For 44 years or from 1970 to 2013, the Pro Bowl used an AFC versus NFC format. But for the last three years, this game went with a format where former superstar NFL players had a hand in picking teams to represent Team Rice (JERRY RICE), Team Sanders (DEION SANDERS), and so on and so forth.
But in late January 2017——of course the new format and the site of the game was decided way before January 29, 2017——-game went back to the NFC versus AFC format and the game was moved from Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii to Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.
Amid all that, the AFC came out victorious 20-13 in today’s game and for the first time in the traditional format of the game since the 2011 Pro Bowl.
It took two second quarter touchdown passes by the AFC’s ALEX SMITH and ANDY DALTON, two JUSTIN TUCKER field goals, and a late-game interception by Buffalo Bills linebacker LORENZO ALEXANDER (8 tackles and an interception) to help turn away the NFC squad. Smith went 6 for 8 for 74 yards and 1 scoring pass in a limited performance today. While Dalton threw for 100 yards on 10 for 12 accuracy, 1 touchdown pass and 1 interception. Both of their scoring passes ended up being all the AFC needed to win this game.
After a scoreless first quarter, someone finally got some points on the board in this game. And that someone was Tennessee Titans tight end DELANIE WALKER (2 catches for 35 yards and 1 score). Walker took a Smith pass along the left sidelines and into the left corner of the end zone for a 26-yard score. That Walker scoring pass gave the AFC a 7-0 lead at the 14:52 mark of the second quarter.
Seattle Seahawks receiver DOUG BALDWIN got behind the AFC defense for an easy 47-yard scoring reception which tied the game at 7-7 at the 6:26 mark of the second quarter.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end TRAVIS KELCE (3 catches for 36 yards and 1 score) beat Minnesota Vikings free safety HARRISON SMITH and the rest of the NFC defense, for a 23-yard scoring catch to give the AFC a 14-7 lead at the 1:40 mark of the second period.
A 42-yard reception down the right side by New York Giants receiver ODELL BECKHAM JR. (6 catches for 93 yards) helped set up the NFC’s first score since the second quarter. That score came courtesy of a right down the middle 42-yard field goal by Detroit Lions kicker MATT PRATER. At the 9:31 mark of the fourth quarter the score moved to 20-10 with the AFC in the lead.
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