Lions QB Jared Goff delivers a near-perfect performance to open the Pro Bowl Games for the NFC
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Detroit quarterback Jared Goff delivered a near-perfect performance in 'passing the test' and helped the NFC take a 14-7 lead over the AFC during the opening night of the Pro Bowl Games on Thursday.
Goff, after getting some help from Green Bay running back Josh Jacobs via an NFL trivia contest, showed off his passing acumen by hitting ever target and then some in one minute, 30 seconds. He racked up 44 points for the NFC, five more than teammate Sam Darnold of Minnesota.
Goff, Darnold and Tampa Bay's Baker Mayfield easily beat the AFC team of QBs comprised of Cincinnati's Joe Burrow, New England's Drake Maye and Pittsburgh's Russell Wilson.
The passing game was the highlight of the six events on opening night. The NFC also won two of three relay races, a skills contest titled 'satisfying catches' and a game show for NFL teammates titled 'helmet harmony" that somewhat resembled 'The Newlywed Game."
The conferences split two dodgeball games and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams of the New York Jets gave the AFC a victory in 'the big spike' with his powerful throwdown of a football.
Some notable highlights: the Bosa brothers, Joey and Nick, turned their leg of a relay race into speed walking; and Bengals star Ja'Marr Chase made one-handed catches on the first three balls flung his way in 'satisfying catches."
Four more skills events will be broadcast Sunday, each worth three points, before the Pro Bowl Games conclude with a flag football contest.
'We've got the lead, and that's good," NFC coach Eli Manning said. "It just shows the heart, the preparation, everything, the commitment of these guys. They've been grinding. They're looking forward to this. They want the three-peat. (Everyone) has been talking about Kansas City next week with a three-peat. Really, all eyes are on the Pro Bowl for the three-peat (for the) NFC right now.'
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
The Associated Press
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
28 minutes ago
- USA Today
Dustin Colquitt on the Kansas City Chiefs winning culture: 'Pushing for championships'
Dustin Colquitt on the Kansas City Chiefs winning culture: 'Pushing for championships' During his retirement press conference, Kansas City Chiefs legendary punter Dustin Colquitt reflected on the team's winning culture. "I've obviously been like done and retired and stuff, but it was something they had always talked about," said Colquitt. "I think every year, you know, they're pushing for championships, and I think there has to be a certain quota for things." Colquitt has entered coaching over the past two seasons and hasn't been around the Chiefs' facility in years. He was the punter on Kansas City's Super Bowl LIV winning team, which marked the first appearance in 50 years. "I just hadn't been able to make it back, whether it was to bang the drum or do some philanthropy stuff," said Colquitt. "And so this just worked out, perfect timing. We had a couple of days off and got to see all my buddies again. It's fun." Colquitt averaged 44.8 yards on 1,198 punts for 53,660 yards in 255 regular-season games with 103 touchbacks and 483 boots inside the 20-yard line. Kansas City selected him in the third round of the 2005 NFL Draft, fulfilling 15 memorable seasons.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Broncos QB Bo Nix answers ‘10 burning questions,' including his favorite player
Before Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix enters his second season as the established quarterback, he took the time to speak to Sports Illustrated and answer 10 "burning questions" about his life. Everything was on the table, from his favorite childhood player to his pregame routine. The first question Nix was asked was about his favorite childhood player, and his answer was a former Denver Bronco. Nix's favorite player growing up was former Florida standout and Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow. "I enjoyed the role model that he was to so many guys out there," said Nix. "He used his platform to glorify God, and that's what I want to do." Advertisement Outside of football, Nix has a lot of hobbies. "Whether it's going out there and playing a round of golf, or playing a board game at the house with your friends and family, or if it's going outside and playing pickleball or Spikeball, I just always enjoy that competitive nature and I enjoy, you know, working on different athletic skills," said Nix. Entering Year 2, Nix's teammates (both newcomers and his coach) are impressed with his work ethic and his leadership. He comes into 2025 with new offensive weapons at his disposal and continuity in Sean Payton's elaborate offensive scheme. Those key factors are all indicators Nix could improve on his impressive rookie campaign and not have a sophomore slump. Watch the three-minute video below, and get to know your quarterback better. Related: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans. This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos: Bo Nix answers 10 questions about life and career
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Buccaneers' 'Nightmare' Scenario Revealed
Buccaneers' 'Nightmare' Scenario Revealed originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2025 loom as one of the NFC's top teams, and with a well-rounded roster, some believe the franchise might make a deep playoff run. Advertisement Baker Mayfield will again lead the Buccaneers after back-to-back division titles and two Pro Bowls, his career resurgence has been good to see. The offense added Emeka Egbuka to go along with an embarrassment of riches with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, Cade Otton, and Bucky Irving. Defensively, Todd Bowles' group added Haason Reddick and managed to re-sign Lavonte David. So, expectations are high for Tampa Bay. But with that being said, what would be a nightmare season for the Buccaneers? Bleacher Report has an interesting take. "Baker Mayfield finally falls apart, but they again win a soft division anyway and are again short on draft capital," Bleacher Report writes. Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6).Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images So Mayfield "falls apart" yet still manages to lead the Buccaneers to the playoffs? Advertisement Color us confused. If there were a season for Baker to "fall apart," this one likely isn't where it will happen. Josh Grizzard is Baker's "new" offensive coordinator, but he was the passing game coordinator under Liam Coen last season, so it won't be entirely new for Mayfield. Plus, with the improvement on Irving, McMillan, and Godwin, hopefully back for more than seven games, and then we add in Egbuka. Will that mean he falls apart after a career-best season that saw him throw 41 touchdowns and 4,500 yards? Time will tell. However, we believe that if Mayfield does indeed "fall apart," Tampa Bay won't make the playoffs as division winners. Advertisement This nightmare scenario is a little odd, with Mayfield now having two full seasons of evidence to suggest that his decline might not be as rapid as most expect. Related: Baker Mayfield Speaks Out On New Buccaneers' Play-Caller Related: Analyst Believes $100 Million Baker Mayfield Is 'Underpaid' For Tampa Bay This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
