Many of the NFL’s greatest gamers have descended upon Las Vegas for the inaugural Pro Bowl Games Skills Showdown. The festivities kicked off on Thursday evening, as gamers from the AFC and NFC competed in a number of occasions that included dodgeball, a driving contest and a water balloon toss.
The factors gained through the abilities competitions will go in direction of Sunday’s flag soccer sport between the 2 conferences. Peyton Manning is main the AFC squad, whereas youthful brother Eli is operating the present for the NFC Squad.
The festivities kicked off with a precision passing contest that was the primary of the night’s 4 competitions. The second half of the abilities competitions will start on Sunday at 2:45 p.m. ET previous to the flag soccer showdown.
Here’s recap of the occasions that passed off on the primary evening of competitors, together with highlights and notable quotes from Las Vegas.
Precision Passing: Winner — AFC (3 factors)
Derek Carr, throwing in his soon-to-be former observe facility, led the AFC to a win within the one-minute accuracy competitors. Peyton Manning, sensing that Carr can be motivated to carry out properly, positioned him as his anchor thrower. Manning’s tactic paid off as Carr confirmed the Raiders what they’ll quickly be lacking.
When requested if he’d ever been that sizzling. “Not that sizzling,” Carr informed ESPN when discussing his efficiency. “It’s most likely why I’m going elsewhere.”
Trevor Lawrence and Tyler Huntley additionally competed for the AFC. Geno Smith, Kirk Cousins and Jared Goff made up the NFC squad.
Lightning Round: Winner — AFC (3 factors)
This occasion featured 16 gamers competing in a three-part problem: water balloon toss, catching punts from a JUGS machine and “Thrill of the Spill,” the place remaining gamers from every convention threw at targets hooked up to a bucket hanging above the top of an opposing group’s coach. The first group to dump the bucket on an opposing coach was awarded three factors.
Not surprisingly, the very best catch through the balloon toss was recorded by a receiver. It was made by Terry McLaurin, who scooped the balloon simply off the highest of the turf.
What was shocking was {that a} defensive lineman, Trey Hendrickson, paced the sphere with 5 caught punts. No different AFC participant caught greater than three balls.
Hendrickson then gained the problem for the AFC by hitting the bullseye, which led to confetti hitting the youthful Manning brother.
“I’ve acquired an excellent quarterback to have a look at in Joe Burrow,” Hendrickson stated when requested about his throwing prowess. “Throwing darts is one thing he does on a regular basis, so I used to be making an attempt my greatest impression.”
Dodgeball: Winner — NFC (3 factors)
Four groups of 5 gamers, starting with the offenses and defenses from each conferences, confronted and ended with an NFC vs. AFC showdown to find out which convention earned the three factors.
As he has completed all through his profession, Marlon Humphrey’s clutch play helped the AFC’s defensive squad prevailed over the convention’s AFC squad.
The last sport pitted the NFC offense in opposition to the AFC protection. The NFC squad loved a 4-2 participant edge, with simply Myles Garrett and Minkah Fitzpatrick left on the AFC aspect. Garrett made a pleasant catch earlier than stepping out of bounds, which left Fitzpatrick because the final man standing.
The NFC gained after every remaining participant fired a ball at Fitzpatrick. George Kittle’s throw was the one which secured the win for the NFC.
Showing off his agility was Giants operating again Saquon Barkley, who regarded like a professional as he ducked and dodged oncoming throws.
Longest Drive: Winner — AFC (3 factors)
C.J. Mosely’s drive of 306 yards held the lead for a very long time earlier than T.J. Hockenson took the lead with a 316-yard moon shot. Jordan Poyer, nonetheless, gave the AFC a stroll off win by drilling a 320-yard drive on his last try.
Za’Darius Smith, who stated he watched a number of YouTube movies previous to the competitors, might have additionally watched “Happy Gilmore” earlier than hitting his drives. Smith missed on two slap slot makes an attempt earlier than connecting on his third try.
Best Catch: Round 1
A matchup between two gamers from every convention. Patrick Surtain II went up in opposition to Stefon Diggs, whereas Amon-Ra St. Brown competed in opposition to Justin Jefferson. Whoever acquired probably the most votes from every convention superior to Sunday’s last.
St. Brown made a number of balletic poolside catches, whereas Jefferson counted by catching a cross that was thrown from the highest of Vegas’ Eiffel Tower.
Which receiver was extra spectacular? You make the decision.
Surtain went to the sky to make his catch. Diggs determined to do his injury whereas having fun with one in all Vegas’ many swimming pools.
Fans can vote to find out which of those catches will be a part of the NFC’s high catch in Sunday’s last.
