1985: Zendejas Field Goals Propel Outlaws Over Breakers

The season-opening United States Football League game in Tempe, Arizona on February 24, 1985 featured the Arizona Outlaws and the Portland Breakers, two teams that had undergone transformations over the course of the offseason.

The Outlaws were a combination of clubs that played as the Arizona Wranglers and Oklahoma Outlaws in 1984. From Oklahoma came QB Doug Williams, previously of the NFL Buccaneers, who performed well until knocked out of action by a knee injury. WR Alphonso Williams and TE Ron Wheeler were capable receivers. From the previous Arizona franchise that had reached the USFL Championship game came such savvy veterans as RB Kevi n Long, DT Kit Lathrop, and DE Karl Lorch (although they were missing WR Trumaine Johnson, who held out). One newcomer was rookie PK Luis Zendejas out of Arizona State, where he set a NCAA record with 368 career points. Also new was Head Coach Frank Kush, long-time coach at ASU who had most recently been with the NFL Colts.

The Breakers, coached by Dick Coury, were in their third city in three USFL seasons. Originally based in Boston with an inadequate home venue, they moved to New Orleans for ’84 but, with the announced plan to shift to a Fall schedule in 1986, the club was forced to move again, this time to Portland, Oregon. The Breakers had featured an exciting offense led by QB John Walton, but he was now retired and being replaced by backup Doug Woodward. Still, there were good receivers in WR Frank Lockett and TE Dan Ross and capable runners in RBs Buford Jordan and Marcus Dupree. LB Marcus Marek was the keystone of a solid defense.

There were 20,321 fans in attendance at Sun Devil Stadium in what would prove to be a low-scoring struggle. The Outlaws scored first eight minutes into the opening period when Luis Zendejas kicked a 25-yard field goal. Zendejas added another field goal, from 29 yards, in the second quarter. It was set up by a pass from Doug Williams to WR William Davis that covered 46 yards to the Portland nine yard line (it would be the only catch of the year for Davis). The Outlaws took a 6-0 lead into halftime.

Late in the third quarter, the Breakers drove 80 yards on 15 plays and scored on an 11-yard touchdown carry by Marcus Dupree. Tim Mazzetti’s extra point put Portland ahead by 7-6.

In the final period, an interception by Arizona CB Carl Allen gave the Outlaws the ball at the Portland 39, and that set up a Zendejas field goal from 43 yards with 6:33 remaining to play. The Breakers reached the Arizona 37 in a last-gasp effort to pull the game out, but Doug Woodward fumbled the ball away on a fourth down play with 32 seconds left on the clock and the Outlaws came away with a 9-7 win.

Arizona had more total yards (279 to 210), although only 31 of those yards came on 25 rushing attempts while New Orleans had more balance on offense (108 rushing, 102 passing). The teams were even with 11 first downs apiece. Each team turned the ball over two times.

Doug Williams completed 16 of 26 passes for 254 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. Ron Wheeler had three catches for 85 yards while WR John Mistler and RB Allan Clark also contributed three receptions apiece, for 30 and 28 yards, respectively. Kevin Long led the miniscule running attack with 18 yards on 11 carries. Luis Zendejas was the scoring star, with three field goals in as many attempts in his pro debut.

For the Breakers, Doug Woodward was successful on just 11 of 26 throws for 140 yards and had one intercepted. Marcus Dupree ran for 69 yards on 17 carries but had to be carried off the field on a stretcher with just over two minutes remaining in the contest. TE David Bayle caught three passes for 33 yards and Dan Ross gained 49 yards on his two receptions.

Dupree’s knee injury proved to be severe and finished him for the season. It would be a disappointing one for the Breakers, who were less productive on offense and finished at 6-12 and fifth in the Western Conference. Arizona ended up not being much better, going 8-10 in placing fourth in the conference.

Luis Zendejas was the USFL’s seventh-leading scorer (tied with Danny Miller of Birmingham) as he connected on 24 of 33 field goal attempts and added 36 extra points, albeit with five misses, in compiling 108 points. He went on to play in the NFL, with the Cowboys and Eagles, as did two of his brothers, Tony and Max (a cousin, Joaquin, kicked in one game for the Patriots).

