Univ. of Phoenix Stadium was "packed with 63,225 fans" last night for the Pro Bowl, and while it "tried to do its best impression of a real NFL game, Team Irvin's 32-28 win over Team Carter ... was more of a Frankenstein version," according to Zach Buchanan of the ARIZONA REPUBLIC. With teammates on opposing sides in some instances, fans "sometimes weren't sure whether to cheer for a touchdown." Also, several rule changes "made the game less familiar." However, unlike in some of the more recent Pro Bowls, defense "wasn't entirely optional" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 1/26). PRO FOOTBALL TALK's Michael David Smith wrote fans in attendance "seemed to be enjoying themselves, although thousands left early, and there were many empty seats late in the fourth quarter." The Pro Bowl "needs to be well played enough that the fans don't turn away," and so far, fans "aren't turning away." Smith: "That alone makes it a success, from the NFL's perspective" (PROFOOTBALLTALK.com, 1/25).
WHAT THE FUTURE MIGHT HOLD: In Phoenix, Paola Boivin writes the Pro Bowl "remains a head-scratching work in progress, but at least it delivered the promise of a brighter future" last night. The game at the "very least ... was a win" for the state of Arizona. Cardinals President Michael Bidwill said, "The Pro Bowl for Hawaii has been like a soft infomercial for Hawaii tourism. Today's broadcast is like a soft infomercial for Arizona." Boivin writes the NFL "will be pleased with the results." The game "sold out, the weather was perfect and the event served as a good tune-up for the Super Bowl." But after the game, several players said they "preferred the game in Hawaii and the week after the season." Boivin notes the game returns to Honolulu next season, but its "future might be up for grabs." Bidwill: "The league is all about innovation and making the game better. It's probably something we'll explore, whether we bring the game to the sites of Super Bowl cities or just bring it back to warm weather cities. Believe me, I'll be making the case to bring it back." Boivin writes the NFL should "continue to play this game the week before the Super Bowl" because fans are "engaged and hungry for football." The league also should "keep exploring the idea of playing this game outside of Hawaii, despite how some players might feel" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 1/26).
ENOUGH'S ENOUGH: SNY’s Sal Licata noted the NFL should get rid of the Pro Bowl, saying, “This is absolutely pointless. I wouldn’t mind if you had a bunch of Pro Bowlers … go out there and do something of a skills competition.” SNY's Adam Schein said, “Andy Dalton is in the Pro Bowl! Officially, you’ve jumped the shark” (“Loud Mouths,” SNY, 1/23). But "The Jim Rome Show" Exec Producer Kyle Brandt said, "People talk about the Pro Bowl the same way a lot of people talk about Adam Sandler movies. They like to make fun of them and they like to say they’re terrible, but everybody sees them" ("Rome," CBS Sports Network, 1/23).
