Can Cam Newton possibly make the pro bowl?

           Pro bowl voting is underway, and surprisingly, or not surprisingly if you would ask him directly, Cam Newton is in contention for a pro bowl birth as a rookie. Newton has put up gaudy statistical numbers the first half of the season, but also has 11 turnovers. Lets take a look at his statistics thus far.

  Cam Newton:  GP  CMP  ATT  CMP%  YDS   AVG   TD  LNG  INT     FMB       RAT:
                           8     174    287    60.6   2,393 8.34   11    77     9          3           87.1



          First thing we would need to do is compare Newton to his peers in the NFC. Granted some players have had bye weeks, and some haven't so the stats might be a little skewed, its still a good comparison. As far as QB rating Newton comes in at a respectable 7th at 87.1. This has actually went up over the past couple weeks with two consecutive zero interception games. In passing yardage he is third in the NFC, only behind Rodgers and Brees at 2,393. Brees is on a torching pace at over 3,000 yards thus far. Newton is also averaging 299 yards per game, third behind only Brees, and Rodgers as well. Newton leads the conference in plays of 20 or more yards with an astounding 40 of them. If you're a Panthers fan it seems as if the team has made more big plays this season than they have the past 3 combined. He is also tied for 7th in passing TD's with 11, but that doesn't account for his league leading 7 rushing TD's for a quarterback. Lets take a look at who will be Newtons competition for the pro bowl.

The Obvious Choice

Aaron Rodgers: This one is obvious, and he will more than likely be the league MVP. 24 TD's, 3 INT, a 129.1 QB rating and an undefeated Packers team. But, as some people have pointed out he may not actually take a slot this year. The Superbowl is one week before the pro bowl this year, and not all players whose teams make the Superbowl will play in the Pro Bowl.

                                                             

The Rest of the Pack

            Drew Brees:  This is almost another obvious choice. Brees is having another outstanding season with over 3,000 passing yards thus far and 21 TD’s. His interceptions are a bit high for him at 11, but when you’re putting up insane numbers like he has you can live with a few interceptions here and there.

            Matthew Stafford:  The Matthew Stafford to Calvin Johnson duo has been in full force this season. Stafford as a TD/INT ratio of 19/4 with nearly 2,000 yards passing. IF he can stay healthy, and that is a huge IF with him he will almost certainly be a pro bowler this year with the Lions sudden emergence.

            Eli Manning:  Manning is quietly having a stud season. After once again leading the Giants over the Brady led Patriots Sunday he is showing why he labeled himself an elite QB in the offseason. His TD/INT ratio of 15/6 is superb, and his 98.8 QB rating doesn’t hurt either. He Also has a fair to decent shot.

            Cam Newton: Newton is having one of the best rookie seasons in league history, and has revitalized Steve Smiths career. His interceptions are a problem as he has 11 of them, but he also has 18 total TD’s with 11 of them passing, and 7 rushing. Newton will have to do some work between now and the end of the season to solidify his claim, and will certainly need to win more games, but it will be interesting nonetheless.

            Alex Smith:  Im not sure which one im more surprised by, Cam Newton being in a pro bowl discussion or Alex Smith. Smith hasn’t put up insane statistical numbers like the players mentioned before him, but he only has 2 INT’s and a 97.2 rating on a 7-1 49ers team. He’s one to look out for.

            Tony Romo and Michael Vick normally get some kind of mention in here, but I just don’t believe they have what it takes this year to get enough votes.

            My prediction are that the three QB's in the NFC will be Drew Brees, Matthew Stafford, and Eli Manning. Rodgers of course will get voted in, as he should, but I foresee the Packers making, and winning the Superbowl, and I don't think he will make the trip opening up another slot where I think Eli Manning will take it over Newton.