NFL

Manning, Vick dazzle in Pro Bowl

By wire services
Published February 14, 2005

HONOLULU - Peyton Manning played at his peak in the Pro Bowl. Michael Vick showed he's beginning the climb.

Manning threw three touchdowns to extend his career record in the NFL's all-star game, and Vick led the NFC to 17 points in a second-half comeback that fell short in the AFC's 38-27 victory Sunday.

Pittsburgh's Hines Ward caught a touchdown and returned an onside kick for a score, and three Chargers led the clinching TD drive in the fourth quarter of the AFC's seventh win in nine meetings.

Manning, the regular-season MVP after breaking Dan Marino's NFL record with 49 touchdown passes, completed six passes for 130 yards. But three were impressive scoring tosses, and the Colts quarterback was named the MVP in his fifth Pro Bowl trip.

The game didn't quite have the offensive fireworks of last season's 107-point marathon, but Manning and Vick thrilled the 26th straight sellout crowd at Aloha Stadium with exhibitions of their strengths, Manning's expert throws and Vick's elusiveness and creativity.

Manning has 11 TDs in the Pro Bowl, four more than any quarterback. He hit teammate Marvin Harrison, Ward and San Diego's Antonio Gates in the first 25 minutes while the AFC built a 28-10 halftime lead.

But Vick was determined to make a splash in his first trip to Hawaii, and with the Atlanta coaching staff calling the plays, he led three straight scoring drives after entering in the third quarter. Vick was 14-of-24 for 205 yards and a score, nimbly avoiding several sacks along the way.

The only Buc to play, cornerback Ronde Barber, made three solo tackles and assisted on one.

Cowboys offensive tackle Flozell Adams was unable to play because his equipment never arrived.

BROWNS: Former fullback back Maurice Carthon joined coach Romeo Crennel's staff as offensive coordinator.

VIKINGS: Arizona businessman Reggie Fowler has reached an agreement in principle to purchase the team, with an announcement possible today, ESPN.com reported. Fowler would become the NFL's first black owner.

[Last modified February 14, 2005, 01:20:17]