Cards' Sweat Irked by 'Frustrating' Pro Bowl Snub In a season where the Arizona Cardinals have defied expectations and emerged as one of the NFC's top teams, the exclusion of edge rusher Josh Sweat from the Pro Bowl roster has left a sour taste. Sweat, who has been a vital cog in the Cardinals' defensive machine, did not hold back his disappointment when addressing the media on Wednesday. "It's definitely frustrating," Sweat said. "I feel like I've put in the work and proved myself, but I guess the voters didn't see it that way. All I can do is keep grinding and try to prove them wrong." Sweat's Pro Bowl snub comes on the heels of a breakout season that has seen him emerge as one of the most disruptive pass rushers in the league. Through 14 games, the 24-year-old has recorded 9.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, and 19 quarterback hits – all career-highs. His dominant play has been a key factor in the Cardinals' resurgence, as the team sits atop the NFC West with a 10-4 record. The defense, led by Sweat and fellow standouts like Chandler Jones and Budda Baker, has been a consistent bright spot, allowing the third-fewest points per game in the NFL. "Josh has been an absolute monster for us this year," said Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury. "He's been a game-changer, and the fact that he didn't make the initial Pro Bowl roster is really disappointing. But he's the kind of guy who will use that as motivation to keep getting better." Sweat's road to this point has been anything but conventional. A fourth-round pick out of Florida State in 2018, he struggled to find his footing in his first two NFL seasons, playing a rotational role and recording just 5.5 sacks. However, a combination of increased opportunity, refined technique, and relentless work ethic has transformed him into one of the league's premier edge rushers. "I think a lot of it comes down to confidence and belief in myself," Sweat explained. "When I first got to the NFL, I was kind of just trying to survive and find my way. But over the last couple of years, I've really honed my skills and developed a mindset where I know I can dominate out there." Sweat's breakout campaign has not gone unnoticed around the league. He was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week in Week 10 after recording three sacks and a forced fumble in a crucial victory over the Carolina Panthers. Pro Football Focus has also recognized his excellence, ranking him as the fifth-best edge defender in the NFL this season. Despite the individual accolades, Sweat remains laser-focused on the team's collective goal of securing a deep playoff run. The Cardinals, who last won the Super Bowl in 2008, are positioning themselves as legitimate contenders in the NFC, and Sweat is determined to play a pivotal role. "At the end of the day, individual awards are nice, but they don't mean anything if we don't achieve our team goals," Sweat said. "My focus is on helping this team win a championship. That's what I care about more than anything." Sweat's snub from the initial Pro Bowl roster may have stung, but it has only served to fuel his competitive fire. With the playoffs looming, the young edge rusher is poised to make his presence felt on the national stage, determined to prove the doubters wrong and cement his status as one of the league's elite defensive players. "Josh is the kind of guy who thrives on that kind of adversity," Kingsbury said. "He's going to use this as motivation to take his game to an even higher level. I have no doubt that he's going to make a major impact for us down the stretch and in the playoffs." As the Cardinals continue their pursuit of a championship, Josh Sweat's relentless motor and game-changing ability will undoubtedly be a crucial factor. While the Pro Bowl snub may have stung, it has only served to strengthen his resolve, setting the stage for Sweat to continue his ascent and cement his place among the NFL's elite.