AFC claim Pro Bowl
01/30/2012 05:28:37 AM
Brandon Marshall scored four touchdowns as the AFC beat the NFC 59-41 in the NFL Pro Bowl in Hawaii.
The Miami Dolphins wide receiver was named the MVP for the match after taking six catches for 176 yards and scoring a touchdown in each quarter at Aloha Stadium, Honolulu.
In a game filled with highlight-reel catches and throws, Marshall starred to break Jimmy Smith's 2004 record of three touchdowns.
AFC quarterbacks Philip Rivers, Ben Roethlisberger and Andy Dalton all threw two touchdown passes, while the NFC's Cam Newton, Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers did likewise.
Making his third Pro Bowl appearance, Marshall somehow hauled in a deflected 47-yard touchdown pass from Dalton while on his back to give AFC a 38-35 lead late in the third quarter.
He scored the sealer with just over eight minutes remaining in the last quarter, taking a three-yard touchdown pass from Dalton.
Dalton was solid throughout, while Newton struggled - completing just nine of 27 as team-mate Rodgers (13 of 17 for 141 yards) watched on.
The NFC's Larry Fitzgerald finished with three touchdowns, including the first two of the game, before the AFC's second half - during which they outscored their opposition 31-13 - led them to the win.