NFC beat turnover prone AFC 55-41
When the best of the American Football Conference (AFC) go up against the best of the National Football Conference (NFC), one should expect an exciting game and good football. The Pro Bowl was anything but good football.
The AFC team threw 5 interceptions and lost a fumbled ball for a total of 6 turnovers.
Michael Vick led the NFC team to its first touchdown and as soon as the AFC team had possession, quarterback Philips Rivers threw an interception from the 48 yard line, which was returned for 14 yards and set up NFC’s second touchdown.
Both rushing touchdowns were scored under Vick’s watch.
Matt Ryan replaced Michael Vick in the second quarter and threw the first of two interceptions for the NFC on the very first play.
Peyton Manning took over from Rivers in the second quarter for the AFC and did the same thing. On the third play of the drive, Manning was intercepted. Matt Ryan converted that turnover into a touchdown 6 plays later.
The AFC gave up another turnover when Manning started the next drive. He threw a short pass to Wes Welker for 7 yards but DeAngelo Hall forced a fumble out of his hands and carried the ball 34 yards for touchdown.
The NFC dominated the first half of the game. They scored a total of 6 touchdowns against the AFC, 3 rushing, two passing and a 34 yard fumble return touchdown to create a 42-7 lead.
In the second half the tables turned. The AFC scored 5 touchdowns in the second half and allowed just one touchdown.
Philip Rivers led the AFC to a touchdown on the first play of the third quarter. The AFC scored again before NFC’s offense could return on the field.
Devin Hester, who has the record for the highest number of punt and kickoff return touchdowns, returned the ball 5 yards before he fumbled it on the 10 yard line. Montell Owens recovered it from the 8 yard line and returned it for a touchdown.
The only touchdown the NFC scored in the second half was a 49 yard interception return. Quarterback Matt Cassel attempted to pass the ball to Zach Miller but was intercepted by linebacker Jon Beason for a touchdown.
Montell Owens scored another touchdown in the fourth quarter of a short pass from Cassel. In the final minute Cassel scored his second touchdown.
The AFC managed a comeback to score 41 points (Cassel attempted the two point conversion after the final touchdown which failed) but the NFC had advanced to 55 with an interception and two field goals.
Rivers and Cassel scored two passing touchdowns each. Only Matt Ryan was able to score passing touchdowns for the NFC.
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