Team Rice Bests Team Sanders In Pro Bowl’s Final Minute

January 26, 2014; Honolulu, HI, USA; Team Rice cornerback Joe Haden of the Cleveland Browns (23) is tackled by Team Sanders fullback Marcel Reece of the Oakland Raiders after a fumble recovery in the second quarter during the 2014 Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

DeMarco Murrayof the Dallas Cowboys hauled in a 20-yard touchdown pass with 41 seconds left and Carolina Panthers running backMike Tolbertbulled the ball into the end zone for the go-ahead two-point conversion at TeamRicebeat Team Sanders in Sunday’s Pro Bowl in Honolulu, 22-21.

For the first time since the merger in 1970, the Pro Bowl was not played in the traditional AFC vs. NFC format. Instead, Hall of FamersJerry RiceandDeion Sandersdrafted players regardless of team and conference affiliation.

Team Sanders’ last gasp, a 67-yard field goal by Baltimore Ravens kickerJustin Tucker, was no good.

The sloppy game featured eight turnovers, in part because of intermittent heavy rain, but just 43 points and 790 combined yards of offense. Yes, they did play some defense in a Pro Bowl.

Oakland Raiders fullbackMarcel Reecemade two receptions for 31 yards for Team Sanders, while San Francisco 49ers rookie safetyEric Reidhad an empty stat line playing for Team Rice. But he will still get a $53,000 check for being on the winning side, as opposed to the $26,000 given to the players on the losing squad.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterbackNick Foleswas named the game’s offensive MVP, going 7-for-10 for 89 yards and a touchdown for Team Sanders, while having the distinction as the only quarterback in the game to not throw an interception.

Derrick Johnsonof the Kansas City Chiefs was the defensive MVP, notching 10 tackles and defending a pass for Team Rice.

Jamaal Charlesof the Chiefs was the leading rusher in the game with 43 yards on five carries.Alex Smithof Kansas City was the only quarterback with more than 100 yards passing, finishing with 116 yards on 9-of-22 passing with a touchdown and an interception. His TD pass was the game-deciding toss to Murray.

Team Sanders took a first-quarter lead whenAndrew Luckof the Indianapolis Colts hooked up withDeSean Jacksonof the Eagles for a 36-yard touchdown just 4:50 into the game.

Team Rice tied it midway through the second quarter on an 8-yard connection between New Orleans Saints teammatesDrew BreesandJimmy Graham.

Cam Newtonof the Panthers scored on a 1-yard run with 5:42 to go in the first half to put Team Sanders back on top 14-7, but Team Rice tied the game with 36 seconds to go in the half on a 10-yard completion fromPhilip Riversof the San Diego Chargers toJosh Gordonof the Cleveland Browns.

It was another Browns’ receiver, tight endJordan Cameron, who put Team Sanders back on top, hauling in a 12-yard pass from Foles with 4:41 to go in the game.

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