AFC Wins Fourth Straight Pro Bowl 38-33, Kobe Bryant Honored

The AFC was able to win it’s fourth straight Pro Bowl after defeating the NFC 38-33 in Orlando Sunday. Lamar Jackson was named the MVP in a game that included a severe lack of tackling. Jackson finished with 185 passing yards and two touchdowns. The Ravens came into Sunday with a league leading 13 players selected to the Pro Bowl including tight end Mark Andrews who set a Pro Bowl record for catches at his position with nine for 73 yards and a touchdown.

There were several turnovers during the game as each AFC quarterback including Ryan Tannehill, Deshaun Watson and Jackson threw an interception. Ezekiel Elliott also had an interception when the NFC attempted a trick play. NFC quarterback Kirk Cousin also threw an interception returned by Harrison Smith for a touchdown and later fumbled the ball on fourth and goal before TJ Watt returned it for an 82-yard touchdown of his own.

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Physicality was almost completely absent in the game as players would slow down when they came in contact with defenders and the whistle would be blown shortly after. The only time things got physical was during Smith’s 65 yard touchdown when he held off tacklers with a stiff arm.

The running game was almost completely abandoned and no running backs carried the ball more than four times. The ball was spread generously through the air with eight different receivers topping 50 yards while Lions’ receiver Kenny Golladay lead the way with three catches for 109 yards. DJ Chark was the leading receiver for the AFC with 62 yards and one touchdown.

On a more serious note, players were informed of Kobe Bryant’s passing before the game started and several players paid tribute to the Lakers’ legend. Davante Adams held up a “2” then a “4” after scoring a touchdown to signify Bryant’s No. 24 jersey and proceeded to dunk the ball over the goal post. Russell Wilson lead a pre-game prayer as players huddled together, according to Za’Darius Smith, who also honored Bryant with a group celebration on defense as they mimicked his signature fadeaway jump shot. Camping World Stadium also posted his image on the jumbotron as “Kobe, Kobe” chants echoed around the stands.

Article by Frank DeLorenzo