National Football League

2022 Pro Bowl Top Plays: AFC tops NFC in Sunday Showcase

Updated Feb. 6, 2022 5:56 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

The AFC came out on top in the 2022 Pro Bowl, outlasting the NFC 41-35 in Las Vegas. 

Just one week out from Super Bowl LVI, this year's game boasted six rookie selections among a long list of veteran stars, including Jonathan Taylor, Justin Herbert, Tyreek Hill, Mark Andrews and Dalvin Cook. 

The AFC and NFC teams were made up of 44 superstar players who earned the most votes in the league. Fan voting accounted for one-third of Pro Bowl consideration, while coaches and players represented the rest.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby was named the Defensive MVP after registering two sacks, five tackles and defending three passes, while the Offensive MVP title went to Los Angeles Chargers QB Herbert, who went 7-for-11 for 98 yards and two touchdowns.

Here are the top plays from Sunday's game at Allegiant Stadium.

AFC 41, NFC 35

It was all fun and games as the players hit the field for pregame warmups. 

New England Patriots rookie QB Mac Jones looked cool, calm and collected while getting some reps in ahead of game time.

And Minnesota Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson brought the party to Las Vegas, rocking Mardi Gras-themed cleats.

FIRST QUARTER

Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray took the first snap of the game's opening drive, which ended with the AFC on the board after a defensive touchdown courtesy of Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard. 

The NFC fired right back with a score of its own when Vikings QB Kirk Cousins connected with San Francisco 49ers tight end Kyle Juszczyk on the ensuing drive. 

The celebration was short-lived, as Cousins was picked off on the following drive by Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard. 

The turnover set up an easy TD from Baltimore Ravens tight end Andrews, as the AFC jumped out to a 14-7 lead midway through the frame.

And how about this interception from Patriots defensive back J.C. Jackson?

The NFC squad pulled within one point when Patrick Mahomes' pass was intercepted by Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. and returned to the house as the clock ran out in the first quarter.

SECOND QUARTER

There was no shortage of scoring in the opening frame and it was more of the same in the second. 

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt sacked Cousins on the NFC's first second-quarter drive, forcing a fumble that was recovered and returned for a TD by none other than game-wrecker Myles Garrett. 

On the following drive, Jones was picked off by Dallas Cowboys star cornerback Trevon Diggs. The turnover set up a TD drive from Murray that finished with a dime to Bucs wideout Mike Evans to keep the AFC within arm's reach at 22-21.

For the second time in the first half, Herbert found Andrews, as the AFC took a 28-21 lead. 

Meanwhile, the Diggs brothers kept the sibling rivalry alive with a little back-and-forth ahead of the break.

THIRD QUARTER

The AFC extended its lead when Jones hit Hunter Renfrow on a short TD early in the third.

Then, the AFC squad's lead hit double digits after Stefon Diggs scrambled up the middle — and past his brother — for a quick score.

Just like that, the AFC was up 41-21 headed into the final frame.

FOURTH QUARTER

Murray found Atlanta Falcons rookie tight end Kyle Pitts for a TD early in the fourth to cut the AFC's lead to 41-28. 

Then, Murray found Vikings running back Cook at the goal line to make it a six-point game as the final minutes approached. 

On the final drive, Jones was ruled down after picking up a few yards on the play, but he didn't care. 

He ran all the way to the end zone and hit the Griddy anyway, and things ended there.

share

Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

National Football League

Shaquille Leonard

Indianapolis Colts

Kirk Cousins

Minnesota Vikings

Kyle Juszczyk

San Francisco 49ers

Kevin Byard III

Tennessee Titans

Mark Andrews

Baltimore Ravens

Los Angeles Chargers

Antoine Winfield Jr.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs

Trevon Diggs

Dallas Cowboys

New England Patriots

Mac Jones

J.C. Jackson

Myles Garrett

Cleveland Browns

Mike Evans

Justin Jefferson

Arizona Cardinals

Kyler Murray

Stefon Diggs

Las Vegas Raiders

Hunter Renfrow

Buffalo Bills

Dalvin Cook

Kyle Pitts

Atlanta Falcons

Maxx Crosby