The number of Dallas Cowboys representing the NFC in the Pro Bowl grew to seven earlier today with the addition of cornerback Terence Newman, who replaces the injured Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, of the Arizona Cardinals.
But in the wake of the announcement, many fans are wondering why it was Newman, and not Mike Jenkins, who is headed to Miami. This is fairly understandable.
Jenkins, in the eyes of many, supplanted Newman in his second season as the Cowboys' best corner. With five interceptions and 23 pass deflections, Jenkins led the team in both categories.
According to Tim MacMahon at ESPNDallas.com (and Stats Inc.), opponents completed 47.7% of passes when targeting Jenkins for 643 yards and two touchdowns; when targeting Newman, opponents completed 51.7% for 607 yards and four touchdowns.
But there is still a chance that Jenkins could go to Miami as the eighth Cowboy on the Wade Phillips-led NFC roster. If Antoine Winfield is unable to play due to a foot injury and/or a Vikings Super Bowl appearance, and if Jenkins is the third alternate, he would punch a ticket to Miami.
Winfield is currently on the NFC Pro Bowl roster.
