Two Baltimore Ravens were voted to play in the Pro Bowl this season. Punter Sam Koch and guard Marshal Yanda have both been selected to play in the NFL's Annual All-Star game on Jan. 31 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Pro Bowl players were selected strictly by vote for the third year in a row. Players will be assigned to teams at the Pro Bowl Draft on Jan. 27.
This is Koch's first Pro Bowl invite. Entering Week 16, Koch holds the top net punting average (44.0) while his gross average ranks fourth (47.7). Koch is withink striking distance of the NFL net punting average in a season, 44.2 by Johnny Hekker in 2013.
"This has definitely been a long time in the making," Koch said. "A lot of hard work and practice have gone into this. I'm grateful for the support I've received from family in Baltimore - my wife, Nikki, and kids, Ryan, Braxtyn, Kamdyn and Gianna - and our family in Nebraska. I want to thank my coaches - John Harbaugh, Jerry Rosburg and Randy Brown - for all they have done by believe and helping me. There is also the support from our great fans, because without their votes, this dream probably wouldn't have come true."
Last season, Koch recorded career highs in both net and gross averages. They were also Ravens single-season records. Koch hasn't missed a game in his 10-year career, marking a franchise record 158-consecutive contests.
"Last, but certainly not least, I must give a ton of credit to my teammates, especially Morgan Cox, Brynden Trawick, Kyle Juszczyk, C.J. Mosley, Terrence Brooks, Albert McClellan, Zach Orr and Anthony Levin. They are the frontline guys who work their tails off - in addition to all the gunners we've had this year - to make sure we're the best punt team in the league.
Since 2008, the Ravens have had five different special teams players earn Pro Bowl Honors:
- ST Brendon Ayanbadejo (2008)
- K Billy Cundiff (2010)
- RS Jacoby Jones (2012)
- K Justin Ticker (2013)
- Koch (2015)
This is the fifth-consecutive Pro Bowl invite for Yanda. The nine-year veteran has played in 129 games, third-most among Ravens' offensive lineman. Jonathan Ogden, 177, and Mike Flynn, 133, are No. 1 and 2. Prior to this season, Ravens' ticket holders voted Yanda one of the top 10 players in franchise history.
"Football is the ultimate team sport, and you don't do anything in his league on your own," Yanda said. "I want to thank the coaches and my teammates for helping me along the way. We all grind together with the goal of achieving greatness."
The past two seasons, the Ravens' offensive line has allowed a league-low of 41 sacks. This season, Baltimore has allowed only 22 sacks, the league's fourth fewest.
Two Ravens were also named as third alternates, meaning they could see playing time if the roster players are unable to attend due to injury or an appearance in the Super Bowl.
Fullback Kyle Juszczyk's 34 receptions are the most among of a fullback in the NFL this season. He has recorded career highs in receiving years (248) and receiving touchdowns (three). Juszczyk has played in 46-consecutive games, the longest active streak among NFL fullbacks.
In his second year, inside linebacker C.J. Mosley ranks second on the Ravens in total tackles (94). He has recorded three sacks, six pass defenses, eight quarterback hits, 12 tackles for loss and two fumble recoveries, including one returned for a 41-year touchdown. Mosley earned Pro Bowl honors in 2014, his rookie season.
