BALTIMORE — The Baltimore Ravens are in the midst of a playoff and the AFC North Divisional title hunt. Their next game against the Pittsburgh Steelers is a do or die situation.
Solid play is needed from the offense, defense and special teams. Each of those units was recognized in the NFL’s Pro Bowl selection process earlier this week.
The Ravens offense will be represented by fullback Kyle Juszczyk and guard Marshall Yanda. Juszczyk will be playing in his first Pro Bowl after coming close in the voting in previous years.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by my peers, coaches and fans as the AFC representative at fullback,” Juszczyk said in a statement released by the Ravens. “So much credit goes to the talented backs running behind me, the dominant offensive line in front of me and a skillful quarterback throwing me the ball.”
Yanda earned his sixth consecutive Pro Bowl selection, tying Terrell Suggs for fourth most in team history. He made the Pro Bowl after switching from right guard to left guard due to an injured shoulder.
“I am very honored to be voted into the Pro Bowl,” Yanda said in a statement released by the Ravens. “I want to thank my teammates and coaches for all the hard work we put in together. Football is the ultimate team sport, and simply put, you don’t do anything in this league on your own.”
C.J. Mosely will represent the Ravens defense at the Pro Bowl in Orlando. Mosely has come up big for Baltimore on numerous occasions. He tipped a Carson Wentz pass at the line of scrimmage last week to prevent the Eagles from converting a game-winning two-point conversion.
Mosely has three interceptions this season as well as 72 tackles. He is set to play in his second Pro Bowl in three seasons.
“It’s an honor and blessing to be voted into the Pro Bowl by our great fans, coaches, and peers in the league,” Mosley said in a team-released statement. “I am extremely thankful for my teammates and coaches, and that I have an opportunity to once again represent the Baltimore Ravens.”
The special teams unit will be represented by Justin Tucker. He was named to his second Pro Bowl after connecting on 10 field goal attempts of 50 yards or more. Tucker was good on 35 consecutive field goal attempts before having one blocked against the Patriots in week 14.
“I feel incredibly humbled and honored to be selected to my second Pro Bowl and to have the opportunity to represent the Baltimore Ravens in Orlando,” Tucker said in a statement released by the Ravens. “Thank you to the players and coaches across the league for their votes, and an especially big ‘thank you’ goes out to the fans for making this all possible.”
Tucker was also sure to make a case for his long snapper and holder. The three comprise a group that they call ‘The Wolfpack.’
“I am very fortunate to work directly with true professionals on a daily basis. Morgan Cox is the best long snapper in football, and Sam Koch is the best punter and holder in football. We believe in working hard, we believe in each other, and we care deeply about becoming the best football players we can be. We have excellent coaches in Jerry Rosburg and Randy Brown, supporting us in all that we do, and I couldn’t be more grateful to work with such great people. They bring out the best in me every single day.”
The Ravens could end up with more players on the Pro Bowl roster after the Super Bowl teams are determined or due to injury. Dennis Pitta, Terrell Suggs, Eric Weddle, and Brandon Williams have been named as Pro Bowl alternates.