AFC wins third-straight Pro Bowl
ORLANDO, Fla. - The AFC owns Orlando.
Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes completed an 18-yard touchdown pass to Indianapolis' Eric Ebron, and the AFC beat the NFC 26-7 in steady rain in the Pro Bowl on Sunday. It was the third consecutive victory for the AFC in the NFL all-star game, all of them coming at Camping World Stadium.
The last two were played in sloppy weather, with the latest one also coming amid temperatures in the mid-50s.
It was far from ideal conditions, fairly fitting considering the effort players provided. It was two-hand touch most of the day, with officials blowing plays dead at the slightest hint of contact.
The AFC rallied in the rain last year, outscoring the NFC 21-3 after halftime to win 24-23.
The AFC led 20-0 early in the fourth quarter Sunday, looking like it might notch the first shutout in Pro Bowl history. But Dallas' Dak Prescott found Atlanta's Austin Hooper for a 20-yard score on fourth down with 9:09 remaining.
Mahomes completed 7 of 14 passes for 156 yards and was named the offensive Most Valuable Player. New York Jets safety Jamal Adams, who had an interception and a sack, was the defensive MVP. Each got a luxury vehicle.
Each player on the AFC will get $67,000 for the victory, $8,000 more than the players who lose the Super Bowl next week in Atlanta. The Pro Bowl losers will get $39,000 each.
The game turned comical late, with several offensive guys playing defense and a few defenders taking offensive snaps.
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey caught a 6-yard slant pass from Houston's Deshaun Watson for a touchdown with 19 seconds remaining. Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James failed to haul in the 2-point conversion.
The NFC had plenty of chances before that. The conference failed to score on a fourth-and-goal run early. Chicago's Mitchell Trubisky, Minnesota receiver Adam Thielen and Prescott threw interceptions.
Trubisky also was sacked by Adams on a flea flicker, and Dallas' Amari Cooper had a wide-open touchdown pass bounce off his face mask.
Seattle's Russell Wilson also was sacked four times.
The AFC had several chances to put the game away, but Indy's Andrew Luck and Watson threw interceptions.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans picked off Watson. The play ended after several laterals and even more half-hearted attempts at tackles.
New York Giants rookie running back Saquon Barkley and New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara also played defense.
In-game high jinks:
Indianapolis Colts tight end Eric Ebron had his phone tucked into the pocket of his sweatshirt and used it between the third and fourth quarters. Except Ebron didn't take pics with teammates - he got opposing players to pose with him, working his way around the entire NFC defense.
Several players used their phones on the sidelines, but Ebron was the first to pull his out on the field.
Another no-call:
New York Jets safety Jamal Adams hugged a line judge after he didn't throw a flag on an obvious pass interference play against Green Bay receiver Davonte Adams. Davonte Adams dropped to the ground in disbelief, and several NFC teammates protested.
Jamal Adams, meanwhile, celebrated alone for a moment and then hugged the smiling official.
Players from both conferences spent the week lamenting a now-infamous no-call in the NFC title game.
Injuries:L
Pittsburgh Steelers receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and Los Angeles Chargers receiver Keenan Allen left the game with bruised knees. Neither was considered serious. Allen caught four passes for 95 yards before sitting down.