Rookie of the Year: Mark Carrier, 1990

Safety, Chicago Bears

Age: 22

College: Southern California

Height: 6’1”   Weight: 180

Prelude:

Recipient of the 1989 Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top collegiate defensive back, Carrier was chosen by the Bears in the first round (sixth overall) of the 1990 NFL draft. The pass defense had ranked 24^th in the NFL in ’89, and Carrier moved directly into the starting lineup at free safety. What he lacked in size and speed, he made up for with outstanding instincts and was a solid hitter.

1990 Season Summary

Appeared in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Interceptions – 10 [1]

Most interceptions, game – 3 at Washington 12/9

Int. return yards – 39

Most int. return yards, game – 14 (on 1 int.) at Phoenix 10/28

Int. TDs – 0

Fumble recoveries – 2

Forced fumbles – 5

Tackles – 122

Postseason: 2 G

Interceptions – 1

Int. return yards – 0

TDs – 0

Awards & Honors:

NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year: AP, PFWA

NFC Rookie of the Year: UPI

1^st team All-NFL: Pro Football Weekly

2^nd team All-NFL: AP

1^st team All-NFC: UPI, Pro Football Weekly

Pro Bowl

Bears went 11-5 to finish first in the NFC Central while leading the NFL in interceptions (31). Won NFC Wild Card playoff over New Orleans Saints (16-6). Lost NFC Divisional playoff to New York Giants (31-3).

Aftermath:

Carrier was hampered by a broken wrist and his interception total dropped to two in 1991, but he was still chosen to the Pro Bowl, along with SS Shaun Gayle. A disappointing season in ’92, which was also a down year for the team, was followed by much improved play in 1993 and a return to the Pro Bowl. He remained in the starting lineup for another three seasons with the Bears before being released in 1997 and picked up by Detroit. Carrier intercepted five passes, his most since his rookie year, as he overcame a back injury early in the year. After three solid seasons with the Lions, he moved on to Washington as a free agent in 2000 where he played one last year. Overall, Carrier intercepted 32 passes, one of which he returned for a TD. He received at least some All-NFL honors after two seasons and was selected to the Pro Bowl three times.  

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Rookie of the Year Profiles feature players who were named Rookie of the Year in the NFL (including NFC/AFC), AFL (1960-69), or USFL (1983-85) by a recognized organization (Associated Press – Offense or Defense, Newspaper Enterprise Association, United Press International, The Sporting News, or the league itself – Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year). 

MVP Profile: Cortez Kennedy, 1992

Defensive Tackle, Seattle Seahawks

Age:  24

3^rd season in pro football & with Seahawks

College: Miami (FL)

Height: 6’3”   Weight: 293

Prelude:

Kennedy was taken by Seattle as the third overall draft choice in 1990, with the hope of improving a chronically-deficient defensive line as the club switched to a 4-3 alignment. A lengthy holdout slowed his progress, but he began to show signs of his potential late in the season, especially in a 10-tackle performance against Miami. With surprising speed and great strength, Kennedy emerged in ’91 and was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time.

1992 Season Summary

Appeared in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Sacks – 14 [9, tied with Bryan Cox, Bruce Smith & Reggie White]

Most sacks, game – 3 at New England 9/20

Multi-sack games – 3

Interceptions – 0

Fumble recoveries – 1

Forced fumbles – 4

Tackles – 92

Awards & Honors:

NFL Defensive Player of the Year: AP

1^st team All-NFL: AP, PFWA, NEA, Sporting News

1^st team All-AFC: UPI, Pro Football Weekly

Pro Bowl

Seahawks went 2-14 to finish fifth in the AFC West.

