Chiefs Pro Bowl Performance

AFC - 59             NFC - 41

The Pro Bowl was as offensive-oriented as always, but that doesn't mean I couldn't enjoy watching Derrick Johnson and Tamba Hali represent the Chiefs on defense.

With the rules restricting (handicapping) the defense, and the sort of 'gentleman's agreement' the players have to avoid hard hitting and injuries, the game was meant to be an offensive showcase with a lot of scoring. And from that angle, it did not disappoint, being the highest scoring Pro Bowl ever.

But the defense was a factor, with eight combined turnovers being forced during the course of the game. And the Chiefs own Derrick Johnson was behind one of those turnovers. After NFC quarterback Cam Newton was forced out of pocket, he threw up a prayer that was easily picked off by AFC safety Eric Weddle. On the return, Weddle half fumbled it/half pitched it to Derrick Johnson that was helping on the return. Johnson, with the ball in his hands, weaved in and out of an unmotivated and hesitant to tackle offense and found his way to the endzone, credited with a 60 yard touchdown return. With no offensive Chiefs players represented at the event, it was nice to see Johnson find the endzone. In addition to his touchdown, Johnson also had two tackles.

Tamba Hali, a pass rusher in a game that doesn't allow blitzing, was a quiet non-factor, which is what usually happens to linebackers participating in the Pro Bowl. He registered no tackles, and was spotty in coverage (with the rest of both defenses), getting beat by Jimmy Graham on a touchdown pass (pictured to the right). But I don't think this lack of pass covering skills was much of a surprise to Chiefs fans.

All-around, I thought the Pro Bowl was, at least, entertaining. And it's always good to be able to watch your favorite team's players represented. And even better to watch them score.

And let's not forget the extra $25 thousand the players on the winning team each get. That should add to Johnson's and Hali's experience.