If Champ Bailey’s career were summarized by a city, it wouldn’t be Denver.
It would be Honolulu.
The Broncos cornerback virtually is assured of getting voted into his eighth consecutive Pro Bowl today, and not just on reputation. Even if he didn’t have his Champ-like big plays this season, Bailey arguably is the best tackler among corners. And the fans think he’s the best cornerback, period.
At last count, Bailey was the second-leading vote-getter among NFL defensive players behind Indianapolis defensive end Dwight Freeney, who suffered a season-ending injury weeks ago.
The question regarding the Broncos and the Pro Bowl: Will one of Bailey’s teammates come along?
Defensive end Elvis Dumervil and wide receiver Brandon Marshall may be having Pro Bowl-caliber seasons, but they are at positions deep in Pro Bowl talent. Dumervil’s 11 sacks rank fourth in the AFC, behind two defensive ends, the Texans’ Mario Williams and the Chiefs’ Jared Allen, and San Diego linebacker Shawne Merriman.
Three defensive ends are named to each Pro Bowl roster, so Dumervil would have to beat out Miami’s Jason Taylor and Tennessee’s Kyle Vanden Bosch for the third spot.
“Honestly, this year I just wanted to get my name out there and let people know I’m here,” Dumervil said. “And then next year hopefully there will be no decisions. It will be clear. But I don’t expect anything this year.”
Marshall is fifth in the AFC in both receptions (86) and receiving yards (1,136), but only four receivers are chosen to the Pro Bowl team. It would be a surprise if the AFC’s top receivers aren’t Randy Moss, Braylon Edwards, Reggie Wayne and Chad Johnson. Marshall likely would compete with Wes Welker and T.J. Houshmandzadeh as top alternates.
Broncos middle linebacker D.J. Williams is tied for the AFC lead with 121 tackles. But he is tied with Baltimore’s Ray Lewis, who has a far more established reputation.
There also is a chance Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler and safety John Lynch could become alternates.
Mike Klis: 303-954-1055 or mklis@denverpost.com
The Chargers
Denver at San Diego, 6 p.m., Monday
For the record: The Chargers are 9-5 and have clinched the AFC West Division title.
Last week: San Diego beat visiting Detroit 51-14 on Sunday to clinch the West. It was San Diego’s most points in a game in 22 years.
Streaking: After starting the season 1-3, San Diego has won eight of 10 games. The Chargers have a four-game win streak.
Who’s hot: The Chargers’ running game. They gained 274 yards on the ground against the Lions.
Who’s not: Tight end Antonio Gates had just one catch for 8 yards against the Lions.
Key stat: Cornerback Antonio Cromartie leads the NFL with a team-record 10 interceptions.
FYI: This marks the fourth straight December that Denver is visiting San Diego. The Chargers have won two of the first three games.
Coachspeak: “We weren’t as far away at 1-3 as it may have appeared. I didn’t really have doubts that we would get things done the way we wanted to get them done.” — San Diego coach Norv Turner, about his team’s slow start, after the win over Detroit
Bill Williamson
