Another Shutout: Patriots Without a Pro Bowl Player For First Time Since 2000
In this forgettable season in which the New England Patriots were twice shut out at home, they have been shut out in Pro Bowl voting.
The NFL officially announced the 2024 rosters for the Pro Bowl Games Wednesday night and for the first time since 2000 no Patriots were selected to the All-Star team. The Pats are the only AFC team without a representative. They are 4-12, their worst season since going 5-11 in coach Bill Belichick's first season 24 years ago.
Three other teams - all from the NFC - have no Pro Bowl players: Washington Commanders, Carolina Panthers and Green Bay Packers.
A couple of Patriots figured to get consideration. Rookie punter Bryce Baringer led his position after fan voting, but was beaten out by the Las Vegas Raiders' A.J. Cole after player and coach input was factored in. He leads NFL in punts downed inside opponents' 20-yard line with 36.
Defensive tackle Christian Barmore has been stellar all season, including a three-sack, forced-fumble performance on Christmas Eve that could have pushed him into a Pro Bowl berth. Instead, the AFC's interior linemen are Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs, Quinnen Williams of the New York Jets and Justin Madubuike of the 13-3 Baltimore Ravens.
Patriots at Pro Bowl Games: Bright Future or Grim Reality?
A far cry when they won Super Bowls with double-digit Pro Bowl players, the Pats had only one representative last season: edge rusher Matthew Judon. This season they were shut out twice at Gillette Stadium, 34-0 in Week 5 against the New Orleans Saints and 6-0 to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 13.
The 2024 Pro Bowl Games will return to Orlando this year for a multi-day AFC versus NFC competition, featuring Pro Bowl Skills and ending in a flag football game on Sunday, Feb. 4th.