Eli Manning and Jason Pierre-Paul Voted to the Pro Bowl

Eli Manning and Jason Pierre-Paul Voted to the Pro Bowl: QB Eli Manning and DE Jason Pierre-Paul were elected to the NFC’s 2011 Pro Bowl team. Since Manning was only fifth in fan voting and Pierre-Paul was not even listed on the fan ballot, the selection of both demonstrates how well both are respected by coaches and peers around the NFL. Pro Bowl voting is based on voting from fans (1/3 of vote), players (1/3), and coaches (1/3).

This is Manning’s second Pro Bowl, the first coming in 2008. Through 15 games this season, Manning has thrown for 4,587 yards and 26 touchdowns, including an NFL-record 14 touchdowns in the 4th quarter.

“It’s a real honor,” Manning said. “Obviously, when you make it to the Pro Bowl it’s because your team, the offensive line, my receivers are doing a great job protecting me, getting open, making plays. It is an honor. Considering some of the other quarterbacks in the NFC who have had outstanding seasons, I’m really thrilled and truly honored to be named to the Pro Bowl team.”

“I think I have thrown the ball well, but again, I think the receivers have done a good job,” Manning said. “We had some guys step up, so a lot of credit goes to them. I feel like I improved on some things. There are still some improvements to be made, and obviously my whole mindset is the team having success and us winning games. At this point right now we have a chance to make it to the playoffs and win this last game versus Dallas. That’s the mindset right now. I’m not losing focus. I’m not going to be planning any reservations in Hawaii right now. I’m trying to get ready for Dallas and get ready to play that game.”

This is Pierre-Paul’s first Pro Bowl honor. He currently has 15.5 sacks and 81 tackles on the season.

“It means a lot,” Pierre-Paul said. “I don’t really understand the whole Pro Bowl thing, but it means a lot. It means I’m doing good.”

“With Tuck and Osi being out, it gave me a chance to show my coaches that I can perform at a high level, even though they didn’t expect me to have a breakout season,” Pierre-Paul said. “Just feel the joy right now. I’m having a good feeling even though I knew I could do it all along. I’m happy because everybody sees it now. They know that I am one of the key players that the Giants have on their team.”

WR Victor Cruz and OG Chris Snee were not selected to the Pro Bowl, but the are both second alternates and may go if others drop out of the game. Like Pierre-Paul, Cruz was not listed on the fan ballot.

WFAN Interview with DE Jason Pierre-Paul: The audio of yesterday’s WFAN interview with DE Jason Pierre-Paul is available at CBSNewYork.com.

Article on the Giants’ Defense: Back to the Basics, Giants Defense Hopes to Stay Strong with Season on the Line by Mike Garafolo of The Star-Ledger

Article on WR Victor Cruz: The Man from Paterson: Victor Cruz Saves the Giants and Himself, Again and Again by Greg Hanlon of CapitalNewYork.com