Bears, Falcons lead NFC Pro Bowl picks

NEW YORK, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- The Atlanta Falcons and Chicago Bears each had six players named to the NFC Pro Bowl squad Wednesday.

Five players were from the Bears' vaunted defense, which is the best in the NFL after 14 weeks, including linebacker Brian Urlacher and tackle Tommie Harris. It was the biggest Pro Bowl defensive representation for the Bears since the club's 1985 Super Bowl season when it also had five players on the squad.

Atlanta also had six players on the team, including quarterback Michael Vick and running back Warrick Dunn. The New York Giants and Seattle each had five players named, including record-breaking running back Tiki Barber and tight end Jeremy Shockey, while the Carolina Panthers placed four on the squad.

Among the Seahawks were running back Shaun Alexander, offensive tackle Walter Jones and quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. Leading the Panthers were quarterback Jake Delhomme and wide receiver Steve Smith.

Neither San Francisco nor Green Bay had a player named.