Saints Shine In Team Irvin Pro Bowl Victory
Team Irvin defeated Team Carter in the 2014 Pro Bowl and a couple of Saints had a big part in that victory.
Mark Ingram and Jimmy Graham were drafted by Irvin in the Pro Bowls newer “fantasy draft” styled format, while Drew Brees landed on Team Carter. Mark Ingram rushed for 79 yards on 12 carries, including a beautiful 24 yard scamper.
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Graham, normally accustomed to catching touchdown passes from Brees, caught two touchdowns from other quarterbacks. He finished the game with 3 receptions for 30 yards and two scores.
Together, Ingram and Graham helped push Irvin’s team past Carters in an exciting Pro Bowl victory. It’s been awhile since we’ve been able to say that about the Pro Bowl.
It was Graham’s go ahead touchdown that sealed Team Carter’s fate, but it wasn’t because of a lack of effort on the part of Brees. The most accurate passer in NFL history went 13/21, 163 yards, 2 TDs and an interception.
While Brees was not selected to the Pro Bowl directly after voting ended (he was brought in as a replacement) this is certainly not the first time he has seen the NFL’s version of the all star game. Tonight marked the 9th time Drew has made it to the big game played before the Superbowl.
Brees’ prettiest pass came on a touchdown to Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson. A 21 yard shot up the seem put Team Carter ahead, but it would ultimately prove insufficient.
The interception tallied on Brees’ stat sheet comes from one of the best interceptions ever seen in NFL history. Brent Grimes, in a “no look” interception, grabbed the ball away from T.Y. Hilton in the end zone.
In a pattern very familiar to the Superbowl MVP Brees, Hilton ran a slant and go to the end zone and the pass was perfectly delivered. It’s hard to fault Drew for that blemish on his stats, but it will go down as just that.
Jan 25, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Team Irvin running back Mark Ingram of the New Orleans Saints (22) runs the ball against Team Carter linebacker
Lawrence Timmonsof the Pittsburgh Steelers (94) in the 2015 Pro Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Ingram, who is a free agent going into the 2015 offseason, added a few more highlights to his reel as he attempts to gain the attention of the check signers of New Orleans, and possibly other teams around the NFL.
While he has stated that he would like to return to New Orleans, and he feels the Saints want him back, fans of the team have learned not to count their chickens before hatching. Ingram ran hard tonight in Arizona and saw quite a few drives as Irvin seemed willing to pound the rock with the Heisman Trophy winner.
Ingram saw twice as many rushes handed his way than any other running back on either team. Paired with Darren Sproles, Team Irvin’s ground (and air) attack was simply too much to handle.
Jahri Evans did not play, but was selected to this year’s Pro Bowl. This was Evans 6th Pro Bowl selection. Saints fans were still able to get one last look at some of their favorite players go at it before the long offseason begins