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2019 Pro Bowl: Which Baltimore Ravens got snubbed?

By Richard Bradshaw

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 16: Marlon Humphrey #29 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after making a first half tackle against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at M&T Bank Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 16: Marlon Humphrey #29 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after making a first half tackle against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at M&T Bank Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – NOVEMBER 18: Running Back Gus Edwards #35 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates with offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley #79 after scoring a two point conversion in the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – NOVEMBER 18: Running Back Gus Edwards #35 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates with offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley #79 after scoring a two point conversion in the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Ronnie Stanley:

Ronnie Stanley missed out on the Pro Bowl despite being one of the league’s top pass-protecting left tackles. Stanley’s movement on the team’s blindside has been the most underrated piece of this offense. Yes, Lamar Jackson and Gus Edwards have been plenty flashy, but it’s hard for those two, especially Jackson, to stay successful without a clean-pocket.

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Perhaps the best part about Stanley’s game is his quiet demeanor. Stanley isn’t a “in your face” kind of athlete. Instead, he lets his play do the talking and dictate the match-up. More often than not, the defender is walking away from the play unsatisfied with his performance. To his credit, it’s not all his fault that Ronnie Stanley is so dang good.

Stanley has been the immovable object manning the Ravens left-side of the line since he was drafted sixth overall in 2016. He’s only improved each year in the league, and now Stanley is deserving of better recognition.

Yes, Stanley was named a second-alternate for the Pro Bowl, but that still doesn’t do him any justice. I find it incredibly hard to believe that the Pittsburgh Steelers’ left tackle Alejandro Villanueva has played better football than Stanley. Yes, Villanueva is an icon to many Americans for his service to this country and dedication to the flag, but that doesn’t make him a Pro Bowl caliber player.

No, Pro Bowl nods should be given to the best player, not the most popular one. Stanley is just another unfortunate example of a flawed system run by fans who treat the Pro Bowl like a popularity contest.

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