Aftermath:

Kennedy was a consensus first-team All-NFL selection in 1993 and ’94, although he was consistently double- and triple-teamed and had just 10.5 sacks over the two years. While he took some criticism as a result, Kennedy benefited from the team’s improvement. His string of Pro Bowl appearances ended at six when knee and ankle injuries cost him half of the 1997 season, but he came back to regain Pro Bowl recognition in 1998 and ’99. Kennedy retired following the 2000 season and, overall, in a career that was played entirely with the Seahawks, he was a consensus first-team All-NFL selection after three seasons, gained at least All-AFC honors after three others, and was selected to the Pro Bowl a total of eight times. He was credited with 58 sacks and 668 tackles. Kennedy’s #96 was retired by the Seahawks and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2012.

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MVP Profiles feature players who were named MVP or Player of the Year in the NFL, AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974), or USFL (1983-85) by a recognized organization (Associated Press, Pro Football Writers Association, Newspaper Enterprise Association, United Press International, The Sporting News, Maxwell Club – Bert Bell Award, or the league itself). Also includes Associated Press NFL Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year.

Rookie of the Year: Ronnie Bull, 1962

Halfback, Chicago Bears

Age: 22

College: Baylor

Height: 6’0”   Weight: 200

Prelude:

An all-purpose star in college, where he gained 1990 yards from scrimmage, Bull was taken by the Bears in the first round of the 1962 NFL draft (seventh overall; he was also chosen third overall by the Dallas Texans of the AFL). With veteran Willie Galimore a fixture at halfback, Bull started the season as a defensive back and saw scant action, but was shifted to offense when Galimore went down with a knee injury.

1962 Season Summary

Appeared in all 14 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Rushing

Attempts – 113 [19, tied with Tom Watkins]

Most attempts, game - 18 (for 72 yds.) vs. LA Rams 12/9

Yards – 363

Most yards, game – 72 yards (on 18 carries) vs. LA Rams 12/9

Average gain – 3.2

TDs – 1

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 31      

Most receptions, game – 6 (for 90 yds.) at Dallas 11/18

Yards – 331

Most yards, game - 90 (on 6 catches) at Dallas 11/18

Average gain – 10.7

TDs – 0

Kickoff Returns

Returns – 9

Yards – 235

Average per return – 26.1

TDs – 0

Longest return – 35 yards

All-Purpose yards – 929

Passing

Attempts – 3

Completions – 0

Yards – 0

TDs – 0

INT – 0

Scoring

TDs – 1

Points – 6

Awards & Honors:

NFL Rookie of the Year: UPI, Sporting News

Bears went 9-5 to finish third in the NFL Western Conference.

Aftermath:

Bull followed up in 1963 by splitting time with Galimore and rushing for 404 yards on a career-high 117 carries while the defense carried the Bears to the NFL Championship. The arrival of HB Jon Arnett from the Rams cut into Bull’s playing time in ’64, and with outstanding HB Gale Sayers joining the team in 1965, he was used more at fullback. So it remained through 1970, a total of nine seasons with the Bears, as Bull split time with other backs. He lacked ideal speed at halfback and, with his blocking ability, was more successful at fullback, although he was small for the position. His highest rushing total was 472 yards, on 107 attempts, in 1968 when he played in tandem with HB Brian Piccolo after Sayers went down with a knee injury. Bull was with the Eagles for one last season in 1971, where he led the club in rushing but with just 351 yards. Overall, he ran for 3222 yards (2871 with the Bears) while averaging 3.7 yards per carry and caught 172 passes for 1479 yards (163 for 1404 in Chicago), scoring a total of 14 touchdowns.

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Rookie of the Year Profiles feature players who were named Rookie of the Year in the NFL, AFL (1960-69), or USFL (1983-85) by a recognized organization (Associated Press – Offense or Defense, Newspaper Enterprise Association, United Press International, The Sporting News, or the league itself – Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year). 

