The five Seahawks who took part in Sunday’s Pro Bowl pretty much did their usual Seahawk things.
Quarterback Russell Wilson threw touchdown passes on three of the four drives he played to lead Team Irvin to a 49-27 victory and take home honours as the Offensive MVP.
Middle linebacker Bobby Wagner led the game in tackles with nine, Tyler Lockett had a 24-yard punt return and a reception on a fake punt, Richard Sherman saved a touchdown with a deflection in the end zone while also turning in one of the game’s most memorable plays (more on which in a minute).
And Michael Bennett? Well, he jumped offsides twice, lined up at quarterback and running back, danced with cheerleaders and mascots and still found time to make what turned out to be the only sack of the game while also tipping a pass that turned into an interception.
Wilson got the start for Team Irvin and completed 8-12 passes for 164 yards along with the three touchdowns to become only the second Seahawk to win Pro Bowl honours, joining Warren Moon in 1998 (or following the 1997 season).
Wilson said after the game that while the Pro Bowl may be, well, the Pro Bowl, that “you never take for granted” any chances to play football.
During a TV interview in the second half, Wilson said “obviously it sucks to not be in the Super Bowl. But to be here, I’m grateful as can be.”
Wilson threw touchdown passes to conclude each of the first two possessions for Team Irvin. The first was a 14-yarder to Julio Jones of the Atlanta Falcons, and the next from 11 yards out to Devonta Freeman, also of the Falcons.
Wilson also threw a two-point pass to Jones after the Freeman TD to make it 14-7.
After a three-and-out, Wilson led another drive that ended in a 10-yard TD pass to Todd Gurley of the Rams (Gurley breaking open in front of Wagner on the play). Wilson didn’t play again, but he’d done enough to earn honours in a game that is notoriously played with the seriousness of an afternoon at Chuck E. Cheese, and might have even topped its reputation this season.
As All-Star games often do, the day featured its share of interesting crossing of paths.
Lockett lined up opposite Sherman on what appeared to be a punt in the first half, only to then cut to the sideline and take a pass for eight yards and a first down thrown by St. Louis Rams punter Johnny Hekker.
The best news of all might have been that all five of the Seahawks emerged unscathed, now ready to head into the offseason.