CJ calls Pro Bowl snub 'bogus'

The Titans had five players selected as Pro Bowl alternates, but at least one of them was disappointed in having to wait in line for a chance to go to Hawaii.

Running back Chris Johnson, a Pro Bowl pick the past two years, is a first alternate this season, despite being third in the NFL in rushing with 1,325 yards, a total better than any player in the NFC and ahead of AFC Pro Bowl selection Maurice Jones-Drew of Jacksonville, who has one yard less.

Other Titans who are alternates include first alternates Rob Bironas and Michael Griffin, second alternate Tim Shaw and fourth alternate Michael Roos.
Johnson, who leads the NFL with eight 100-yard rushing games this year, said he was disappointed, because he expected he would make it.

“It was disappointing. I was surprised,” Johnson said. “To be honest, I didn't think too much of it, because I kind of figured I should be a lock. I'm in three players in the AFC (in rushing). I didn't think there was a way I wouldn't get in. I didn't think too much of it.”
Johnson has been disappointed before, losing out to Atlanta's Matt Ryan as Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2008, calling that process “bogus.”

He used that term again to talk of his Pro Bowl snub.

“I feel it's bogus, just like I said about that one. I feel it was bogus that I didn't make it. Just like the Rookie of the Year, I can't do nothing to change it,” he said.

As for other Titans alternate, Bironas missed only one of his 23 field goal attempts this season, but lost out to Baltimore's Billy Cundiff. Bironas said he wasn't sure he would go to the game this year, even if Cundiff bows out.

“I thought I had a good season. I could have done a little bit more. I could have made all my kicks, and give myself a third chance of going,” he said. “When we voted, I was 22 of 23, and Cundiff was 22 of 25. I guess I need to work on my touchbacks.

“It depends. We're shutting things down after this week, so if I get the call and I haven't been kicking for a month, then I'm not gonna go out there and get hurt. We'll see.”
Griffin said he didn't consider his season with four interceptions and 103 tackles necessarily Pro Bowl worthy.

“I wouldn't say (I had) necessarily a Pro Bowl season, but it's a complete upgrade from what I had last year, and being able to stay healthy an entire season. Getting in the interception column and 103 tackles after 15 games, I would have to say that's a total upgrade from last year,” Griffin said.

Shaw, claimed off waivers from Chicago in August, is third in line as a special teams player, said he was not surprised as being considered, but was hoping for more.

“It wasn't what I was hoping for, but I'll take it. I wasn't surprised,” Shaw said.