Grimes, Wake Win at Pro Bowl

Last night kicked off the second annual Pro-Bowl that faced major changes to its format just a few years ago, including a fantasy-like draft, and Hall of Famers as captains. All players regardless of conference were placed into one large pool of eligible players and were drafted by two NFL Hall of Famers, Cris Carter and Michael Irvin. The draft was held earlier this week on Wednesday Jan. 21.

On Sunday, the teams prepared for battle at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ where the Super Bowl will be hosted Sunday, Feb. 1.

This season, three Miami Dolphins were selected to the Pro Bowl including cornerback Brent Grimes, guard Mike Pouncey and defensive end Cameron Wake. During the draft all three players were selected relatively early with both Grimes and Wake being selected by team Irvin, while Pouncey went to team Carter. All three Dolphins players started for their respective teams, and took the field at the same times, on opposite sides of the ball.

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 Alike previous Pro Bowls, the defensive units were lapse and suffered numerous missed arm tackles as both quarterbacks were having a field day with their receivers.

However, throughout the game one Dolphins player stepped up and made a great impression at the Pro Bowl, once again.

Grimes earned early glory for knocking the ball away from numerous receivers including Jordy Nelson and TY Hilton. Later on in the game Grimes also picked off Saints quarterback Drew Brees when Brees intended a pass for Hilton, before Grimes snatched it away in the back of the end zone.

Stuff happens for you sometimes, you don’t plan it out it just works out for you.

-Brent Grimes on his interception

Not only was Grimes having a day defending the pass, he also stepped up and took part in several tackles, an aspect of the game the crowd was displeased with from other players.

Despite the great performance from Grimes, Houston Texan JJ Watt brought home the defensive MVP award from the game as he also tallied an interception, but also had a fumble recovery.

Grimes ended the lax game with five pass deflections, an interception and three independent tackles. Meanwhile defensive end Cameron Wake ended with two tackles and a Pro Bowl victory.

Late in the game, both teams got competitive as the score remained close with little time remaining.

Throughout the game both teams traded blows and kept the score close, until team Irvin gathered a four point advantage with minimal time remaining. Team Carter then relied upon Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton to lead the team to a victory, but came up short following a defensive stand by team Irvin.

All players on the winning team received $55,000 for their efforts in winning this year’s Pro Bowl, while members of the losing team still accumulated $28,000.