Game Summary
The AFC's first play set the tone for what would become a high-scoring affair. Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair faked a handoff to running back Jamal Lewis before throwing to Chad Johnson for a 90-yard touchdown pass, the third-longest scoring play in Pro Bowl history. After the NFC got the ball back, they were forced to punt after a three-and-out. However, the punt by Todd Sauerbrun was blocked, and Ed Reed of the Ravens recovered it and ran it into the end zone, giving the AFC a 14-0 lead early on. The NFC responded with a touchdown by Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander, and Jeff Wilkins kicked a field goal to bring the NFC to within four. After Mike Vanderjagt kicked a field goal of his own, the score at the end of the first quarter was 17-10 AFC. Peyton Manning came on for the AFC at the second quarter, and hit Colts teammate Marvin Harrison with a 50 yard strike, as well as another touchdown pass to Tony Gonzalez. Wilkins kicked another field goal for the NFC, and the halftime score was 31-13 in favor of the AFC.
The AFC continued to add onto their lead with a Jamal Lewis touchdown, putting the score at 38-13. However, Marc Bulger, who had taken over at NFC quarterback from Daunte Culpepper, threw two quick touchdown passes to Torry Holt and Keenan McCardell, to bring the score to 38-27 at the end of three. Once again, the AFC struck quickly at the start of a quarter, when Trent Green hit Clinton Portis with a 22-yard touchdown pass. With less than 14 minutes remaining in the game, the score was 45-27.
Bulger quickly threw a scoring pass to tight end Alge Crumpler, and a short time later hit Alexander with another touchdown pass. Although the two-point conversion attempt after Alexander's touchdown failed, the score was still 45-40 with just over five minutes to play. Just after that, Dré Bly picked off Manning and returned the interception for a touchdown, giving the NFC the lead for the first time in the game. Counting the successful two-point conversion after Bly's touchdown, the NFC had scored 18 points in 8 minutes. Alexander scored another rushing touchdown with three and a half minutes remaining to add to the NFC's lead. Manning, however, responded with a touchdown pass to Hines Ward, and the AFC was down by three. Safety Brock Marion picked off Bulger in the end zone and ran it back to the AFC's 22 yard line. Manning had 1:15 left on the clock and no timeouts. After two passes to his favorite target, Harrison, as well as another to Ward, the AFC found itself on the NFC's 21 yard line. Kris Jenkins sacked Manning to send the AFC back, though, and with six seconds left, Vanderjagt, who hadn't missed a kick (field goal or extra point) all season, was wide right on a 51-yard attempt.
The game set several records. Ironically, the AFC's total of 31 points in the first half was a Pro Bowl record, but wouldn't last the game, as the NFC responded by putting up 42 points in the second half.
Read more about this topic: 2004 Pro Bowl
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