Cincinnati Bengals players aren’t appearing on early vote totals for the 2021 Pro Bowl as voting continues.
That’s a shame for a superstar name like Jessie Bates, arguably the league’s best safety. Bates has had a breakout year this season after merely flashing in prior years, registering a 91.0 grade at Pro Football Focus in the process.
But Bates’ name isn’t on the Pro Bowl voting list right now, not with Denver’s Justin Simmons and Kansas City’s Tyrann Mathieu earning more votes.
Not that those guys aren’t deserving too. For comparison’s sake, Simmons received a franchise tag last year after an elite season and is having another strong year with an 88.8 PFF grade.
Not that Bates isn’t getting some love, as are a few other Bengals, per The Athletic’s Jay Morrison:
Four #Bengals rank in the top 10 of total Pro Bowl votes (AFC and NFC combined) at their positions:
QB – Joe Burrow, 9th
FS – Jessie Bates, 5th
P – Kevin Huber, 8th
ST – Cethan Carter, 6thBates is 5th overall a safety but fourth among AFC players pic.twitter.com/0kjbVZatxT
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonATH) November 25, 2020
Fans will still have time to cast their own votes on social media over the first weeks of December, too.
But as of now, it sure seems like the popularity contest will again overlook strong Bengals performers in a lost season, unless alternates get promoted.
