January 26, 2013; Honolulu, HI, USA; Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson (left), hall of fame running back Marcus Allen (center), and NFC running back Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings (28, right) laugh during the NFC practice on Ohana Day at the 2013 Pro Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The Pro Bowl gets a lot of grief, so much so that the league is considering making tonight’s game the last one. A lot of people, including a lot of you reading this post, will not be watching the game. I however, will be watching the game tonight, always do watch it, and will be disappointed if it is gone. Here are some thoughts as to why I watch, and some things to keep in mind should you decide to watch the game:

THE PRO BOWL IS NOT THAT DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHER ALL STAR GAMES

If you really think about it, there is a double standard in effect. The biggest knock on the Pro Bowl is the lack of defense. People talk about that it isn’t real football, and they make valid points. Blitzing is forbidden, among other rules that limit the play of defense. Think about the other sports……do we see any defense in the NBA All-Star game? The scores are in the 110s-120s at the very least, sometimes higher, every year. Defense is absent. What about the NHL All-Star game? Since the year 2000, the lowest total number of goals scored was 10. But do we hear about either one of these games being cancelled? No. Why? Because hitting is part of football.

We don’t count the MLB All-Star game because there really is no way to not play defense in baseball.

Here’s the thing, if you watch the Pro Bowl, you can’t go into it expecting to see a regular football game. If you do, you will be disappointed. You have to go into it knowing you are going to watch an offensive skills showcase. If you do that, it’s kind of fun. What’s wrong with watching receivers go up and down the field to make great catches? Guys like Adrian Peterson breaking off big chunks on every run? It’s fun. Is it regular football? Of course not! But it’s just some good clean fun.

WE DON’T HAVE MUCH LEFT

Whether you like the Pro Bowl or not, remember, it also signifies that football is almost over. It used to be the signal that football WAS over, but now, since it is before the Super Bowl, it means we have only one game afterwards. Remember that, diehards, we only have 2 more football games, including tonight, until September. Watching it gives us that much more time with football, you know?

Just food for thought. If you watch it, have fun. If not, enjoy your evening whatever you might be doing, Jet Pressers.

Jan 24, 2013; Honolulu, HI, USA; General view of NFC practice for the 2013 Pro Bowl at Hickam air force base. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Pro Bowl is just a few hours away. The league has said that the future of the game is based on how the players perform in this one. For anyone that is planning on watching, here is what you need to know:

DATE: January 27, 2013

TIME: 7:00 PM EST

NETWORK: NBC

SPREAD: Even

ROSTERS:

Rosters by team

*-denotes starter x-denotes out because of injury y-denotes replacement for injured or Super Bowl player z-will not play; Super Bowl participant

Dec. 2, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets center Nick Mangold (74) on the bench against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Jets won 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

Tonight is the night the Pro Bowl teams are set to be announced. Many aren’t big fans of the game, but I am still. I find it fun to see the best players in the sport go up and down the field against each other. Is it realistic? No. But it’s fun. With the announcement set for tonight, let’s look at the Jets that should get consideration:

NICK MANGOLD- The man with the beard is a perennial participant in the Pro Bowl, and this year should be no different. Despite the transition from zone blocking to gap blocking, Mangold has been his old self, a consistent force despite the storm that has been taking his snaps.

D’BRICKASHAW FERGUSON- Brick has had a very nice season as well, and deserves his rightful place in the Pro Bowl as well. After having a season that statistically, believe it or not, rivaled Wayne Hunter’s in 2012, he has come back to have a very solid season protecting the left side of the Jets’ offense.

BRANDON MOORE- Brandon is Mr. Consistency along the Jets’ offensive line, and deserves a look as well. He has been good, and Austin Howard has benefited greatly from having Brandon next to him. He deserves a shot too.

ANTONIO CROMARTIE- Antonio Cromartie has recorded 3 INTs in 2012, but as we all know, the mere stats don’t tell us why Antonio deserves a spot. He deserves a spot because he took over for Darrelle Revis, and did so admirably. Among others, he made Andre Johnson a non-factor when the Jets took on the Texans. He stepped up his game big-time, and he did so to a Pro Bowl level.

MUHAMMAD WILKERSON- Otherwise known to us as “BeastMo”. Here is a guy that is just beginning to show his potential, and is going to be great for years to come. He has recorded 5 sacks, including 3 in the last 4 games, 4 passes defended and 3 forced fumbles. He even has blocked a field goal. It is Mo’s time, send him to the Pro Bowl.

We will see how the rosters turn out later tonight.