Pro Bowl Recap: NFC Defeats AFC, 30-21

While the AFC’s Pittsburgh Steelers won the Super Bowl last week, the National Football Conference has just defeated the American Football Conference in the 39th Pro Bowl by a score of 30-21.

The AFC got on top first with a TD pass from Peyton Manning to Tony Gonzalez, and lead 14-3 before the first half ended.

However, the AFC could not at any point in the game come up with consecutive scores; all of their scores were answered immediately by the NFC.

The NFC came up with two straight touchdowns after trailing 14-3, and took the lead 17-14, to see the AFC come back with a touchdown and go up 21-17.

After that though, the NFC scored a TD and two field goals, putting the game away with 13 unanswered points.

New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees was the NFC’s best passer; Brees was 11-of-19 for 142 yards and a TD. New York Giants QB Eli Manning was also 8-of-14 for 111 yards a TD, and an interception.

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson ran the ball 8 times for 48 yards and the only NFC rushing TD.

Carolina Panthers WR Steve Smith and Arizona Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald were the NFC’s top receivers, with 89 and 81 receiving yards respectively, while Fitzgerald had the NFC’s only two receiving TD’s.

New York Giants K John Carney was perfect kicking field goals, punching in 3-in-3 attempts including a kick to make it a two possession game following a turnover on downs by the NFC defense.

Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning was 12-of-17 with 151 yards and a TD. Kerry Collins, QB of the Tennessee Titans, was 10-of-15 with 108 yards passing with 1 TD and an interception.

Buffalo Bills RB Marshawn Lynch ran the ball six times for 48 yards, averaging 8 yards/carry. Miami Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown had seven carries with 41 rushing yards. Le'Ron McClain of the Baltimore Ravens ran the ball three times for only five yards, but had the AFC’s lone rushing TD.

Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez was the top receiver for the AFC, catching six passes for 98 yards and a TD.

In the 30th and final Pro Bowl to be held in Honolulu the NFC took the all-time Pro Bowl wins lead with 20 compared to the AFC’s 19.

The NFC has also now won two straight Pro Bowls, and four of the last six. Larry Fitzgerald was named the game’s MVP; he had 81 yards receiving with two touchdown receptions.