Briggs Is Bears' Lone Pro Bowler

In spite of their being right in the thick of the playoff picture in the waning weeks of the regular season, the Bears are not considered a star studded team according to the fans. The NFL announced the Pro Bowl selections today, and only linebacker Lance Briggs was chosen to represent the Bears.

Briggs leads the Bears defense with 122 tackles, and also has three interceptions, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble this year. This is Briggs' fourth consecutive selection to the postseason all star event. Used to playing second fiddle to Brian Urlacher, Briggs will represent the team in Hawaii while his more well-known teammate is listed as a third alternate.

Other Bears named as alternates include: defensive tackle Tommie Harris (first), center Olin Kreutz (second), punter Brad Maynard (second), tight end Greg Olsen (second) and kick returner Devin Hester (third). Which strikes us as peculiar as Hester's not even his team's primary kick returner anymore! And where is Matt Forte? The Bears rookie running back is fifth in the NFC in rushing yards and leads all running backs in receptions this year but is nowhere to be found on the Pro Bowl roster.

AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh