was deserving of their selections – and who got snubbed. With that in mind, let us look at the Los Angeles Chargers Pro Bowl selections and snubs. This year, there were six Pro Bowl selections; fittingly, this is the most since 2018, the last time they made the playoffs. There have additionally been five alternates listed.
Los Angeles Chargers Pro Bowl Selections and Snubs
Offense
Four of the selections came on offense, some of which were pretty predictable. To no one’s surprise, Justin Herbert and Keenan Allen both made the cut. What was notable, however, was Herbert being named the starting quarterback for the AFC – an impressive achievement, given that he is sharing the spotlight here with Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson, though perhaps it speaks to him being a little more consistent this season.
On the offensive line, left tackle Rashawn Slater and center Corey Linsley both made the cut. This was actually the first time since 2006 that they have had multiple offensive linemen make the Pro Bowl. While Linsley being a top-tier center is no surprise, Slater already looking like one of the best left tackles in the entire league as a rookie is frankly astounding.
Defense
Derwin James and Joey Bosa were the selections on the defensive side of the ball for the Chargers. Bosa appears to be well on his way to another 10+ sack season (currently sitting at 8.5) and has been dominant as usual as a pass-rusher. James, meanwhile, has been the most critical player on the defense in his first season with double-digit games played since his rookie year. He has already crossed 100 combined tackles on the season, has pulled in two interceptions, as well as stacking up three forced fumbles – a new stat on the book for him.
Snubs and Alternates
The easily most notable snub here is halfback Austin Ekeler. He is listed as an alternate, but the fact that he was not on the initial roster is surprising. He is second in the league among running backs in both touchdowns (17) and scrimmage yards.
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Elsewhere, Kyzir White is a low-key snub at linebacker. He has been having a career year, having amassed over 100+ tackles already and has a pair of both interceptions and forced fumbles. While not making the initial roster is somewhat understandable, it is a little more surprising he did not make at least make alternate. Another low-key one is offensive guard Matt Feiler, who has also been critical to the success of the offensive line, particularly in the running game. That is another case of tough competition, but him not making alternate either is surprising.
Other alternates included wide receiver Mike Williams, tight end Jared Cook (somewhat surprising, but perhaps that speaks to how much of a wasteland the tight end spot is after the superstars), fullback Gabe Nabers, and defensive lineman Linval Joseph.
In Conclusion
The Chargers are representing the Pro Bowl pretty well this year, with six total selections and five of them being starters. Based on alternate rankings, Ekeler (second alternate) and maybe Mike Williams (third alternate) are the most likely candidates to join the bunch later, though the latter is more of a long shot.
Despite a frustrating snub or two, one should not be too upset; as previously mentioned, this is the highest number of Chargers Pro Bowlers in a few years, and it speaks to how improved certain aspects of the roster are this year, particularly the offensive line. Of course, it also speaks to an extra player or two staying healthy (namely Derwin James), and just the fact that they are winning games in general. After all, at the end of the day, the Pro Bowl is a popularity contest; which the Chargers are on the right side of this year.
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