Pro Bowl voting is in full swing, and the Commanders have several players who deserve consideration, especially on the defensive line.
Daron Payne (8.5 sacks), Jonathan Allen (7.5), and Montez Sweat (seven) should earn strong support. At least one seems likely to earn a Pro Bowl nod.
Their sack totals are impressive because defensive end Chase Young — the 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year — has yet to play this season. He is still working his way into game shape after suffering a knee injury last season.
Wide receiver Terry McLaurin — the NFC’s fourth-leading receiver — should also be a prime candidate. With 945 receiving yards, he is on pace to shatter his career season high of 1,118. He has only three TD catches, which could hurt his candidacy.
McLaurin has never made a Pro Bowl despite being one of the more consistent wideouts in the NFL.
Second-year safety Darrick Forrest isn’t a household name — CBS Sports did not include him in its top 10 safeties in the preseason. But he leads the team with three interceptions and also has two forced fumbles and 66 tackles.
Tress Way, one of the NFL’s more reliable punters, could receive consideration. In 2019, he made the Pro Bowl as well as second-team All-Pro. Even in a down year by his high standards (43.6-yard net average), he could be in contention because of name recognition alone.
The AFC and NFC teams are determined by a vote of coaches, players, and fans. Fans can vote at NFL.com or via Twitter by using the hashtag #ProBowlVote along with the player’s name or handle.
The Pro Bowl will be held in Las Vegas on Feb. 5, 2023. Rather than hold a tackle game, the NFL will hold a skills competitions and non-contact flag football game.
