Kansas City Chiefs Send 4 to Pro Bowl, Sean Smith and Anthony Sherman Snubbed

Dec 7, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston (50) puts on his helmet against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Chiefs 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Every year, the NFL releases Pro Bowl selections. And every year, there are snubs.

Due to injuries, departures and an infinitely tougher schedule, the amount of Pro Bowlers on the Kansas City Chiefs roster was bound to dip. And dip it did.

Per NFL.com, here’s a list of the AFC West representatives, including said four from the Chiefs:

• Denver Broncos: QB Peyton Manning, WR Demaryius Thomas, TE Julius Thomas, LT Ryan Clady, DE Demarcus Ware, OLB Von Miller, CB Chris Harris, CB Aqib Talib, S T.J. Ward

• Kansas City Chiefs: RB Jamaal Charles, NT Dontari Poe, OLB Justin Houston, OLB Tamba Hali

• Oakland Raiders: FB Marcel Reece

• San Diego Chargers: S Eric Weddle

Let’s start with the snubs.

From Kansas City’s standpoint, you can make a case that three players were overlooked: Anthony Sherman, Sean Smith and Rodney Hudson.

Pro Football Focus (PFF) currently ranks Sherman the No. 1 fullback, Sean Smith the No. 5 corner and Hudson the No. 4 center. Obviously, PFF is far from the end-all in regards to evaluation, but it’s as accurate of a (quantifiable) gauge that you’ll find.

Reece’s 34 catches and 235 receiving yards leads all fullbacks, yet PFF—due to poor blocking and leading the position in penalties (three)—slots him at No. 21. Despite snagging only 10 passes, Sherman actually leads the group in missed tackles (five).

Dec 7, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Kansas City Chiefs fullback Anthony Sherman (42) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Chiefs 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Turning the page, most of the cornerbacks are deserving of the nod. But Patrick Peterson? Eh.

Arizona’s starter has allowed the second-most touchdowns (eight) and drawn the third-most flags (13) among corners. According to PFF, he grades out at No. 76 overall; Phillip Gaines—who, in all fairness, has a lighter workload—is 56th.

Center Jason Kelce, meanwhile, has allowed the same amount of sacks and hurries as Hudson. However, he has given up one more hit and been flagged for seven more penalties.

Now, on the other side of the coin, the reputations of Hali and Poe were probably more responsible for their selections than their respective play was.

With one game remaining, the former is on pace for his lowest sack total (currently six) since 2008 (three).

Poe’s five sacks have eclipsed his 2013 total of 4.5, but nearly all of his numbers are down, and he hasn’t been as efficient against the run. For what it’s worth, though, the 340-pounder is all but guaranteed to lead all nose/defensive tackles in total snaps again.

There were a handful of other Chiefs worthy of consideration, namely Travis Kelce, De’Anthony (as a returner) and Dustin Colquitt. But from a statistical standpoint, it would be hard to file them under “snubbed.”

In other news, none of last year’s Pro Bowlers whom the Chiefs parted ways with—Branden Albert, Brandon Flowers and Dexter McCluster—were reselected, though Albert was playing like a top-five tackle prior to his injury.

Also, just to reiterate the obvious, the seasons of perennial Pro Bowlers Eric Berry and Derrick Johnson were ended prematurely.

The 2015 Pro Bowl is scheduled for January 25 at 7 p.m. CT.

Statistics provided by Pro Football Focus (subscription required).