Rashawn Slater, Derwin James, and Khalil Mack were all named Pro Bowl starters for their efforts in 2024 (although the NFL couldn't even spell Slater's name right in the press release). All three players have played huge roles in the LA Chargers' turnaround this season and are well deserving of the honor.
Naturally, there were several big-name Chargers players who surprisingly didn't earn Pro Bowl honors. The likes of Justin Herbert, Ladd McConkey, and Joe Alt all missed the cut despite having great seasons. But when you look at those who actually made it, it makes sense that the trio did not make the cut.
However, that trio headlines a group of Chargers players who have earned Pro Bowl alternate status. When players inevitably drop out of the Pro Bowl for various reasons, these Chargers will be next in line to head to Orlando for the festivities.
Position | Player |
|---|---|
QB | Justin Herbert |
WR | Ladd McConkey |
WR | Derius Davis |
FB | Scott Matlock |
C | Bradley Bozeman |
OT | Joe Alt |
EDGE | Joey Bosa |
LB | Nick Niemann |
K | Cameron Dicker |
Chargers' Pro Bowl alternates are genuinely surprising
There are some names on this list that make a lot of sense. In addition to the trio already mentioned, it makes a lot of sense for Derius Davis and Cameron Dicker to be Pro Bowl alternates due to their special teams impact (although Davis started the year off rough). Niemann is also a Pro Bowl alternate for his impact on special teams.
Joey Bosa is a big name so it makes sense why he made it even if he is not having the best season by his standards. The other surprising alternates are not big-name players like Bosa, and they highlight what is a flawed Pro Bowl system.
Bradley Bozeman has not played at a Pro Bowl-level and has Chargers fans actively looking forward to replacing him at center next season. It is surprising he made the cut considering his level of play this season.
The same can be said for Scott Matlock. Matlock is a good story as a defensive lineman converted to a fullback, but he has not been all that impactful for the Chargers. Granted, there are only so many fullbacks that can make the cut, but Matlock's inclusion is still very surprising.
Then there are the players who did not make the cut. Sophomore linebacker Daiyan Henley has been excellent this season and it makes no sense to give Bozeman and Matlock the nod over him. Sure, linebacker is more populated with talent, but Henley deserves to be honored for his great sophomore campaign.
Tarheeb Still also deserved recognition and did not get it from the NFL. Still is tied for the second-most interceptions among rookies this season and has played an imperative role in the Chargers' defensive turnaround.
Ultimately, the Pro Bowl has become a shell of itself with the event being taken less seriously as the years go on. That will continue to be the case when there are so many baffling decisions made about who gets there in the first place.