MVP Profile: Peyton Manning, 2009

Quarterback, Indianapolis Colts

Age:  33

12^th season in pro football & with Colts

College: Tennessee

Height: 6’5”   Weight: 230

Prelude:

Son of NFL quarterback Archie Manning and a star in college, Manning was chosen by the Colts with the first overall draft pick in 1998. It didn’t take long for him to justify the selection as he set NFL rookie records with 3739 passing yards and 26 TD passes. He led the league with 575 pass attempts, also a record for a rookie at the time, but also with 28 interceptions on a 3-13 club. The record turned around to 13-3 in ’99, the Colts qualified for the postseason, and Manning was selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time as he passed for 4135 yards and, while he again threw 26 TD passes, his interceptions dropped to 15. A classic drop-back passer, he lacked his father’s mobility but made up for it with a quick release – not to mention an excellent work ethic. Manning led the NFL with 357 completions, 4413 yards, and 33 TD passes in 2000 and again was chosen for the Pro Bowl. Following a lesser year in ’01 as the Colts dropped to 6-10, he bounced back with a third Pro Bowl season in 2002, passing for 4200 yards (his fourth straight year over 4000) and 27 touchdowns. Manning received MVP recognition in 2003 after leading the NFL in completions (379), yards (4267), and completion percentage (67.0). He again received MVP honors and was a consensus first-team All-Pro in 2004 as he set a record with 49 TD passes while leading the league in passing (121.1 rating) for the first of three straight years and also topped the NFL in TD percentage (9.9) and yards per attempt (9.2). He was consensus first-team All-Pro for the third consecutive year in 2005 and, in ’06, finally overcame years of frustration in the playoffs as the Colts won the Super Bowl. Manning led the NFL in TD passes with 31 that year, against just 9 interceptions. In 2008, he was selected to his seventh straight Pro Bowl (ninth overall) and was over 4000 passing yards for the ninth time, and again received MVP recognition (AP, PFWA, Sporting News), although the team lost to the Steelers in the AFC Championship game.

2009 Season Summary

Appeared and started in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Passing

Attempts – 571 [2]

Most attempts, game – 50 vs. Houston 11/8

Completions – 393 [2]

Most completions, game – 36 at Tennessee 10/11

Yards – 4500 [2]

Most yards, game – 379 at Arizona 9/27

Completion percentage – 68.8 [2, 1st in AFC]

Yards per attempt – 7.9 [8, tied with Brett Favre & Eli Manning]

TD passes – 33 [2, tied with Brett Favre, 1st in AFC]

Most TD passes, game – 4 at Arizona 9/27, vs. New England 11/15, vs. Denver 12/13, at Jacksonville 12/17

Interceptions – 16 [7, tied with Matt Cassel]

Most interceptions, game – 3 vs. Denver 12/13

Passer rating – 99.9 [6]

300-yard passing games – 9

200-yard passing games – 14

Rushing

Attempts – 19

Most attempts, game - 3 (for -4 yds.) vs. Jacksonville 9/13, (for -3 yds.) vs. Denver 12/13, (for -3 yds.) at Jacksonville 12/17

Yards – -13

Most yards, game – 3 yards (on 1 carry) at Miami 9/21

Yards per attempt – -0.7

TDs – 0

Postseason: 3 G

Pass attempts – 128

Most attempts, game - 45 vs. New Orleans, Super Bowl

Pass completions – 87

Most completions, game - 31 vs. New Orleans, Super Bowl

Passing yardage – 956

Most yards, game - 377 vs. NY Jets, AFC Championship

TD passes – 6

Most TD passes, game - 3 vs. NY Jets, AFC Championship

Interceptions – 2

Most interceptions, game - 1 vs. Baltimore, AFC Divisional playoff, vs. New Orleans, Super Bowl

Rushing attempts – 3

Most rushing attempts, game - 2 vs. Baltimore, AFC Divisional playoff

Rushing yards – -2

Most rushing yards, game - 0 vs. NY Jets, AFC Championship

Average gain rushing – -0.7

Rushing TDs – 0

Awards & Honors:

NFL MVP: AP, PFWA, Sporting News

1^st team All-NFL: AP, PFWA

2^nd team All-NFL: Pro Football Focus, Sporting News

Pro Bowl

Colts went 14-2 to finish first in the AFC West with the best record in the conference while leading the AFC in touchdowns (53). Won AFC Divisional playoff over Baltimore Ravens (20-3) and AFC Championship over New York Jets (30-17). Lost Super Bowl to New Orleans Saints (31-17).

