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Eric Weddle selected to Pro Bowl again
By Michael Gehlken4:30 p.m.Dec. 23, 2014
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San Diego Chargers vs. The Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium.San Diego Chargers free safety Eric Weddle (32) painted his beard white for the game. San Diego Chargers vs. The Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium.San Diego Chargers free safety Eric Weddle (32) painted his beard white for the game. Sean M. Haffey U-T San Diego
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Eric Weddle was overlooked early in his career when it came to personal accolades.
He appears now to be getting his due.
The Chargers safety was voted to the Pro Bowl for a second straight year and third time in four seasons. He was the team's only selection announced Tuesday as part of a league-wide unveiling. Tight end Antonio Gates (first), special-teams gunner Darrell Stuckey (first) and quarterback Philip Rivers (second) were named alternates.
The selection process consists of fans, players and coaches voting with equal one-third say.
At times a popularity contest, the system has its flaws. Each year, deserving candidates are snubbed; Gates this year arguably was one example. Stuckey is an alternate, but despite being regarded around the league as a top gunner, his name wasn't even on the fan ballot.
Weddle, though, is tough to dispute.
The 29-year-old has made a team-high 109 tackles while missing no more than four in 2014. He handles his share of responsibility. Before the snap, he wears the designated headset, relaying calls to teammates in the huddle, and also assists with alignment. After the snap, the Chargers have trusted him in man coverage against tight ends, including New England's Rob Gronkowski this month, with success.
Last Saturday, Weddle forced an overtime fumble against the 49ers. The turnover set up the game-winning score that helped salvage the Chargers' season.
He also contributes on special teams.
With a contract that runs through the 2015 season, Weddle is considered a candidate for an extension this season. Rivers' and Gates' deal are among the others that expire after 2015.
Gates might've been snubbed.
He became the fourth player in NFL history to catch 12 or more touchdowns in a season at age 34. Wide receivers Cris Carter, Marvin Harrison and Terrell Owens are the only others. He has 65 catches for 754 yards and 12 scores and was voted behind Jimmy Graham, Rob Gronkowski, Greg Olsen and Julius Thomas.
Rivers was an alternate behind selections Tom Brady, Andrew Luck, Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, Ben Roethlisberger and Tony Romo. Stuckey finished behind Matthew Slater and Justin Bethel.
By Michael Gehlken4:30 p.m.Dec. 23, 2014
⎙
💬
Comments 0
San Diego Chargers vs. The Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium.San Diego Chargers free safety Eric Weddle (32) painted his beard white for the game. San Diego Chargers vs. The Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium.San Diego Chargers free safety Eric Weddle (32) painted his beard white for the game. Sean M. Haffey U-T San Diego
✉
0Comments
Eric Weddle was overlooked early in his career when it came to personal accolades.
He appears now to be getting his due.
The Chargers safety was voted to the Pro Bowl for a second straight year and third time in four seasons. He was the team's only selection announced Tuesday as part of a league-wide unveiling. Tight end Antonio Gates (first), special-teams gunner Darrell Stuckey (first) and quarterback Philip Rivers (second) were named alternates.
The selection process consists of fans, players and coaches voting with equal one-third say.
At times a popularity contest, the system has its flaws. Each year, deserving candidates are snubbed; Gates this year arguably was one example. Stuckey is an alternate, but despite being regarded around the league as a top gunner, his name wasn't even on the fan ballot.
Weddle, though, is tough to dispute.
The 29-year-old has made a team-high 109 tackles while missing no more than four in 2014. He handles his share of responsibility. Before the snap, he wears the designated headset, relaying calls to teammates in the huddle, and also assists with alignment. After the snap, the Chargers have trusted him in man coverage against tight ends, including New England's Rob Gronkowski this month, with success.
Last Saturday, Weddle forced an overtime fumble against the 49ers. The turnover set up the game-winning score that helped salvage the Chargers' season.
He also contributes on special teams.
With a contract that runs through the 2015 season, Weddle is considered a candidate for an extension this season. Rivers' and Gates' deal are among the others that expire after 2015.
Gates might've been snubbed.
He became the fourth player in NFL history to catch 12 or more touchdowns in a season at age 34. Wide receivers Cris Carter, Marvin Harrison and Terrell Owens are the only others. He has 65 catches for 754 yards and 12 scores and was voted behind Jimmy Graham, Rob Gronkowski, Greg Olsen and Julius Thomas.
Rivers was an alternate behind selections Tom Brady, Andrew Luck, Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, Ben Roethlisberger and Tony Romo. Stuckey finished behind Matthew Slater and Justin Bethel.
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