Was there really any doubt Bucs linebacker Derrick Brooks belonged in the Pro Bowl?

So Bucs linebacker Derrick Brooks was named to the 2009 Pro Bowl. Not a surprise to Joe. In fact, it was well deserved.

While last year there were episodes where it appeared the game may have passed Brooks by, this year the veteran was a beast for one of the NFL’s best defenses. Vacation Man of BSPN.com agreed.

Tampa Bay’s Derrick Brooks made the squad as a reserve outside linebacker. Say what you want about this being a case of Brooks making the team based on his reputation. So what? It’s happened before and it’s happened to guys who didn’t have reputations as good as Brooks’. Yeah, Brooks might not be what he was a few years ago, but he’s still playing at a high level.

Joe doesn’t think this year’s nomination was by reputation at all. Brooks played a fantastic linebacker in 2008, as detailed by Peter King earlier this season in an expansive Sports Illustrated article. Although it’s always possible Brooks will only suit up for the Bucs for two more regular season games, the way he played this year and the leadership he provided, Brooks needs to be brought back next year.