xDOLPHINSx
FinHeaven VIP
Obviously tackles are a telling statistic of a LB's play, but so many other factors have to be put in place. 21 tackles is an anomaly of a stat where yes if you get that many then you are a beast cause thats so out of the ordinary. But certain schemes direct traffic towards certain guys. Could be that they are running the ball a lot rather than passing and thus the player gets more opportunities. Could be that there are more plays in general to have tackles for. Might be that the other team feels that thats a weak area (either the DL in front of that LB or that LB in general) and can exploit it so they direct their offense towards a specific guy. Could be that most of the tackles were assists or whatever.
My point is that tackles are important, but they shouldnt be the defining factor in determining performance. Thats just looking at a stat sheet. Impact on the game, game changing plays, thats what makes a player worthy of a Pro Bowl selection. Thats why DeMeco isn't in. Ray deserves to be in for his efforts. Zach deserves to be in because he does both. But like I said, there are so many spots open and every year there are a glut of worthy players at a given position, oh well.
If some players benefit from certain schemes than good for them. Does LJ or Willie Parker not deserve to go to the Pro Bowl because they are in running offenses with very good O-Line man...no. Harrison and Wayne benefit from Manning, do they not deserve to go either?
Zach is a definite Pro Bowler, anyone who says otherwise is rediculous. The Miami D is among the best. Zach leads the league in tackles. Honestly, that is enough for me.