Campbell the victim of playing a loaded position
Dec 28, 2011, 5:48 PM
One can certainly make the argument that
Calais Campbell has been the Cardinals’ best defensive
player this season.
Campbell leads the team in sacks (8.0), has knocked down
11 passes (2nd most among non-defensive backs in the NFC),
has forced two fumbles, recovered one, has an
interception, is third on the team with 72 total tackles
and has blocked three field goal attempts.
It’s been the best season in the four-year career of
Campbell, and his name was certainly talked about for Pro
Bowl roster consideration.
Yet, when the rosters were revealed on Tuesday, Campbell’s
name was nowhere to be found — not even as an alternate.
It’s not Campbell’s fault; he just happens to play a
position that is loaded with talent.
The three players named to the squad at defensive end are
Jared Allen of Minnesota (who leads the league with 18.5
sacks and 4 fumble recoveries), Jason Babin of
Philadelphia (18 sacks) and Giants’ monster Jason Pierre-
Paul (15.5 sacks, three first names).
It’s hard to argue with any of those choices. And when
you consider eight other NFC defensive ends had as many or
more sacks than Campbell did this season, it’s also not
hard to see why he wasn’t even named as an alternate.
So there won’t be a trip to Honolulu in February for
Campbell, but more importantly, we have to wonder if
Sunday will be his final game as an Arizona Cardinal.
Campbell’s contract expires at the end of the season, and
although there have been preliminary talks about re-
signing him, it’s not done yet.
Campbell may not have been found worthy of a Pro Bowl
appearance, but he’s certainly worthy of a fat new
contract from the Cardinals.
Here’s hoping that it gets done; it would be a great way
for the team to start the new year.
