Eli Manning's playoff performance may have vindicated those who voted for the New York Giants' quarterback, who was largely viewed as undeserving over rookie sensation Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers, but it no longer matters. Newton will be replacing Manning in Honolulu, bringing his ridiculous stats (4,051 passing yards, 21 TDs, 706 rushing yards, 14 rushing TDs) along with him.
Pro Bowl 2012: Replacements Announced For Patriots And Giants
Cam Newton headlines the list of 11 Pro Bowl alternates who will punch their ticket to Hawaii instead of the Patriots, Giants, and Ray Rice, who will not play.
Joining Newton as a replacement for a Super Bowl-bound Giant player will be Julius Peppers replacing Jason Pierre-Paul. The Patriots were set to send eight players to the Pro Bowl, at the top of the list was Tom Brady, who will also be replaced by a rookie; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton.
Two other Bengals, who enjoyed their best season in years, will join Dalton and A.J. Green in Hawaii — tight end Jermaine Gresham, replacing Rob Gronkowski, and defensive tackle Geno Atkins, replacing Vince Wilfork. Two San Diego Chargers will also be on their way, wide receiver Vincent Jackson, replacing Wes Welker, and running back Ryan Mathews, replacing Ray Rice, who bowed out after a tough end of the season.
Other replacements: Baltimore Ravens guard Ben Grubbs will replace Logan Mankins, New York Jets guard Brandon Moore takes the place of Brian Waters and Jacksonville Jaguars special teamer Montell Owens replaces Matthew Slater. In other, more hilarious news, Ben Roethlisberger, who could barely walk just two weeks ago when the Pittsburgh Steelers lost to the Denver Broncos in the Wild Card round of the playoffs, will play, preventing Tim Tebow from taking his spot. Take that, media.
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