Bengals’ Green surprised to get Pro Bowl as a rookie

Associated Press

CINCINNATI

A.J. Green didn’t think he’d make the Pro Bowl as a rookie. His incredible catches were too much to ignore.

The Cincinnati Bengals’ first-round draft pick is one of three rookies to be voted to the Pro Bowl, along with Denver linebacker Von Miller and Arizona cornerback Patrick Peterson, who made it as a kick returner.

No rookie receiver had been voted to the Pro Bowl since Anquan Boldin in 2003, showing how tough it is for a newcomer at that position. No Bengals receiver had been voted in since Cris Collinsworth helped the Bengals reach their first Super Bowl in 1981.

“I never thought I would make it this quick,” Green said.

Nobody thought he and rookie quarterback Andy Dalton would do what they’ve done in their first NFL season together. Dalton was voted a first alternate to the Pro Bowl, making it likely that he’ll play. The Bengals (9-6) were expected to struggle this season with rookies at the two key spots, but they’ve surpassed expectations.

“It’s something that no one would have thought of coming into this year probably except us,” Dalton said. “It shows what this year’s been like and what this team is like.”

They can make it even more remarkable with a victory on Sunday over Baltimore (11-4), which would clinch the final AFC wild card and put them in the playoffs for only the third time in the last 21 years. The Ravens would win the AFC North with a victory.

Green missed only one game this season, a 31-24 loss in Baltimore on Nov. 20. Cincinnati fell behind 31-14 early in the fourth quarter, then rallied behind Dalton, who set a Bengals rookie passing record with 373 yards. He also threw three interceptions.

This time, the Ravens will have to contend with Green, who has a sprained right shoulder that is improving.