Down Year Could See Eagles Left Without Any Pro Bowl Players

As recently as two years ago, the Eagles had nine Pro Bowlers.
 
Last year, that number was down to four.
 
This year? It’s possible the Eagles won’t be represented at all in the annual NFL all-star game.
 
Only three times since the game’s inception in 1951 have the Eagles failed to land a single Pro Bowl pick.
 
That was 1999 and 2012 – Andy Reid’s first and last year as head coach – and 1971.
 
How do you go from nine Pro Bowlers in 2014 to possibly none in 2016?
 
Chip Kelly’s roster demolition has something to do with it, along with years of poor drafting and the fact that the Eagles’ remaining Pro Bowlers of past years aren’t having great years.
 
The Eagles don't have any Pro Bowl locks, but a few could make the trip south for the Jan. 29 game at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.
 
The Pro Bowl this year returns to an AFC-NFC format. The teams will be announced on Tuesday.
 
Here’s a look at a handful of Eagles who have a chance:
 
Fletcher Cox
He went eight straight games without a sack and hasn’t been as dominating as last year. All his numbers are down, especially tackles (104 to 45). But … Cox is still fourth among all NFL defensive tackles with 6.5 sacks and third among NFC tackles. He made the team last year and has the reputation. Has a good shot. Chance: 77 percent
 
Jason Peters
Peters isn’t the player he used to be, but he has the benefit of being a perennial pick and having a tremendous reputation league-wide. He’s an eight-time Pro Bowler, three times with the Bills and all five of his healthy seasons with the Eagles. The last time Peters played a game and didn’t make the Pro Bowl team was 2006. And he hasn’t been bad. He’s committed 10 penalties but for the most part has been solid at left tackle once again. Chance: 76 percent
 
Darren Sproles
Here’s an oddity – After picking up two punt return TDs in each of his first two years with the Eagles, Sproles doesn’t have any this year. But his average is higher than 2014 or 2015. At 13.2 yards per return, he ranks fourth in the NFL and third in the NFC. But he also has 766 yards from scrimmage – his most as an Eagle. At 33, he’s had another very good year. But good enough to make his third straight Pro Bowl? Maybe. Chance: 68 percent
 
Brandon Graham
He had the hot start, with sacks in each of the Eagles’ first three games, but he has only two sacks since, and five sacks is not a big number for a defensive end. But Graham has gotten consistently good pressure all year, and the people who vote – opposing offensive tackles, among others – remember that. Graham also has 11 tackles for loss, 25 hurries and a couple forced fumbles. But he’s 14th among NFC defensive ends in sacks and that just might not be good enough among voters who simply look at numbers. Chance: 42 percent
 
Malcolm Jenkins
He has the advantage of having a big name – he’s played on a Super Bowl winner, he made a Pro Bowl team last year. But it hasn’t been Jenkins’ best season, and the impact plays he made his first two years here have been few and far between. Chance: 29 percent
 
Rodney McLeod

He’s played fairly well in his first year with the Eagles. The big thing he has going for him is three interceptions, which is tied for second-most among NFC safeties. But they were all in the first six weeks. It wont help that he’s never made a Pro Bowl, has never made the playoffs, has never even played for a winning team. But he has an outside shot. Chance: 19 percent
 
Caleb Sturgis

Sturgis has been very good this year, making 28 of 33 field goals, but that only places him seventh in the NFC. He is 4-for-6 from 50 yards and out, which could help his chances. Only three kickers – two in the AFC – have made more 50-yarders. But the way Matt Prater and Dan Bailey kick, it’s going to be tough for Sturgis. Chance: 12 percent
 
Jordan Hicks
The second-year inside linebacker has been very consistent and one of the Eagles’ few defensive playmakers. But he’s in the same conference as Luke Kuechly and Bobby Wagner, so he’ll likely have to wait his turn. Chance: 4 percent

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