The NFL recently unveiled this year’s Pro Bowl rosters, with fans eagerly noting the names that made the cut. For the Denver Broncos, Patrick Surtain II, Nik Bonitto, and Marvin Mims Jr. made it to the elite list. While these selections are undoubtedly well-deserved, there’s a little more to the story. Broncos faithful are buzzing about two notable snubs—Zach Allen and Quinn Meinerz.
Why Quinn Meinerz Deserved More
So, let’s start with the big man up front—right guard Quinn Meinerz. He found himself edged out by Indianapolis Colts’ Quenton Nelson, and Kansas City Chiefs duo Trey Smith and Joe Thuney. All stellar in their own right, no doubt, but let’s break down why Meinerz should have edged in.
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Meinerz ranks third in overall offensive grade among the 41 guards who have taken at least 900 snaps, with Nelson, Thuney, and Smith trailing behind. Dive into the run-blocking, and Meinerz matches steps with Nelson while Smith and Thuney fall further behind him. On the pass-blocking front, Meinerz shines bright, occupying the third spot, right behind Thuney who sits in second, with Smith lagging significantly further back in 16th.
The eye-catching statistic here is pressures allowed. Meinerz leads in efficiency, allowing the fewest pressures—just 11. In stark contrast, Smith has let through 10 more pressures than Meinerz. And let’s not ignore the elephant in the room—Meinerz has been protecting a rookie quarterback, not an NFL veteran like Patrick Mahomes, adding that much more weight to his achievements.
Zach Allen: The Unheralded Dynamo
Then there’s Zach Allen, the player who’s quietly become a force of nature for the Broncos’ defensive line. Allen has racked up 940 snaps, way above any of his peers, allowing him to impact games with consistent ferocity. Despite consistent performance, PFF hasn’t given Allen the grades he seemingly deserves. But numbers tell the real story.
Taking a look at who bested Allen for the Pro Bowl nod: Chiefs’ Chris Jones, Pittsburgh Steelers’ Cameron Heyward, and Nnamdi Madubuike from the Ravens. While Heyward and Jones boast polished resumes, Allen’s prowess as a pass rusher shouldn’t be ignored. With 65 total pressures and a relentless pressure rate of 11.3%, Allen stands as a formidable force on the line. His sack count—8.5—is nothing short of impressive either.
While Heyward excels in run-defense, Allen’s pass-rushing contributions surpass those of Madubuike, who has seen similar struggles in run-defense. Allen’s quick-pressure numbers make a case that cannot be overlooked; his ability to manage game-changing plays is scarcely found.
The Snub Wrap-Up
It’s tough not to feel the sting of being overlooked for players who’ve left quite the mark on the field. Both Meinerz and Allen have exhibited traits of elite playmakers, showing up in crucial moments and hustling in the trenches for the Broncos.
We can’t always predict how the Pro Bowl rosters will shake out, especially if injuries or Super Bowl plans open up spots. But one thing’s clear: the talent and dedication of Allen and Meinerz deserved a larger spotlight. As Broncos fans hold their breath for potential after-the-fact recognition, there’s no denying both these athletes have made their case loud and clear through their exceptional play this season.
