FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL STUFF

February 8th, 2008 11:37pm PST



Sunday Night Football Stuff

2008-2009 Season ends in Hawaii

While for most of us the season was over at the conclusion of last Sunday's Super Bowl, for some diehard football fans, the complete 2008-2009 season came to a close this afternoon in Hawaii. The annual NFC-AFC Pro Bowl was played and offered what entertainment it could, considering this was just a glamorized and televised vacation stint for all those (Players) that were invited.

Following the coverage from the NFL Network to ESPN all week, you get a full sense that these guys are just here to enjoy the sun and have fun. Selected by the fans and the coaches, these players deserve to be here and fun they should have. For the fans the game will still offer some entertainment value being football, but for the fantasy football buff it's one last chance to see their Studs perform on a big stage.

While the game in many senses is meaningless, it still has a competitive flare with the best of both conferences taking the field. It also offers some sideline interest if your paying attention. If you can read between the lines there may be more than meets the eye. But for all interested there was still a game to play and play they did.

NFC-30
AFC-21

(all photos property of the Associated Press / shots taken by Marco Garcia & Ronen Zilberman )

FANTASY FOOTBALL DIGEST

Pro Bowl Stars...

Brees shows off arm...
....the Saints quarterback played most of the first half for the NFC team completing 11 of his 19 passes for 142 yards. Drew's big highlight came at the end of the first half when he completed a 46-yard bomb to who else, but Larry Fitzgerald.

Fitz previews things to come...
....the Cardinals explosive and dynamic wide receiver displayed his dangerous receiving talents once again, but this time on the Pro Bowl stage. Fitz caught five passes in all on the afternoon for 81-yards and scored twice . The first touchdown coming on a 46-pass play to close out the first half and the second on a fade slant to the corner of the end-zone, courtesy of Mr. Eli Manning. His performance was enough to win the game's MVP honors.

Peyton is electric.....
.....the big brother Manning showed everyone in Honolulu why he deserved the Pro Bowl nod. Peyton completed 12 of 17 passes for 151-yards and tossed a 19-yard touchdown pass the tight end Tony Gonzalez. It was Manning's ninth pro-bowl appearance.

Gonzo has impressive afternoon...
.....the Chief's All-Pro tight end made his sixth appearance in the leagues annual all-star finale on Sunday. Gonzalez had a productive day in the Hawaii sun, catching six passes for 98-yards and a touchdown. Gonzo now holds the record for receptions (39), receiving yards (590), and touchdowns (5-tied) in the Pro Bowl.

Peterson reaches end-zone...
....last year's Pro Bowl MVP managed to find the end-zone in his second straight appearance. Peterson did not win a second award, but he was impressive just the same toting the rock just eight times for 48-yards and a score. All-day also nabbed a couple of passes for 15-yards.

Smith has nice game...
....the Panther's wide receiver was solid in his fourth Pro Bowl appearance. Smith caught six passes on the afternoon for 89-yards to lead the NFC.

IDP NOTES...

Mathis dominates early.....
....the Colts defensive lineman was disruptive and dominant early in the game recording two sacks and two forced fumbles, including a fumble recovery to lead the AFC early. Mathis also finished the game with five total tackles

Peppers makes big play....
.....the Panther's defensive lineman closed out his impressive 2008 campaign with a big game in the Pro Bowl. Peppers recorded a sack and an interception to along with four tackles on the afternoon to lead the NFC defense.

Tuck bags two...
.....the Giant's defensive lineman was brilliant on Sunday making his first Pro Bowl appearance. Tuck recorded two sacks and six tackles on the afternoon to lead the NFC's defense in a come from behind win.

Check back every Monday for more Monday Morning Huddle!