Peterson vs. Westbrook

Pro Bowl voters must have been super-wowed by the fact that Adrian Peterson is a rookie. That, or voters singularly focus on rushing yards - to the exclusion of all else - in evaluating running backs, unlike fantasy players and real football coaches who know the true value of a well-rounded, versatile back that is a threat to run AND catch the ball out of the backfield.

How else to explain Peterson's selection as the NFC starter at the expense of Eagle Brian Westbrook chosen as the reserve?

Peterson leads all NFC backs in rushing yards (1,278) and is #3 overall. However, Westbrook is the second leading NFC back (5th overall) with 1,191 yards. Yes, Peterson is averaging 5.9 yards/carry to Westbrook's 4.7 yard average. And Peterson has scored 12 rushing TDs to Westbrook's 7 - owing to a season long offensive stumble in the red zone for the Eagles.

But Westbrook has caught 83(!) passes so far this season for 705 yards and tacked on another 5 TDs. By contrast, Peterson has only 17 receptions for  247 yards - and one TD.

Peterson has also fumbled twice as many times as Westbrook for good measure. Peterson's fumbled four times and lost 3 of them. Westbrook has 2 fumbles and lost 1.

So yes, perhaps as a "running" back Adrian Peterson is a more deserved choice to start in the Pro Bowl, but as an "offensive" back Westbrook is clearly the cream of the conference.