The annual Pro Bowl game returned to action this year after being canceled in 2021 due to COVID protocols. Though becoming an unofficial non-tackle game did little to add drama, it did provide an opportunity to showcase some serious athletic skills, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
The six quarterbacks that participated for the NFC and AFC threw a combined seven touchdowns and seven interceptions. Even Buffalo’s Stefon Diggs got in on the action, completing a pass for 15 yards. Stefon is the older brother of the Cowboys’ Trevon Diggs, who led the NFL in interceptions in 2021.
Trevon Diggs played in his first Pro Bowl after picking off 11 passes over the course of the season to set a franchise rookie record. Diggs had an interception in the game, picking off New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones on one of the more unique experimental rule plays featured in the game.
The experimental rule allows a team that scores a touchdown to opt for an opportunity to retain the ball rather than kick it off to the opponent. The ball is spotted at the 25-yard line, and the play count is set at 4th & 15. Should the offense convert, they retain the ball. Combined, the AFC and NFC went 0-8 on the rules change, giving the opposing offense a short field and contributing to scores on both sides of the ball.
In the second quarter, Jones dropped back to complete one such pass, only to see Diggs step in front of the receiver. Diggs lateraled to Saints defensive back J.T. Gray, who fumbled the ball. Gray’s teammate, defensive back Cam Jordan, making his seventh Pro Bowl appearance, scooped the ball from the turf at Allegiant Stadium and shuttled it back to Diggs. Kansas City’s Travis Kelce slapped the ball out of his hands, but Diggs was able to recover and keep possession after a 23-yard return.
Cowboys rookie linebacker Micah Parsons played in his first Pro Bowl after a record-setting campaign in 2021. Parsons was named the Defensive Rookie Player of the Year this season and is one of the top names in discussion for Defensive Player of the Year. Though Pro Bowl performance doesn’t count, Parsons showed his skills even in the limited contact format.
As the second half clock expired, Parsons caught Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who was scrambling to the right. Parsons stripped the ball from Mahomes and got credit for a sack as well. The Cowboys linebacker also won a sprint contest against three other players, including the Chiefs speedster Tyreek Hill.
On offense, the Cowboys’ CeeDee Lamb played as a replacement. Lamb had four catches and 41 yards on six pass attempts. He did not record a touchdown. NFC receivers totaled 303 yards receiving in the game, led by Tampa Bay receiver Mike Evans, who had 50 yards and a touchdown on two passes. AFC receivers totaled only 278 yards receiving.
Cowboys selected this season include Tyron Smith, Zack Martin, Bryan Anger, Parsons, and Diggs. Quarterback Dak Prescott declined an opportunity to appear as an alternate, while Smith and Martin both declined while rehabbing injuries. Punter Bryan Anger appeared for his first Pro Bowl, but never had an opportunity to kick during the game.
