The Patriots tied the 49ers for number of 2012 Pro Bowl players with eight.
Quarterback Tom Brady, receiver Wes Welker, tight end Rob Gronkowski, defensive end Andre Carter, guard Logan Mankins, guard Brian Waters, defensive lineman Vince Wilfork and special teamer Matthew Slater made the bill, as was announced by the NFL Tuesday.
Welker was a gimme, as he leads the league in receiving yards and receptions, and Gronkowski has been setting records like crazy, so he was also a shoe-in. It's only fitting that the guy throwing them the ball -- Brady -- would also get a nod. Brady has thrown for 4,897 yards and 36 touchdowns.
Mankins and Waters have helped the Patriots' offensive line do a nice job of keeping Brady upright and getting the run game going when they needed it.
Wilfork has two interceptions, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble, and Carter, who has made great contributions as a veteran leader, leads the team in sacks with 10. Slater has 24 tackles and a forced fumble.
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