Kirk Cousins helps NFC pull out Pro Bowl Games victory

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6:44 PM ET

  • Stephen HolderESPN

LAS VEGAS — The revamped Pro Bowl Games did not function any tackling, however the flag soccer contests — in addition to the abilities competitions — supplied loads of aggressive drama.

The NFC captured honor because the winner of the Pro Bowl Games, 35-33, led by a powerful efficiency from Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins within the last of three flag video games. Cousins threw a pair of touchdowns to San Francisco 49ers tight finish George Kittle and fullback Kyle Juszczyk.

In the meantime, the protection slowed the Derek Carr-led offense to hold on for the win.

The NFC gamers take residence $84,000 apiece for his or her win, with the AFC settling for $42,000.

Carr made what was doubtless his last look at Allegiant Stadium as a member of the Las Vegas Raiders in Sport 3, throwing a landing and interception for the AFC.

A ROUGHNESS PENALTY? The primary half of the primary flag soccer recreation in Pro Bowl historical past is within the books, and probably the most memorable play up to now is an … pointless roughness penalty?

It is true. Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey slammed into Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill, knocking Hill forcefully out of bounds as he crossed the purpose line for an AFC landing. The play touched off some playful pushing and shoving among the many groups.

The AFC and NFC are tied 20-20 on this first of three flag video games. Ravens tight finish Mark Andrews has caught two touchdowns from his Baltimore teammate, Tyler Huntley.

GENO SMITH’S ACCURACY EXTENDS TO FLAG FOOTBALL: The NFC added six factors to its total complete with a 33-27 victory within the first of three flag soccer video games.

Dallas Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb scored the go-ahead landing with 12 seconds remaining when he caught a cross over the center from the Seattle Seahawks’ Geno Smith and eluded Chargers security Derwin James Jr. with a wonderfully timed spin transfer. It was Lamb’s second landing of the sport.

That pulls all the Pro Bowl Games competitors right into a 9-9 tie getting into the upcoming Kick-Tac-Toe portion.

VERSATILE SKILLS: The AFC received the Kick-Tac-Toe competitors among the many kickers, punters and long-snappers, incomes one other three factors. That was adopted by an NFC victory within the gridiron gantlet, which featured Lions offensive sort out Penei Sewell busting by way of a padded wall, amongst different issues. The general rating is 12-12 getting into the second of three flag video games.

DEFENSE LEADS THE WAY? The AFC held a 12-6 lead at halftime of the second flag recreation, overcoming a pick-six thrown by Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The AFC scored the go-ahead landing on what regarded like a zone-read run from Tennessee Titans working again Derrick Henry.

The second flag recreation ended with an 18-13 victory for the AFC in a surprisingly defensive contest. This recreation was highlighted by three interceptions, together with Jaire Alexander’s pick-six and picks by Pat Surtain II and Trevon Diggs. Notably, Diggs’ interception got here on the expense of his brother, Stefon, who was making an attempt a cross on a trick play.

However Stefon bought the final snort by catching the decisive landing minutes later.

The AFC took a 21-15 lead into the third and last flag recreation after it received the move-the-chains competitors and the NFC — led by the Lions’ Amon-Ra St. Brown, who received the best-catch contest. The 21-15 total rating would be the beginning rating within the last flag recreation, with the winner taking the general victory.

The ultimate minutes of the 2023 Pro Bowl Games is about up for a enjoyable end, with the NFC main 28-27 at halftime of the third and final flag recreation. Kirk Cousins of the Minnesota Vikings threaded the needle for a decent throw to Dallas Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb on an additional level to place the NFC forward.