The Atlanta Falcons had two players named to the Pro Bowl. Here’s a look at who was selected and who wasn’t selected:
Julio Jones, WR, fifth Pro Bowl selection: Jones, arguably the most dangerous threat in the league when healthy, was named to his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl. He is 185 receiving yards shy of his fourth consecutive, 1,400-yard season and currently leads the Falcons with 1,215 yards on 76 catches. Jones has just three touchdowns, which is half as many as he had in 2017 with just two games remaining. And Jones actually has double the number of red zone targets (16) in 14 games played than he had in the 14 games he played in last season. Jones has three 100-plus-yard games in '17, including a season-best 253 yards and two touchdowns on 12 catches in a Week 12 win over the Buccaneers.
Alex Mack, C, fifth Pro Bowl selection: Mack, the former Cleveland Brown, was named to his second Pro Bowl in two seasons with the Falcons. He is the anchor of the line and hasn't missed a game over those two seasons, playoffs included. Mack's stellar play this season has made up for some issues at the guard spot, with first-year starter Wes Schweitzer at right guard and left guard Andy Levitre dealing with injury and currently out of the lineup (triceps) in favor of Ben Garland. Mack's ability to block at the second level in the run game paves holes for Devonta Freeman, Tevin Coleman and Terron Ward. And Mack's been stout in pass protection, as the Falcons rank fourth best in the league in sacks allowed per pass attempt.
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Deion Jones, LB: The reigning NFC Defensive Player of the Week is sixth in the league with 118 total tackles, according to NFL statistics. Jones has two interceptions, including one that saved the game in a win over the New Orleans Saints. Jones might be light, but his speed puts him at another level. And Jones played through an ankle injury without missing any games, showing his toughness. Jones continues to show signs of being among the elite linebackers for years to come. He's had some key missed tackles but always seems to rebound from his mistakes.
Grady Jarrett, DT: Jarrett has been a disruptive force in the middle of the Falcons' defense and has been the team's most consistent defensive player. He leads the team with 11 tackles for losses, has three sacks and 11 quarterback hits. Jarrett came to the Falcons as more of run-stuffer but opened coach Dan Quinn's eyes with his rush ability, with cat-like quickness and good handwork. He'll make a few Pro Bowls before it's all said and done.