Aftermath:

Manning was again a Pro Bowl selection in 2010, but after starting 208 regular season games at quarterback, he was sidelined for all of 2011 with a neck injury. Released by the Colts and signed by the Denver Broncos for 2012, Manning made a successful comeback and led the NFL in completion percentage (68.6) while passing for 4659 yards and 37 TDs, and had an even bigger year in 2013 as he set records with 5477 passing yards and 55 TD passes, again attaining MVP honors while the Broncos won the AFC title. Through 2013, he had passed for 64,964 yards, with 13 seasons over 4000, and 491 TD passes.

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MVP Profiles feature players who were named MVP or Player of the Year in the NFL, AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974), or USFL (1983-85) by a recognized organization (Associated Press, Pro Football Writers Association, Newspaper Enterprise Association, United Press International, The Sporting News, Maxwell Club – Bert Bell Award, or the league itself). 

[Updated 12/2/14]

1996: Ravens Hire Ted Marchibroda as Head Coach

On February 15, 1996 the newly-relocated Cleveland Browns, now in Baltimore and without a name (not to mention a franchise history that was left in the former city), hired Ted Marchibroda as head coach. Marchibroda, a familiar figure in Baltimore where he had once coached the Colts, signed a three-year contract.

In their last season in Cleveland, the Browns went 5-11 under Bill Belichick, who was fired along with Mike Lombardi, the personnel director. It had been a tumultuous year, with Belichick briefly benching veteran QB Vinny Testaverde in favor of backup Eric Zeier and WR Andre Rison, a costly free agent acquisition, producing little and complaining loudly. Following the announcement that the club would be moving, the Browns went 1-6 to close out the season.

It was hoped that Marchibroda, who was a month short of his 65^th birthday, would not only be an identifiable face on the sideline for Baltimore fans, but someone who could turn the team’s fortunes around quickly. He had done just that in 1975, when he took over a Colts team coming off a dismal 2-12 record and led them to a 10-4 division-topping tally. It was the first of three straight years atop the AFC East, although they lost in the Divisional round of the playoffs each time. With injuries knocking QB Bert Jones out of the picture, the team dropped to 5-11 in both 1978 and ’79, and Marchibroda was gone. His record over the five years was 41-33 in the regular season, 0-3 in the playoffs.

Marchibroda had come out of the University of Detroit to play quarterback for the Steelers and Cardinals over the course of four seasons. He first became an assistant coach in the NFL under Head Coach George Allen with the Rams and was Allen’s offensive coordinator in Washington immediately prior to his first head coaching stint with the Colts.

Afterward, he served as offensive coordinator with four teams before again becoming head coach of the Colts, now in Indianapolis. Marchibroda’s record was 30-34 in his second stint, but Indianapolis had gone 9-7 in 1995 and reached the AFC Championship game. He was fired after refusing to accept a one-year contract extension and offensive coordinator Lindy Infante was promoted to head coach in his place.

“I couldn’t think of any better scenario,” said Marchibroda of his returning to Baltimore. “It was a great feeling when we made the turn onto 33^rd Street and I saw the lights and the front of Memorial Stadium.”

It may have felt like a homecoming for the new coach, but it was a chaotic time for the franchise. Owner Art Modell, as part of a settlement brokered by the NFL, was required to change the team colors as well as leave behind the franchise history, which led to oddities like the players wearing generic black-and-white uniforms during a minicamp. The team was eventually renamed the Ravens with colors of black, purple, and gold.

As both a head coach and an assistant, the ex-QB Marchibroda had been known for his success in working with quarterbacks, including Bert Jones, Jim Kelly of the Bills, and Jim Harbaugh in Indianapolis.  The success continued with Vinny Testaverde (pictured below), whose career had been decidedly uneven since being the first overall draft choice by the Buccaneers in 1987. He had a fine season in ’96, achieving career highs with 4177 passing yards and 33 touchdowns and receiving Pro Bowl recognition for the first time.

