Late in December, the NFL Pro Bowl rosters were announced, and Chicago Bears WR Alshon Jeffery was not on the list, while teammates Brandon Marshall and Matt Forte were.
After that "snub," we encouraged fans to keep up hope that Jeffery would end up in Hawaii. Our thoughts on the subject were proven right on Thursday as Jeffery was named a replacement for Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson in the annual game.
LM: #Bears WR Alshon Jeffery will replace Lions WR Calvin Johnson in Pro Bowl, joining teammates Brandon Marshall & Matt Forte. — Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) January 9, 2014
Jeffery, who will be making his first Pro Bowl appearance, led the Bears with 1421 receiving yards this season, and also caught 89 passes and seven touchdowns as he enjoyed a breakout season under the direction of head coach Marc Trestman.
Jeffery was also a key cog for the offense in other ways, with Trestman calling an end-around for him in nearly every game this season. That play not only got Jeffery some good rushing yards, but also opened up the offense as a couple of key fakes late in the season led to big plays elsewhere in the Bears' lineup.
With his penchant for spectacular catches and the backing of guys like Marshall, Jeffery established himself as one of the best up-and-coming receivers in the league, and this Pro Bowl selection reinforces that.
