The Top Five Most High-scoring Pro Bowls All Time

With its limiting defensive rules that outlaw blitzing, the Pro Bowl should be a time of free-wheeling offense fireworks. And yet, prior to 2004, only one Pro Bowl ever combined for more than 80 points. But that all changed over the past two decades, as four games have reached the combined total of 96 points, and one game, the 2004 Pro Bowl had 107 points scored between the AFC and NFC.

Here is a look at the top 5 scoring Pro Bowls of all time:

5. 2000: NFC 51, AFC 31 (82 points)

This was Randy Moss’ time, and this Pro Bowl was Moss’ showcase, as the Minnesota Vikings receiver set a Pro Bowl record with 212 receiving yards, catching nine passes, including a touchdown.

Manning would rack up the yards, but it was Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jimmy Smith who dominated the end zone, catching three touchdown passes, one from teammate Mark Brunell in the first quarter and two from Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning.

This Pro Bowl would hold the distinction of being the highest-scoring game in the history of the exhibition for four years, before the 107-point Pro Bowl played in January 2004.

4. 2011: NFC 55, AFC 41 (96 points)

This was the first of three straight Pro Bowls that would produce the three highest combined scoring totals behind the all-time leader, the 2004 Pro Bowl that combined for 107 points.

The 2011 game only managed 96 points, leaving it in fourth place on the all-time list. Slouch.

This was the crossroads game for the Pro Bowl, as its contract with Aloha Stadium in Hawaii had expired in 2010, meaning the game would not be played in Hawaii for the first time since 1980. Instead, commissioner Roger Goodell moved the game to Miami, also the site of the Super Bowl in 2010, and scheduled it for the week before Super Bowl, changes that were harshly criticized by players and coaches.

In response to the backlash, the 2011 game was moved back to Hawaii. And the result was, at the time, the second-highest scoring Pro Bowl in history. The game is best remembered for Cleveland Browns center Alex Mack scoring on a series of laterals at the end of the game to bring the final points total to 96.

3. 2013: NFC 62, AFC 35 (97 points)

The largest margin of victory for any of the top 5 scoring games, the NFC took a 52-21 lead into the fourth quarter. Even though the New York Giants’ wide receiver Victor Cruz set a Pro Bowl record with 10 receptions, the MVP award went to Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph, who had five catches for 122 yards and a touchdown.

The game is best remembered for non-scoring plays. Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt tried being a wide receiver and dropped a potential touchdown pass. But the sentimental moment came when retiring Green Bay Packers center Jeff Saturday, who had teamed with Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning for the bulk of both their careers, reunited for a ceremonial final snap in the second half.

2. 2012: AFC 59, NFC 41 (100 points)

The only one of the top 5 scoring games won by the AFC, it would be Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall who would steal the show, setting a Pro Bowl record with four touchdown receptions.

Marshall would catch his touchdowns from three different quarterbacks, scoring one in each of the game’s four quarters.

Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald started the game as if he would be setting the touchdown record, connecting twice with Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers for touchdowns in the first quarter to give the NFC a 14-0 lead.

The game would remain close for three quarters before the AFC would open the fourth with three unanswered touchdowns, including Marshall’s fourth of the game, to secure the victory.  

1. 2004: NFC 55, AFC 52 (107 points)

It’s probably not a coincidence that the Pro Bowl that produced the most points in history was also the game where virtually every conceivable single-game passing record was set.

There were 14 touchdowns scored in this game, coming in all phases of the game: rushing, passing, defensive touchdown, and special teams. The AFC scored on its first play with the ball, a 90-yard touchdown pass from Steve McNair to Chad Johnson, and the tone was set for a wild afternoon.

The AFC led 45-27 at the start of the fourth quarter and trailed 55-45 before the end of it.

St. Louis Rams quarterback Marc Bulger threw four second-half touchdowns for the NFC to set a record for touchdown passes in a Pro Bowl game and was named game MVP. But Manning was no slouch for the AFC, setting Pro Bowl records for attempts (41), completions (22), and yards (342).

Stats courtesy of Pro Football Reference

RELATED: What the NFL Needs to Do to Fix the Pro Bowl

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By: Jeff Goldberg
Title: Top 5 Highest Scoring Pro Bowls of All Time
Sourced From: www.sportscasting.com/top-5-highest-scoring-pro-bowls-all-time/
Published Date: Fri, 04 Feb 2022 19:52:47 +0000

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