The Mikell Factor

There’s been a flurry of chatter across the blogosphere in recent days regarding Quintin Mikell’s exclusion from the NFC Pro Bowl roster. It seems a consensus among Eagles fans that Mikell was more than deserving of a spot. The Cardinals‘ Adrian Wilson earned his second trip with 67 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 2 INT, 2 FF and 4 PD. These are very good numbers, but how does Mikell stack up in comparison?

82 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 INT, 2 FF and 6 PD.

I’m far from a homer, but Mikell should have been named to the team. I neglected to place him on the “Eagles Snubbed” poll and that was my mistake. You see, I’m a huge Quintin Mikell fan but I knew he wouldn’t get an invitation to Hawaii. How did I know this? He doesn’t fit the mold. Guys like Wilson and Roy Williams get all the pub because they’re big hitters in 6′0″ 220lb bodies. Mikell is 5′10″, 206. Before you bring up the name Bob Sanders, understand that he is an exception to the rule. Truth be told, I can’t remember a strong safety being as big an impact as Sanders and I’ve been watching NFL Football for over twenty-five years.

I love guys like Mikell: Undrafted, undersized, unappreciated. The sixth year pro out of Boise State is the exact kind of player you wish to succeed. A special teams ace for the first four years of his career, Mikell stuck around long enough to crack the starting lineup late last season and has done nothing but impress ever since. Short and compact, he possesses the tenacity to deliver punishing hits similar to Sanders. And so far, his pass coverage has been solid, especially compared to that of former starter Sean Considine - not to mention ex Bird Michael Lewis, who got torched by a “tight end” this past weekend.

Like secondary mate Sheldon Brown, Mikell doesn’t seek or want attention. He just busts his ass in practice and the film room, then goes out on Sunday and makes plays. In a league filled with shameless self-promoters and whiny egomaniacs it’s refreshing to have guys like Quintin Mikell to root for and appreciate. Even if he never gets that trip to Hawaii.