For Peyton Manning, his first drive in the Pro Bowl was his best.
The AFC got the ball on the NFC's 12 following an Adrian Peterson fumble on the first play of the game, and Manning capitalized. He hit former teammate Reggie Wayne for a few yards, overthrew Andre Johnson on the back corner fade and defensive lineman J.J. Watt dropped a great pass in the end zone. But Manning told head coach John Fox the team should go for it, they did, and they scored when Manning connected with A.J. Green of the Cincinnati Bengals for the 7-0 lead by the AFC in 59 seconds.
Peyton Manning hit his buddy Wayne for an 11-yard first down on the first play of the second drive. He then connected with Johnson for a nine-yard catch on the outside. On the fourth play, Manning spun and rolled left to find Green for six yards, then had a third down pass knocked down by Patrick Peterson. Punt.
The third drive was started off by Jeff Saturday – who was playing for the NFC – snapping the ball to Manning. Of course, Saturday and Manning both played together for a decade in Indianapolis, “After doing it that long with him, we figured it was our last run together, we might as well get one more,” Saturday said. “That's something special, I'll always remember.”
On his fourth drive, Manning was sacked on first down by Jason Pierre-Paul for a 12-yard loss. The AFC had to punt for the third straight time and it was Manning's last play of the game.
When he left the game, the AFC actually led 14-10, but they were beaten handily after that point, losing 62-35. Manning finished going 6-12 for 43 yards and one touchdown.
Other Denver Broncos performances:
Late in the second quarter, Champ Bailey was called for a pass interference penalty which set up a first and goal and touchdown.
“Yes, there are penalties in the Pro Bowl,” said all-star referee Ed Hochuli.
Bailey ended the game with five tackles, second-most for anyone on the AFC squad.
Once Houston Texans QB Matt Schaub came in for Manning, he passed to Demaryius Thomas many times. Thomas finished the game with five catches for 52 yards, including a 14-yarder in the third quarter.
Lastly, Elvis Dumervil had a quiet game, with only one tackle, and Zane Beadles blocked well while he was in.
More Pro Bowl:
Peyton Manning roasts fellow all-stars before the Pro Bowl
Rich Kurtzman is a freelance journalist. You can follow Rich on twitter or facebook for all your Denver Broncos news and opinion.
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