Wide receivers Michael Jackson and Derrick Alexander each accumulated over a thousand receiving yards and TE Brian Kinchen caught 55 passes while filling in for the oft-injured Eric Green. RB Bam Morris started the year on drug suspension, but when he arrived seven weeks into the schedule, he played very well and rushed for 737 yards in 11 games. 34-year-old RB Earnest Byner held his own, contributing 634 yards. All were helped by outstanding play by the offensive line

But for all of the fine offensive display, the team finished at 4-12. The Ravens put 371 points on the board, but the defense gave up 368.1 yards per game and a total of 441 points. That unit ranked last in the NFL and was especially bad at protecting leads in the fourth quarter. While one of the team’s first draft choices, Ray Lewis, was an immediate hit at middle linebacker, and FS Eric Turner was selected to the Pro Bowl, there were too many holes in the defense at large, which was hit hard by injuries. The Ravens were further hindered by a poor salary cap situation in the offseason that made addressing issues problematic.

The defense improved in 1997, with rookie linebackers Peter Boulware and Jamie Sharper joining Lewis to create a solid group. DE Michael McCrary and DT Tony Siragusa, obtained from the Seahawks and Colts, respectively, performed well on the line. The unit as a whole, coached by coordinator Marvin Lewis, was showing signs of coming together.

However, the offense regressed. While tackles Jonathan Ogden and Orlando Brown were stalwarts on the line, Testaverde had a lesser year and was lost for three games with a knee injury. Bam Morris continued to have off-field problems and rushed for 774 yards in 11 games.  The overall record of 6-9-1 was better, but still a losing one.

For 1998, the pressure was growing to show improvement, especially with the team moving into the new PSINet Stadium. Testaverde was waived, moving on to the Jets, and Jim Harbaugh, a 12^th-year veteran who had prospered under Marchibroda in Indianapolis, was obtained to take his place. RB Errict Rhett came from the Buccaneers to improve the ground game, but neither acquisition worked out well.

Rhett’s failure was mitigated by the fine performance of RB Priest Holmes, a second-year player who had made the club as an undrafted free agent and played on special teams as a rookie. Taking over for Rhett, he rushed for 1008 yards and also led the Ravens with 43 pass receptions. Rookie CB Duane Starks stepped successfully into the starting lineup as the defense continued to jell.

The team had trouble putting points on the board, especially during a four-game losing streak that followed a 2-2 start, on the way to a 6-10 final record. It was the end of the line for Marchibroda, whose three-year tally was 16-31-1. It also proved to be the end for his coaching career and he became a radio commentator for Colts broadcasts for the next several years.

The Ravens hired another offense-minded head coach, Brian Billick, who kept Marvin Lewis on as defensive coordinator. In 2000, it was the defense, which Lewis was building up during the Marchibroda era, that led the way to a NFL Championship.

2005: Manning TDs Spur AFC to Win in Pro Bowl

There was a sellout crowd of 50,225 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu for the AFC-NFC Pro Bowl on February 13, 2005, marking the 26^th consecutive season that the contest had been staged in Hawaii. The coaches of the teams were Pittsburgh’s Bill Cowher for the AFC and, for the NFC, Jim Mora Jr. of the Falcons.

The AFC scored first on a 62-yard pass play from QB Peyton Manning (pictured above) to Indianapolis teammate WR Marvin Harrison. New England’s Adam Vinatieri added the extra point. LB Joey Porter of the Steelers then intercepted a pass by Eagles QB Donovan McNabb and Manning led the AFC on another scoring drive, going 69 yards in five plays and finishing with a throw to wide-open Pittsburgh WR Hines Ward for a 41-yard TD. With Vinatieri’s conversion, the score was 14-0 heading into the second quarter.

The NFC put together a long scoring series of 10 plays that covered 84 yards and concluded with RB Brian Westbrook of the Eagles running for a 12-yard touchdown. David Akers, also of Philadelphia, added the extra point. However, when the NFC attempted an onside kick, Ward leaped to grab the ball and then ran 39 yards for a TD (pictured below) – the second on a kickoff return in Pro Bowl history (Detroit’s Jack Christiansen ran won 103 yards in 1956 at the time of the old East vs. West format). Vinatieri kicked the point after and the AFC was again in front by 14 points at 21-7.

