| Broncos LB Wesley Woodyard wasn't even selected as a Pro Bowl alternate. (US Presswire) |
From the moment he joined the Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2008, Wesley Woodyard's career has been about exceeding expectations, so it's of little surprise that his stellar year in his first extended stint as an every-down linebacker isn't going to be rewarded with a Pro Bowl selection -- even as an alternate.
"He's definitely had a Pro Bowl season," CB Champ Bailey said.
Woodyard is the only player in the league this season with at least five sacks, three interceptions and more than 60 tackles -- he has 5.5 sacks, three picks and 110 total stops.
"It's crazy, especially when you see the alternates," LB Von Miller said. "We know what type of football he's playing for us; he means so much to our defense and our team."
But among outside linebackers, pass-rushing is king, and he was left out of the Pro Bowl in favor of players who are consistently asked to sack the opposing quarterback -- five of whom are 3-4 outside linebackers. The only exception is Miller, who has 17.5 sacks, but who makes most of his pass-rush impact from defensive end, where he usually lines up when the Broncos go into nickel and dime packages.
"In my eyes, I feel he's a Pro Bowler," Broncos DE Elvis Dumervil said. "I thought he had a tremendous year, he did a great job."
But merely being in the discussion as one of the Honolulu snips is a long way from the beginning of the season, when there were doubts about whether Woodyard's frame could handle the pounding of playing every down. He silenced them quickly but now faces doubts over whether he belongs at the top level of NFL linebackers, or whether this season was just a fluke.
"If you just look at Wood's career, he's played with that chip on his shoulder," Miller said. "I think this will definitely motivate him, and he'll come back bigger, stronger and faster next year."
And also more recognized. Until this year, Woodyard's most likely path to the Pro Bowl was for his kickoff and punt coverage work, since he's been a special-teams captain since 2009 and led the Broncos in special-teams tackles three times between 2008 and 2011.
"Sometimes it takes that extra year of doing it before those outside of our organization are convinced, but he's played awfully well for us," defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio said.
Woodyard isn't the only Bronco for whom his teammates lobbied Thursday; WR Demaryius Thomas, a first alternate, also got short-changed, many Broncos feel.
"The funny thing about getting in is that it's partially a popularity contest, and then you've got to have the players and coaches really notice you," Bailey said. "I think people next year will start taking notice -- 'Oh, this guy was balling last year.' It'll happen. You've just got to put years together."
Injury update: RG Chris Kuper returned to practice on a limited basis Thursday; he was out Wednesday with an ankle injury and migraines, which caused him to miss last Sunday's win over Cleveland. The ankle has bothered Kuper since he sprained it on Nov. 4; he has only played two games since then (Nov. 25 at Kansas City, Dec. 2 vs. Tampa Bay). … CB Tracy Porter (concussion) remained sidelined. … KR/PR Trindon Holliday (sprained ankle) did not practice and was seen in the locker room walking with no hobble but with electrical stimulation flowing into his aching ankle.
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