Bears right tackle Kyle Long didn’t monitor this year’s Pro Bowl selections because he played in the game in his first two seasons.
He was rooting for left guard Matt Slauson.
“I was disappointed that Slauson didn’t make it,” Long said Wednesday at Halas Hall. “That’s the only reason I paid attention to it, because I think he’s a guy who earns it every year.
“And this year in the situation he was put in, playing some center and playing guard as well … at the very high level that he does, I think he’s a guy that deserves to be in the Pro Bowl.”
The Bears are one of six teams currently not represented in the Pro Bowl, though alternates are routinely added.
Outside linebacker Pernell McPhee had a strong case before his nagging left knee injury hurt his production, but Slauson and cornerback Tracy Porter also have had solid seasons.
According to Pro Football Focus’ analysis, Slauson has been one of the NFL’s best guards over the last five weeks. He also graded out well in his three starts at center (Weeks 8 to 10).
Porter, 29, has experienced a career revival this season. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has used Porter to shadow opponents’ best receivers. He leads the Bears with 18 passes defended and has one interception.
“It didn’t happen,” Porter said of the Pro Bowl. “I kind of was expecting it a little bit. I guess the stat sheet wasn’t as colorful as other guys’ stats. Maybe that’s how they do it, off stats and not how guys play. They don’t watch the film. They just watch the stat sheet.”
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