Buffalo LB Takeo Spikes intercepted a pass by QB Daunte Culpepper of the Vikings and, adding in a lateral to Porter, the AFC had the ball once again in NFC territory. They added more points, driving 38 yards in eight plays. Manning tossed his third TD pass of the game, connecting with TE Antonio Gates of the Chargers from 12 yards out.

The NFC finally got on the board again before the end of the half, driving 65 yards in 10 plays. Akers kicked a 25-yard field goal with 1:45 left on the clock and the AFC took a 28-10 lead into halftime.

The AFC defense was exceptionally aggressive during the first half, which led to grumblings by NFC players and coaches that they were blitzing – something not allowed in the Pro Bowl.

Heading into the third quarter, Atlanta QB Michael Vick rallied the NFC on three straight scoring drives. In his first possession behind center, Vick completed four of six throws, including a 27-yard touchdown pass to WR Torry Holt of the Rams. It finished off an eight-play, 73-yard series and, with Akers adding the PAT, made the score 28-17.

The next NFC series, following an interception by Philadelphia CB Lito Sheppard of a pass by QB Tom Brady of the champion Patriots, went 69 yards in nine plays. It concluded with the elusive Vick running three yards and diving into the end zone for a TD, despite his helmet being knocked off by Baltimore SS Ed Reed.

The AFC came back to add points early in the fourth quarter as Vinatieri kicked a 36-yard field goal to finish a 13-play, 54-yard possession. However, the NFC responded by driving 68 yards in 12 plays and, midway through the fourth quarter, Akers kicked a 21-yard field goal to narrow the tally to 31-27.

That was as far as the NFC got, however. On the next series, the AFC drove 71 yards in six plays to add to their lead. QB Drew Brees of the Chargers passed on a flea-flicker play to his San Diego teammate Gates for a 33-yard gain to set up a four-yard TD carry by yet another Charger, RB LaDainian Tomlinson.

There was still plenty of time, but the AFC defense stopped the next NFC series in five plays and then finished things off when Buffalo CB Nate Clements picked off a Vick throw with two minutes remaining to play. The AFC came away with a 38-27 win.

The NFC had more total yards (492 to 343) and first downs (26 to 15) but also committed three turnovers, to two by the AFC, as well as the TD on the botched onside kick.

Peyton Manning was the game’s MVP after completing 6 passes in 10 attempts for 130 yards, with three for touchdowns. Tom Brady made good on just four of nine tosses for 48 yards and gave up an interception, while Drew Brees completed both of his passes for 58 yards. RB Rudi Johnson of the Bengals was the AFC’s top rusher with 33 yards on six carries. Hines Ward had three catches for 63 yards and a TD, as well as the kickoff return for a score, and San Diego TE Antonio Gates also had three receptions, for 51 yards and a touchdown. Thanks to the long scoring catch, Marvin Harrison accumulated 66 yards on his two pass receptions.

For the NFC, Michael Vick completed 14 of 24 passes for 205 yards and a touchdown with one interception. Also rushing for 10 yards on three carries, he became the first quarterback to both throw and run for a touchdown in a Pro Bowl contest (although a running back, Marcus Allen, had done it in 1986). Daunte Culpepper was successful on 9 of 15 throws for 124 yards, with one intercepted, but Donovan McNabb was a disappointing one-of-eight for 24 yards and also had one pass picked off. RB Tiki Barber of the Giants ran the ball 9 times for 70 yards and Torry Holt pulled in 5 passes for 99 yards and a touchdown.

 “I’m not going to say I wasn’t holding my breath over there once Vick started to roll around, but our defense did a great job of stopping him,” said Manning, who was making his fifth Pro Bowl appearance. “It was good we got the game this year after we let the lead slip away last year.” He was referring to the wild 55-52 contest of the preceding year that was pulled out by the NFC.

The win was the fourth in five games for the AFC and broke a tie to give them an 18 to 17 edge over the NFC since the Pro Bowl had adopted the AFC vs. NFC format following the 1970 season.